DIY Fabric Drawstring Basket: Easy Tutorial for Cloth Organizer or Picnic Bag

Updated at: 29/05/2025

Tired of clutter and searching endlessly for your belongings? Wish you had a stylish and practical way to organize your essentials, whether at home or on a picnic? Then look no further! This easy-to-follow tutorial will guide you through creating your own beautiful and functional fabric drawstring basket, perfect for storing toys, toiletries, knitting supplies, or even packing a delightful picnic lunch. With just a few simple materials and some basic sewing skills, you can transform ordinary fabric into a charming and reusable organizer that will bring a touch of handmade elegance to your life.

This versatile project is surprisingly straightforward, and even beginners can achieve fantastic results. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete novice, you'll find this project both satisfying and rewarding. Let's dive right into the step-by-step instructions and create your very own DIY fabric drawstring basket.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fabric (main, lining, interfacing)
  • Scissors
  • Sewing Machine
  • Thread
  • Safety Pins
  • Measuring Tape
  • Iron (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp scissors or rotary cutter when cutting fabric to avoid injury. Handle blades with care and keep them away from children.
  • If using a sewing machine, ensure your fingers are clear of the needle at all times. Never sew over pins; remove them before sewing.
  • When working with hot glue or iron, exercise caution. Use heat-resistant surfaces and allow glue/iron to cool before handling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric Pieces

    • Cut two pieces each of main fabric, interfacing, and lining fabric (all 12 inches x 18 inches).
    Prepare fabric pieces: Cut two pieces each of main fabric, interfacing, and lining fabric (all 12 inches x 18 inches).
    Prepare Fabric Pieces

  2. Prepare Interfacing

    • Create a 3-inch square at each bottom corner of the interfacing pieces.
    • Cut fabric based on interfacing markers.
    Cut fabric based on interfacing markers.Cut fabric based on interfacing markers.
    Prepare Interfacing

  3. Attach Interfacing to Main Fabric

    • Place interfacing on the wrong side of the main fabric and stitch around the edges.
    Attach interfacing to main fabric: Place interfacing on the wrong side of the main fabric and stitch around the edges.
    Attach Interfacing to Main Fabric

  4. Create Handles

    • Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric (5 inches x 12 inches) and interfacing (4 inches x 12 inches). Attach interfacing to fabric, fold inwards, and stitch.
    Make handles: Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric (5 inches x 12 inches) and interfacing (4 inches x 12 inches). Attach interfacing to fabric, fold inwards, and stitch.
    Create Handles

  5. Attach Handles to Basket

    • Mark points 1 inch from center on the main fabric, place handles 2 inches apart, and stitch.
    Attach handles to main fabric panels: Mark points 1 inch from center on the main fabric, place handles 2 inches apart, and stitch.
    Attach Handles to Basket

  6. Sew Main Fabric Panels

    • Place main fabric panels right sides together and stitch along three sides.
    • Spread out corners and stitch to create a neat finish.
    • Turn right side out.
    Turn right side out.Turn right side out.Turn right side out.
    Sew Main Fabric Panels

  7. Sew Lining Panels

    • Stitch lining fabric panels right sides together, leaving a gap at the bottom.
    • Repeat corner stitching as with the outer panels.
    Finish lining corners: Repeat corner stitching as with the outer panels.Finish lining corners: Repeat corner stitching as with the outer panels.
    Sew Lining Panels

  8. Create Drawstring Closure

    • Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric (19 inches x 10 inches). Fold edges, stitch, and create loops for drawstring.
    Create drawstring closure: Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric (19 inches x 10 inches). Fold edges, stitch, and create loops for drawstring.
    Create Drawstring Closure

  9. Attach Drawstring to Basket

    • Place drawstring pieces around the top of the basket, right sides together, and stitch.
    Attach drawstring to basket: Place drawstring pieces around the top of the basket, right sides together, and stitch.
    Attach Drawstring to Basket

  10. Attach Lining to Basket

    • Place the lining inside the basket, right sides together, and stitch.
    • Turn right side out and topstitch.
    Turn right side out and topstitch.Turn right side out and topstitch.
    Attach Lining to Basket

  11. Insert Drawstrings

    • Insert drawstrings and tie.
    Insert drawstrings and tie.
    Insert Drawstrings

Read more: DIY Picture Frame from Oat Cartons and Fabric: A Simple & Unique Craft

Tips

  • Use canvas interfacing for added structure.
  • Add extra length to drawstring pieces for easier tying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven fabric cuts

Reason: Inaccurate cutting leads to a lopsided or misshapen basket.
Solution: Carefully measure and cut the fabric using a ruler and rotary cutter for precise edges.

2. Loose drawstring casing

Reason: Insufficient gathering or a poorly sewn casing allows the drawstring to slip easily.
Solution: Double stitch the casing and use a larger stitch length for gathering to create a snug fit for the drawstring.

3. Weak drawstring knots

Reason: Improper knotting results in the drawstring coming undone, spilling the contents.
Solution: Tie a double knot or use a knotting technique like a surgeon's knot to secure the drawstring tightly.

FAQs

What type of fabric is best for making a drawstring basket?
Lighter weight fabrics like cotton, linen, or canvas work well. Avoid anything too heavy or stiff, as it will make it difficult to gather and tie the drawstring. A medium-weight quilting cotton is a great all-around choice.
How long should the drawstring be?
The drawstring should be approximately twice the circumference of the top of your basket, plus extra length for tying a knot or bow. It's always better to err on the side of slightly longer, as you can always trim excess.