Materials You’ll Need

• Plastic Laundry Basket (any size or shape)

• Fabric (enough to wrap around the basket, plus extra for seam allowances)

• Scissors

• Fabric glue / hot glue gun & glue sticks

• Double-sided tape (optional)

• Sewing machine or needle & thread (optional for seams)

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Pins or clips

• Maybe a liner or interfacing for extra stiffness

Steps to Cover the Basket

1. Measure the Basket

• Measure the height from the base to the top rim (h).

• Measure the circumference around the basket (c).

• If the basket has a bottom or base, measure that as well (width × depth).

Add a bit extra for seam allowance:

• For the side piece: width = circumference + ~1 inch (2.5 cm) extra, height = h + ~1 inch to fold under rim.

• For the bottom (if covered): same size as the base + seam margins.

2. Cut Your Fabric

• Cut a rectangular piece for the side: width and height as measured (plus margins).

• Cut a circle or rectangle for the bottom piece (if you plan to cover the base).

• If you want a liner or stiff backing, cut matching pieces of interfacing or lighter fabric.

3. Hem and Finish Edges

• Hem the top edge of the side fabric so it looks neat (fold over ~¼ to ½ inch and stitch or glue).

• Hem or finish the bottom edge if it will show.

• If covering the bottom, hem or finish edges so that the seam doesn’t fray.

4. Attach the Fabric to the Basket

Option A: Fabric Outside, Plastic Inside

1. Secure the top hem over the rim of the basket using fabric glue or double-sided tape. Let it wrap over slightly for hold.

2. Wrap the side fabric around, overlapping the seam by ~½ inch, and glue or sew the vertical seam.

3. If covering the bottom, glue or stitch that into place inside the basket.

4. For extra security, add glue along the bottom edge to prevent fabric from peeling up.

Option B: Inserted Liner (Fabric Inside)

Sometimes you might prefer a liner that sits inside the basket rather than covering outside:

• Sew your fabric into a cylinder with a closed bottom.

• Slip it inside the basket.

• Use a drawstring or elastic at the top to cinch it.

• This avoids adhesives on the basket and makes the fabric removable for washing.

5. Add Finishing Touches

• Add decorative trims or ribbons along the top edge or at seams.

• If the fabric is lightweight, add interfacing or a stiffer fabric behind it to reduce sagging.

• Ensure the fabric doesn’t block any necessary openings or handles.

Tips & Considerations

• Use thicker fabric (canvas, upholstery, ducks cloth) if you want a more durable finish.

• Use washable fabrics — laundry baskets often get dirty.

• Be careful around vent holes or drainage holes — leave them unobstructed or fashion small openings in the fabric.

• Work in sections rather than trying to wrap all at once; test fit before gluing.