DIY Fabric Lined Industrial Basket
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With just a few supplies, you can turn a rusty hand-me-down into a pretty storage solution with this DIY fabric lined industrial basket tutorial.
Hi, Kenarry Friends! I’m Rita Joy from Harbour Breeze Home, and I’m beyond thrilled to be here! I’m sharing a really easy tutorial, teaching you how to make a DIY
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In preparation for our new (smaller) place, I’ve been thinking lots about storage space and pretty ways to keep practical items. I’ve always loved this old wire basket that’s been kicking around.
However, some things were just a little too “rustic” for me.
A strange hand-made handle attached with electrical tape was odd, and I learned the hard way that the rust on the bottom stains everything it touches!
An Industrial Decor Idea
As I plot and dream up ideas for our new home, I ‘ve been drawn to many aspects of industrial decor. I love the mix of warm wood tones, black iron, and soft textured fabrics. Rather than throw out this old basket, I decided to give it a fresh new industrial look.
Do you have an old wire basket that needs a fresh look, too? Here’s how you can make it look and function all new and improved!
This tutorial is split up into two easy parts – spray painting the basket and sewing the fabric liner.
How to Spray Paint a Wire Basket
Supplies Needed:
- sandpaper
- painter’s drop cloth
- Spray paint primer (I used Kilz)
- Spray paint color of choice (I used Krylon’s Oil Rubbed Bronze)
- (not pictured) A box to use as your painting stand
Instructions for Spray Painting:
1. Sand thoroughly all areas that rust is evident and clean
2. Set up a spray paint station in a well ventilated area. (If you do it outside, it works best on a calm day.)
3. Following the directions of the specific primer you use, shake the can well, and apply primer to the outer layer of the basket using thin, even coats.
4. Once dried, turn over and prime the inside of the basket.
5. When the primer is totally dry, repeat steps 3 and 4 using the spray paint color of your choice.
You’ll find that the spraying part goes quite quickly, but you’ll need to put on some patience for all that drying time!
In between coats, you can work on sewing the fabric liner.
How to Sew a Fabric Basket Liner
1. Measure the bottom of the basket and add 1/2 inch to all 4 sides to allow for seam allowances.
2. Measure the circumference of the basket (all the way around the sides) and add 1/2 inch for seam allowance, and the height of the basket + how many inches you want to fold over the top + 1/2 inch for seam allowance. (If you want to hem the top cuff, add extra fabric for that as well.)
3. Cut out 2 pieces of fabric using those measurements. (*I used painter’s drop cloth for mine, but any fabric of your choice will work.)
4. Using french seams, sew the end of the side piece together.
5. Line up the side piece onto the bottom piece, pin, and sew. (I did a french seam on this one, too.)
6. Turn right side out and iron down the top to the desired cuff length. (*You may choose to hem the top or leave it frayed. I think both ways look great. My top edge happened to be the finished edge of the fabric, so I left it as it was.)
Once the paint is dry and the liner is ironed, it’s all ready to put together and use!
It’s amazing what a little paint and fabric can do for a project! It took this worn and rusty basket from this:
To this!
We’ve rounded up some insanely creative DIY organization hacks that are perfect if you’re looking for more ways to tidy up your home. Make sure to check them out while you’re here.
Not a sewer? Make these no-sew fabric lined storage baskets instead!
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Originally published October 2016. Updated October 2018.