Got old scraps of fabric? Transform them into pure beauty
Kasey Van Dyke
Contributing Writer
DIY Everywhere
More storage is always a good thing. A room can look messy simply because it lacks options for storing and organizing the things in it. If you’re one of the more than 39 million people renting apartments in the U.S., you’re working with an average of 1,138 square feet, so your floor space is likely in short supply. These fabric basket-style hanging organizers are exactly what you need.
With some scrap fabric from a previous project or from old clothes in the back of your closet, you can make as many baskets as you need. And with an easy-to-install curtain rod, you can hang them wherever you need them. Using felt between your fabric layers gives the baskets shape, and patterns and colors in a similar palette lend a cohesive look. for an eclectic, bohemian look, opt for a patchwork style, and use different fabrics for the pieces. Soon, your apartment or home will be neat and organized, and you’ll get to clear out some old materials lying around.
Materials
– Fabric scraps (at least 3 fat quarters)
– Fleece, for lining
– Cutting mat
– Rotary cutter
– Ruler
– Fabric scissors
– Fabric marker
– Iron and ironing board
– Sewing machine
– Straight pins
DIY Everywhere
Instructions
1. Fold one of the scrap pieces in half on your cutting mat, then again into a quarter.
2. With the rotary cutter, trim the edges off your fabric, so you have a clean edge. Make sure you don’t cut the folded edge.
3. Place the second square of scrap fabric face down on the fleece, lining up the top right corners. On top of that, lay the first piece of fabric with the trimmed edges. Cut around the top piece of fabric (with the already-trimmed edges) to easily cut the second scrap fabric and fleece to the right size.
4. Fold the second piece of scrap fabric in half with pattern sides facing each other. Using a ruler and fabric marking tool, measure and draw a line 1½ inches in and 1 inch up from the fold. This should create a square in the bottom right corner of the folded piece. Cut along the marked lines.
