How to make basket with a compartment

basket with a compartment

There are a lot of cardboard box ideas all around the internet but not many tutorials on how to make fabric liner with divisions so I thought I will share my take on how to make the DIY basket with a compartment. Also, I am challenged myself to use what I have on hand to make two DIY baskets( One as a diaper caddy and one as snacks basket). Because at 38 weeks pregnant, I couldn’t craft much and also don’t have the mood to go shopping for new supplies. But as a DIYer, I just couldn’t simply pass time by watching videos or shows all the time. So, I took a lot of time(almost 4 to 5 days) to finish these baskets. You might find a different combination of supplies used here to make a single basket, that is because of the destash challenge that I created for myself to avoid shopping for new craft supplies. I mostly used the leftover pieces of material like gray fabric from the DIY nursing pillow, Belt from DIY curtain rod using PVC pipe, leftover contact paper after lining the shelves in our new apartment, scraps of leather, brands from the DIY perpetual calendar, etc. Now, let us move on to the making.

 basket with a compartment

Materials Required:

Cardboard shipping box
Fabric
Sewing machine or fabric glue
Hot glue gun
Yarn
Belt for handles
Brads
Utility knife
A nail and a hammer or an awl

Step 1: Cut the closing flaps of the box using the utility knife. Use one of the flaps, measure and cut it to the size to fit the center bottom of the box to make it even.

 basket with a compartment

Step 2: Measure the center part of the box (shorter side, i.e refer to the picture) and cut a cardboard piece to fit in the middle as a compartment. Do this in whichever way you want the compartment to be. I planned to use this as a Diaper Caddy. So I planned in such a way that I will use one for storing diaper essentials and the other part of the basket for storing my own essentials. I also made one compartment bigger enough to fit the wipes box inside but you can adjust it to suit your need.

 basket with a compartment

Step 3: Now let’s sew the fabric liner. First, measure and cut the two fabric pieces with 1/4″ allowance on the top and bottom and 1/2″ allowance on the sides for the middle cardboard piece. Sew the top and bottom side with 1/4″ seam allowance. Tuen the fabric piece inside out and insert the cardboard piece.

 basket with a compartment basket with a compartment

Step 4: Measure and cut fabric pieces for the sides of the cardboard box with 1/4″ seam allowance for each side and add around 1.5″ allowance for the height. For the sides where the compartment pieces to going to be stitched add an extra 1/2″ allowance. So for example, if the side measured 7″ add 1/2″ (1/4″ +1/4″) for the sides and extra 1/2″ (1/4″+1/4″) for attaching the compartment pieces.
Now cut one of the side (longer side) fabric pieces into half or based on the measurement you need to attach the compartment. Sandwich the compartment piece you created in the before step and make a stitch. Repeat the same for the other side. Then attach the other sides.

 basket with a compartment

 basket with a compartment

Step 5: Measure the bottom of the box, add 1/4″ seam allowance and attach the rectangle piece to the piece created in the previous step to complete the fabric liner.

 basket with a compartment basket with a compartment

Step 6: Remove the fabric liner as of now and start the next step. Use a glue gun and dab a small amount of glue to help hold the yarn in place. Repeat the steps to wind the yarn all around the cardboard box. Do this until 3/4th of the box is covered.

 basket with a compartment basket with a compartment

Step 7: Cut the belt for the desired length to serve as a handle. Pierce holes on either side using a nail and a hammer or an awl. Poke the brads into the belt. Mark the area on the cardboard box and make holes for the brads. Insert the brads into the holes and secure them. I added a small piece of cardboard on the back side with hot glue for added security. Repeat the same on the other side.

 basket with a compartment

 basket with a compartment basket with a compartment basket with a compartment

Step 8: Now add the fabric liner and secure it in place using hot glue.Wind the remaining yarn to cover the fabric till the edge. The basket is now complete. You can cover the bottom the same way using yarn or cover it with a scrapbook paper or leave it as such. It is up to you. 😉 The DIY diaper caddy is now complete.

 basket with a compartment basket with a compartment basket with a compartment

courtesy: vikalpah