Make a Handy Storage Bin — The Fabric Quarter

Kayleigh makes these at home for her children’s bits and bobs but they would also be useful for storing crafting projects, wool, remote controls etc., hair dryers etc., home office stuff and of course anything you might keep by the front and back door such as dog leads or hats, gloves, scarves. Lots of uses! This one however was made by Kayleigh for our shop bin which lives near the till and is used for day to day bits of fluff, thread and rubbish. It’s an old yellow plastic one left by a previous tenant; not a thing of joy but it did the job… but now it looks a lot smarter! If you would like Kayleigh’s advice on this or any other crafting projects, she works Thursdays and Fridays.

We’ve used some of our cotton duck and heavy calico (please ring us to order). No interfacing is required, due to the structure and weight of the canvas, meaning you don’t need to get your iron out, and this is a satisfyingly quick sew. However, you could choose to use any of our quilting cottons, in which case we would recommend the addition of a medium to heavy interfacing.

Find a circular template the desired size of your bucket base, draw around. Add a 1.5cm seam allowance. In our example we used a generous seam allowance as we didn’t want it to be a struggle getting the bin in and out.

Measure the circumference of your circle. Add 3cm. This is the length of your side panel.

Decide the finished height of your bucket, add an allowance if you want a contrast fold, in our example we added 10cm, then add seam allowance. This is the height of your side panel.

Cut one base and one side panel from each of your two fabrics. If using quilting cotton, adhere the interfacing following manufacturers instructions first.

Match your threads (we can do this for you) and have your clips ready. Kayleigh saved the scraps from this project to make a mini bucket..

Right sides facing, short edges aligned, sew the side seam of each side panel. Fold flat, notch the edge opposite the seam, within the seam allowance. Open and find the centre this time by folding the side seam towards the notch, clip notches at these two points.

Fold each base piece in half, notch the opposite sides, within the seam allowance, unfold and fold in half the opposite way, again notch the edges. The notches will make it easier to align the side panel with the base before sewing.

Take a matching base and side panel piece. Match notches and pin or clip all the way around. Sew around.

Repeat with the second piece.

With one almost bucket inside out, place the other almost bucket inside, with right sides facing, and raw edges on the outside. Pin or clip the top edge and see around, but leave a gap big enough for turning.

Reach through the turning gap, and pull the fabric through to turn everything the right way round. Give it a good shake, push all seams together and press. Topstitch the edge to close the gap, or use a whip stitch or even a dab of glue. If you added an allowance for a contrast edge, fold the top down the desired length and you are finished!

Fold side panel in half, short edges together, and stitch along the short edge...

This technique allows you to add all sorts of hacks to make a project truly your own. Add ric rac or pom pom trim, add handles or a carry strap, or even a drawstring casing. You could also quilt your exterior fabrics before cutting.

Why our fabric choices were perfect for our project... Cotton duck is traditionally used for workwear, and us therefore hardy and forgiving. The heavyweight canvas is a dream to work with, providing the necessary structure and practicality. It is water resistant/splash proof, making it ideal for our project but also plant pot covers, and outdoor projects.

Folds flat, making it useful for laundry baskets etc