How to line your basket storage

Baskets are a favourite accessory for storing assorted items ranging from laundry to display items. Basket liners protect the basket from getting dirty and most designs can be removed and washed. Soft items sometimes get caught with basket fibres and liners protect the contents from damage. They prevent smaller items from falling through the basket weave. They are a great way of adding colour. Read this guide for more information on how to line your basket storage.

Choosing the liner

Liner material should depend on the basket type and kind of storage. The liner material should be thick and stiff to hold shape and offer protection to the basket and its contents. Materials like denim, thicker cotton varieties and corduroy are a practical choice for regular storage. For special items or decorative shelving, you can choose suede or velvet. Quilted liners add strength to wire baskets. Colours or prints can depend on personal taste and compatibility with other décor. Checks are popular prints and suit the rustic charm of baskets. Choose a removable liner if you expect frequent cleaning. Boxes with lids can have permanent liners fixed to the box or basket.

Sewing your liners

Sewing basket liners is a fairly simple craft project. Remember to take good measurements and leave allowances for seams and hems. Stitching a liner involves creating a fabric bag which matches the internal dimensions of the basket. The upper edge of the bag is sewn as a hem to hold a drawstring, cord ribbon or elastic. When using elastic, a good rule of thumb is to use elastic length which is about
90 percent of the basket perimeter.

Removable liners

Basket storage can be lined with temporary liners by placing the liner inside the basket and folding the upper edge over the basket top. You can secure the basket in place by drawing the cord and tying a bow. Liners with elastic bands can simply be stretched over the edge. Fabric hook and loop fasteners may also be used.

Permanent liners

Permanent liners are fixed to the insides of the basket. Fabric liners may be stitched with the basket. Additional fixing should be provided by sewing buttons to the bottom or gluing the fabric on the internal bottom rim or edges. This ensures that the liner conforms to the basket interior. Liners can also be fixed using glues or staples. Use staples only if they can be concealed by storage items or for functional storage where appearance is not a priority. Use basket liners to protect the basket storage and to add colour accents.