SEW simple
The secret to a clutter-free craft desk? This set of three hanging baskets, made in rustic linen with a colour-pop lining
Nothing inspires us more than rummaging through our craft supplies ahead of a new project – the mess afterwards, though… not so much. These hanging baskets are just the solution; they’ll keep wool, trims, fabrics and tools out of the way, yet easily accessible. They’re ideal for other bits and bobs, too, such as toiletries (just swap the cotton lining for a waterproof fabric).
SHOPPING LIST
1m linen fabric ½m each of three coordinating cotton fabrics 1m firm iron-on interfacing (optional) Cotton tape Letter stamps and ink pad or a Sharpie pen Matching thread Iron Sewing machine Scissors Pins
1 For each basket, you’ll need to cut two squares each from the linen, lining and interfacing (if using): cut 23cm squares for the small basket; 28cm squares for the medium basket; and 33cm squares for the large basket.
2 If you’re using a lightweight linen fabric, press the iron-on interfacing onto the linen squares – this will give your storage baskets better structure. Then, from the bottom two corners of all the squares, cut out two small squares, measuring 5cm on the small basket pieces, 6.5cm on the medium basket pieces, and 7.5cm on the large basket pieces.
3 Take two corresponding linen squares and sew them together with right sides (RS) facing. Sew down both sides and across the bottom, using a 1cm seam allowance. Do the same with two corresponding lining squares, but leaving a small 4-5cm gap in one of the side seams. Repeat for all the linen and lining squares.
4 Next, you need to make the joined squares into a basket shape. To do this, open out one of the assembled linen squares and line up the opposite edges of the cut-out squares to create a base. Sew them closed, lining up the seams, using a 1cm seam allowance. Repeat for all the assembled linen and lining squares.
5 To make the hanging loops, cut three strips of linen fabric measuring 5cm x 18cm each. Fold the strips in half lengthways and sew along the long edge using a 0.5cm seam allowance. Turn each one RS out and press with your iron.
6 To attach the lining to the linen outer, first place one of the linen baskets RS out and pin the hanging loop either side of the back seam, with the raw ends of the loop aligned with the top edge of the basket. Then, place the corresponding lining RS together with the linen basket, aligning the seams. Pin and then sew the lining into place all the way around the top edge, sandwiching the hanging loop in place. Repeat the process for the linen and linings of the other two baskets.
7 Using the turning gap you left in the lining, turn the basket RS out and push the lining inside the linen basket. Give it a press with the iron to smooth it out, before sewing up the turning gap in the lining by hand.
8 Using stamps and an ink pad or a Sharpie pen, make labels for your baskets using cotton tape. Make sure you leave enough space in between your labels to fold the edges in when sewing them in place. Cut each label, fold the cut edges under and sew the label on to the front of each basket by hand.