Creating your own DIY fabric storage bins can be a simple and fun way to stay organized while adding personality to any room. Whether you’re working with scraps or picking out fresh prints, sewing your own containers brings a custom touch you can’t get from store-bought options. With just a few materials and a bit of stitching, you can shape a fabric bin that fits your space and matches your home. DIY fabric storage bins offer a blend of function and charm, making them a popular option for anyone exploring DIY home organization.
Materials Needed for Fabric Bins
A few basic tools can really change how smoothly your sewing goes. A rotary cutter helps make straight lines, especially on thicker fabric. Use a cutting mat to protect surfaces and keep things aligned. Clips are easier than pins when working with bulky seams or thicker fabric layers. If you have a walking foot for your machine, it can feed the layers evenly. Marking pens or chalk let you note placement for handles or seams without damaging the fabric.
Choosing the Right Interfacing and Stabilizers
Picking the right stabilizer can change how your bin holds up over time. If you want soft sides that still stand upright, fusible fleece is a solid choice. It adds thickness without turning the fabric rigid. For sharper corners and more definition, go for heavy-duty interfacing. Some sewists double up by using both types. That works well when the bin is larger or needs to carry weight. If you prefer soft, foldable bins, skip the heavy stuff and go with lightweight stabilizer. Try testing different options with scraps before committing to a full cut. It’ll help you decide what feel and firmness you want from the start.
How Fabric Type Affects Structure and Style
Different fabrics don’t just look different—they behave differently when sewn. Heavier cotton gives your bin structure and helps it stand upright. Lighter fabric may need extra reinforcement to avoid slouching. If you’re after a crisp edge or clean lines, steer away from anything too soft or drapey. You’ll also want to think about how the fabric feels and how easy it is to handle at the machine. Some slippery or stretchy materials can be frustrating during pressing and stitching.
The supplies for DIY fabric storage bins are pretty basic, but a few details make all the difference. You want your fabric basket to hold its shape and look neat. That means using the right combination of textiles and stabilizers. Cotton is often the go-to for the outside, while a coordinating lining can add a nice contrast inside. Look for midweight cottons that aren’t too slippery or stiff. For sturdiness, you’ll also need something like fusible fleece or heavy interfacing.
You’ll be cutting the same pieces for both outer and inner fabric. Don’t forget that exact measurements will depend on the size you want, but a basic bin usually starts with squares or rectangles for the sides and a separate piece for the base. Handles are optional, but if you want them, cut sturdy strips that won’t fold easily. Use coordinating thread to keep seams clean. You’ll also need a sewing machine, scissors, pins, an iron, and a ruler. Fusible interfacing should match the size of your fabric cuts.
Here’s a quick list to check before you start:
- Midweight cotton for outer layer and lining.
- Fusible fleece or interfacing.
- Fabric scissors and ruler.
- Sewing machine and thread.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Pins or clips for holding fabric.
- Optional: strips for handles.
Having all these tools laid out ahead of time makes the process smoother. You won’t have to stop mid-step to search for missing items. Preparing your workspace before cutting fabric helps keep everything organized. A clean, well-lit table goes a long way when you’re aligning pieces and pressing seams. If possible, keep your iron plugged in nearby so you can press as you go.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making DIY fabric storage bins is all about working through each stage with care. There’s no need to rush. Pay attention to corners and seams. Taking your time will make each bin more solid and good-looking. It’s smart to start with a test bin using leftover fabric if this is your first try.
Cutting and Fusing
Start by cutting six rectangles from your outer fabric: four for the sides, one for the bottom, and one extra if you want to reinforce anything. Repeat this step with the lining fabric. Cut matching pieces of interfacing. Fuse the interfacing onto the wrong side of all the outer pieces using your iron. Follow the instructions on the interfacing packaging to avoid bubbles or weak adhesion. This step gives your bin its firm structure.
Sewing Outer and Lining Pieces
Now sew the outer pieces together. Join the sides with straight seams, right sides facing in. Press each seam open with the iron. Attach the bottom to the sides, going slow around corners. Repeat these steps with the lining fabric. You’ll now have two fabric boxes: one outer and one lining. If you want handles, sew them into place on the outer piece before joining the two parts.
Joining and Turning Right Side Out
Put the outer bin inside the lining, with right sides together. Sew around the top edge, leaving a gap for turning. Flip the bin right side out through the hole. Push the corners out carefully with a blunt tool. Tuck in the raw edge where the hole was and topstitch all the way around the upper edge to close it and add strength.
Table: Size Suggestions for Common Uses
| Bin Use | Width (inches) | Height (inches) | Depth (inches) |
| Small accessories | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Toys or books | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Closet shelf storage | 14 | 12 | 12 |
| Under-sink storage | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Pantry bin | 10 | 6 | 6 |
Tips for Custom Sizes
Tailoring the shape and size of DIY fabric storage bins to your space can take your organizing to the next level. It’s not just about aesthetics. Function matters just as much. Whether you’re fitting a bin into a cubby, under a bench, or on a desk, adjusting dimensions gives you control over how space is used.
Measuring Your Space
Use a measuring tape to get the exact dimensions of the area where your bin will go. Subtract about a half inch from each number to make sure it fits easily. You’ll want to adjust both the fabric cuts and interfacing based on these numbers. Keep seam allowances in mind. Usually, a quarter or half-inch seam works well. Sketch out your bin before cutting. It helps to label each piece.
Scaling the Pattern
You don’t need to find a new fabric basket pattern every time. Just scale your original. If your first bin was 10 by 10 inches and you want a 15-inch bin, increase the length and width by 50%. Don’t forget to scale the height too. Reinforcement may be needed for larger sizes. Double interfacing or switch to foam.
Fabric Choice Matters
For larger bins, consider canvas or duck cloth. They hold shape better and last longer. Smaller bins do well with quilting cotton. Always prewash your fabric to avoid shrinkage. Iron it flat before cutting. That one step saves you headaches later.
Matching Your Bins to Home Decor
Adding storage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Your bins can match, contrast, or blend with your existing furniture and textiles. That’s one of the best parts of a DIY home organization project like this. You can make it personal.
Choose fabrics that echo your room’s theme. Neutral bins work for minimalist spaces. Bright patterns add pop in kids’ rooms or craft areas. Don’t limit yourself to solids or florals. Stripes, geometrics, or subtle textures can bring balance. Think about how your bins will be used. Everyday bins should be darker or busier prints to hide wear. Accent bins can be lighter or softer prints.
Here’s how to coordinate fabric bins with your surroundings:
- Pick fabric that includes one or two colors already in the room.
- Use texture contrast like canvas with velvet or denim with soft cotton.
- Alternate fabric for lining to add a fun surprise.
- Choose thread that either pops or blends for topstitching.
- If using multiple bins, repeat one fabric across each for cohesion.
It’s worth testing your fabric pairings by laying them next to each other before you cut. That gives you a feel for how they’ll look in real lighting. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to swap it out. Even a small shift in tone or texture can change the entire look. A little planning at this point helps your bins look like they belong in the room, not just sit in it.
Final Touches & Finishing
Once the bin is sewn and turned, there are a few ways to finish it off. These small steps make your easy sewing project feel polished. A neat edge and secure seams go a long way. If your bin feels floppy, add extra topstitching around the base or sides. Ironing is your best friend at this stage. A hot iron smooths seams and sharpens edges.
You can personalize bins in creative ways. Sew on patches or use heat-transfer vinyl for initials. For kids’ bins, consider animal shapes or stitched-on faces. Adults might like leather or faux leather pull-tabs. These details turn plain bins into charming accents.
Here’s a few final ideas to elevate your fabric bins:
- Add a stitched-on label for content names.
- Try contrast binding along the top edge.
- Include a loop for hanging.
- Use double stitching for durability.
- Apply fabric stiffener spray if needed.
After adding any of these upgrades, give your bin one last press with the iron. That step evens out any puckering and helps the fabric edges settle into their final shape. If your topstitching thread stands out, check that the tension is balanced so it lays flat and smooth. Trim any loose threads for a clean edge. These last details may be small, but they pull everything together and give the whole bin a crisp, finished feel.
Watch the video on how to make fabric storage beans. The video author, Not from ThatSewStudio, demonstrates the process of creating these beans, starting from preparing the fabric and ending with the final assembly.
DIY fabric storage bins are a practical and creative way to organize your space while reflecting your personal style. With a few supplies and a basic sewing plan, you can craft storage that fits exactly where you need it. Whether you want to tame clutter or just enjoy an easy sewing project, these bins make organizing fun and rewarding. Explore different fabric basket patterns and adjust them to suit your needs. From fabric choice to final stitching, every part adds up to something useful and good-looking. Plus, each time you create one, you’ll get better and more confident.
