Felt Storage Basket Tutorial

I find that I am always looking for new storage solutions, but I don't always want to rely on store-bought plastic containers as they can be unsightly and bulky. I thought up this project using felt and light wooden dowels because I knew the colors would work perfectly in my space, and because the fabric itself would be more flexible than plastic or metal. The size of the felt storage basket can be varied to fit any kind of shelving unit you have on hand, and you can create as many as you need to store away little odds and ends.

You'll need the following materials to make your felt storage basket:

• Felt in the color of your choosing
• Heavy weight fusible interfacing
• A sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins
• A wooden dowel
• An iron and ironing board
• Chalk

Steps for Creating Your Fabric Storage Bins

Step 1

Cut the felt to size.

Fold your felt in half and place on the cutting mat. Cutting through both layers of felt at the same time using the rotary cutter, cut two rectangles measuring 12" x 36". If you are new to using a rotary cutter and don't feel quite comfortable, you can swap in a Fiskars® shears to cut your thick fabric. These shears are designed to cut through multiple layers of fabric and will glide through felt with ease.

Step 2

Cut handle slots.

At each short end of the felt, cut a rectangle measuring 7" x 5" using the Fiskars® snips. These snips are designed to cut through thick material and are perfect for making short, quick snips.

Step 3

Apply interfacing.

Cut two pieces of heavy weight fusible interfacing and iron them on to the back of the felt. Use the rotary cutter to trim the interfacing around the shape of the felt.

Step 4

Pin the felt pieces together.

Place the felt rectangles together, sandwiching the interfacing between the two layers of felt. Pin the two pieces of felt together.

Step 5

Sew the felt pieces together.

With a straight stitch, sew around the handle holes and down the sides about 1" down from the bottom of the handle.

Step 6

Create the handle slots.

Fold over the two short ends of the felt by 1.5" and pin. Sew in place.

Step 7

Create the basket sides.

Cut four rectangles of felt each measuring 7" x 10" using the rotary cutter and cutting mat. Apply interfacing to the back of each rectangle.

Step 8

Sew the sides.

Sew two of the sides together along one edge only. This will be the top edge of the finished felt storage basket. Repeat for the other two side pieces.

Step 9

Round off the corners.

Tracing around a jar lid or other circle template, round off the bottom corners of each felt rectangle by cutting using the rotary cutter or snips.

Step 10

Pin the sides to the basket.

Pin the sides to the basket, being sure to ease the felt around the curves where the bottom of the basket meets the sides. Sew the sides to the felt storage basket.

Step 11

Finish the basket.

Use the saw to cut the dowels to the desired length and insert through the handle slots at the top. Secure with glue.

How Much do the Materials for This Felt Storage Basket Project Cost?

Materials for this project cost about $30. While you might be able to find cheaper options for a pre-made storage solution, this option allows you to customize everything. I think it is totally worth it to invest a bit of time and money to guarantee you'll be happy with the end result!

Where to Place Your Felt Storage Baskets

The best thing about these baskets is that because they look great on their own, they can be positioned anywhere in the home. Try them on floating shelves in your living room to hold books and magazines, add them to a bathroom vanity to hold makeup and shampoo bottles, place them under the couch for an easy area to store remotes and charging cords, or even in the kitchen to hold things like napkins and utensils. The options are endless, and thankfully so is the storage!