DIY Basket Liner: Repurposing Your Old Liner as a Template

Updated at: 17/03/2025

Tired of worn-out basket liners that detract from your beautifully organized home? Don't toss them just yet! Instead of buying replacements, discover the simple and sustainable art of repurposing your old liner as a template for creating brand new ones. This clever technique allows you to perfectly match the dimensions of your existing baskets, eliminating the frustration of ill-fitting liners and ensuring a seamless, tailored look. You'll save money, reduce waste, and gain a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Plus, you'll have the freedom to explore different fabrics and designs, transforming ordinary baskets into stylish storage solutions.

This method is surprisingly easy, requiring only minimal sewing skills and readily available materials. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, this project is perfect for honing your crafting abilities and adding a personalized touch to your home. Ready to transform your old liners into beautiful new ones? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Sewing machine (or sewing needle and thread)
  • Fabric
  • Yardstick
  • Scissors
  • Seam ripper
  • Chalk
  • Stick pins
  • Basket
  • Old basket liner
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use clean, dry materials. Mold and mildew can grow on damp fabrics, making your liner unsanitary.
  • Ensure your chosen fabric is strong enough to hold the contents of your basket. Thin or delicate fabrics may tear easily.
  • When cutting fabric, use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to prevent fraying and ensure clean edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Old Liner

    • Remove the old liner from the basket and set the basket aside.
    • Turn the old liner right side down and examine its construction to determine how many fabric pieces you need to cut.
    • Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the stitches/seams of the old liner.
    • Remove any existing hems from the old liner pieces.
    Remove any existing hems from the old liner pieces.Remove any existing hems from the old liner pieces.Remove any existing hems from the old liner pieces.Remove any existing hems from the old liner pieces.
    Prepare the Old Liner

  2. Create Fabric Templates

    • Use the old liner's bottom piece as a template. Trace it onto your new fabric, adding seam allowance (1/4 to 1/2 inch).
    • Cut out the traced fabric piece for the bottom of the new liner.
    • Disassemble the rest of the old liner (sides) and trace/cut out corresponding pieces from your new fabric.
    Disassemble the rest of the old liner (sides) and trace/cut out corresponding pieces from your new fabric.Disassemble the rest of the old liner (sides) and trace/cut out corresponding pieces from your new fabric.Disassemble the rest of the old liner (sides) and trace/cut out corresponding pieces from your new fabric.
    Create Fabric Templates

  3. Prepare the Fabric

    • Press the cut fabric pieces to remove wrinkles.
    Press the cut fabric pieces to remove wrinkles.
    Prepare the Fabric

  4. Sew the Sides

    • Pin two side pieces together (right sides together), then sew a straight stitch along the side. Repeat for the other side pieces.
    Pin two side pieces together (right sides together), then sew a straight stitch along the side. Repeat for the other side pieces.
    Sew the Sides

  5. Create and Attach Hems

    • Create hems on the top edges of the sewn side pieces by folding the fabric over twice and pinning in place. Press to secure.
    • Pin the fourth side together (right sides together), ensuring hems align. Sew a straight stitch.
    Pin the fourth side together (right sides together), ensuring hems align. Sew a straight stitch.
    Create and Attach Hems

  6. Attach the Bottom

    • Turn the side pieces right sides down, align seams of the bottom and side pieces, pin and sew together. Repeat for the other side.

  7. Finish the Liner

    • Turn the new liner right side out. Trim any excess fabric.
    Turn the new liner right side out. Trim any excess fabric.
    Finish the Liner

Read more: DIY Super Cute Whale Shower Curtain: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tips

  • Always add seam allowance when tracing your template to account for potential inaccuracies and allow for adjustments.
  • Regular chalkboard chalk can be used for marking fabric; sewing chalk is also an option.
  • Remove pins before sewing over them to avoid damaging your sewing machine needle.
  • Finger press and iron the hems to ensure a neat finish before sewing them into place.
  • Use the original seams as a guide when attaching the bottom to the sides to ensure consistent placement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inaccurate Tracing

Reason: Not carefully tracing the basket's shape onto the old liner, leading to a liner that doesn't fit properly.
Solution: Use a fabric marker or pencil and take your time tracing the basket's outline onto the old liner, ensuring accurate measurements.

2. Ignoring Seam Allowance

Reason: Forgetting to add seam allowance when cutting the new liner, resulting in a liner that's too small.
Solution: Add at least ½ inch (or more depending on your fabric and desired seam type) seam allowance to all sides of your traced pattern before cutting.

3. Choosing the Wrong Fabric

Reason: Selecting a fabric that is too stiff or too flimsy, compromising the liner's look and functionality.
Solution: Opt for a medium-weight fabric with some drape that's easy to sew and will hold its shape.

FAQs

What types of fabric work best for making new basket liners?
Lightweight to medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, canvas, or even oilcloth work well. Avoid anything too heavy or stiff, as it will be difficult to manipulate and fit into the basket.
My old liner is slightly damaged. Can I still use it as a template?
Yes, as long as the overall shape and dimensions are still intact. Focus on the largest undamaged sections when tracing the pattern. You can always patch small holes or tears in the new liner after sewing.