This tutorial shows you how to make a fabric caddy or bin with two coordinating fabrics. Perfect for use at a party or picnic to hold utensils or really so many things.
Today I have a fabric caddy tutorial and the hardest part (but maybe the most fun), is choosing the fabric. I plan on using them for parties to hold plastic forks and knives.
When we entertain there are usually more than 12 people attending, so my regular silverware is never enough. In the past, I have taken the time to wrap them up in a paper napkin, tied with a little ribbon. However, that takes a lot of time, and you end up finding little pieces of ribbon all over the place the day after.
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Supplies
Makes one bin - approx. 3 in. width x 9 in. length x 3 in. height
1/2 yd - each two coordinating fabrics
1/2 yd of mid-weight fusible interfacing
coordinating thread
Tip: To make a different size:
Decide on the height, length, and width of the base
Cut fabric pieces by using these equations:
Height = Desired height + 2x width + 2 (seams & fold over)
Length = Desired length + desired width + 1 (seams)
How to Make a Fabric Bin Organizer
Cut one 11 inch by 13 inch rectangle from each fabric and one from the fusible interfacing.
Iron the interfacing onto the outside fabric.
With right sides together, fold the fabric in half and sew the sides.
Open and place one of the side seams against the bottom line to create a point, or corner.
Mark a dot from the tip of the corner to 1/2 the total width desired. In this case 1.5 inches.
Draw a line at the dot with a ruler making sure that the distance equals your desired width. In this case 3 inches.
Sew along the line and then cut off the corner.
Turn right side out and you can start to see the bin taking shape. Complete the same steps for the outside fabric.
Next set the outside fabric with the interfacing inside the lining fabric bin, making sure the right sides are facing, the wrong side of the liner is on the outside, and the interfacing is on the inside. Match side seams and edges and pin together.
Leaving a 2-3 inch opening, sew the top edges together.
Turn the fabrics right side out and pin the opening closed. Top stitch along the edge.
Fold over edge about one inch and your fabric caddy is complete. Fill with your utensils or whatever you'd like.
These would be a nice gift for someone moving into a new home, don't you think? Change the dimensions as shown above, and make a deeper one for holding makeup or nail polish. I think they would be great for a dorm room too.
The possibilities are many, and as I said, if you are like me, the biggest problem will be choosing the fabric.
More Easy Sewing Projects
Fabric Caddy/Bin Tutorial
Equipment
- iron
Materials
- 1/2 yd - each two coordinating fabrics
- 1/2 yd of mid-weight fusible interfacing
- Coordinating thread
Instructions
- Cut one 11 inch by 13 inch rectangle from each fabric and one from the fusible interfacing.
- Iron the interfacing onto the outside fabric.
- With right sides together, fold the fabric in half and sew the sides.
- Open and place one of the side seams against the bottom line to create a point.
- Mark a dot from the tip of the corner to 1/2 the total width desired.
- Draw a line at the dot with a ruler to make sure the distance equals your desired width.
- Sew along the line and then cut off the corner.
- Turn right side out.
- Complete the same steps for the outside fabric.
- Set the outside fabric with the interfacing inside the lining fabric bin.
- Make sure the right sides are facing, the wrong side of the liner is on the outside, and the interfacing is on the inside.
- Match side seams and edges and pin together.
- Leaving a 2-3 inch opening, sew the top edges together.
- Turn the fabrics right side out and pin the opening closed.
- Top stitch along the edge.
- Fold over edge about one inch and your fabric caddy is complete.
Barb
Do you have to use interfacing or can I use thin batting? Will the interfacing stay after washings?
Can't wait to tackle these for our PSU tailgating!
Patti Estep
Barb, to be honest, I haven't washed mine. However, the interfacing I bought says it can be washed. Thin batting might work but it may not be as stiff as the interfacing. I don't see why you couldn't try it. Let me know how it turns out.
Helen
Love the pattern. Made some in horse fabric for the Triple Crown Races that I host. The problem with printing the pattern and instructions is all the commercials. I ended up with 18 pages to print so just read and sewed each step as I made them.
Patti Estep
Helen, first of all, how great. I bet your horse inspired caddies were a big hit at the party. Secondly, I apologize for the ad interference. As you might have guessed this is how I make my living. However, I can see how big of a pain it must be to print out all of those pages. That being said I have a newer recipe card that also allows for tutorials now. I'm going to look into using it for my crafts. I hope that it will make a big difference for those of you who want to print. Thanks for bringing this to my attention and I'm so glad you liked the project overall.
Jessica
Thanks for the fun tutorial! I whipped up a couple today for our 4th of July gathering tomorrow. Here's a pic:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-NuFbHXJRiQ2xLS3pfeDhmR2c/view?usp=drivesdk
Thanks again! First time visiting your site and I love it!
Patti Estep
Hi Jessica,
Those are adorable and perfect for a 4th picnic.
Thank you so much for sharing them.
Have a great gathering and Happy Fourth of July!
Patti
Julie
Great tutorial thanks. I tried something similar a while back but used a thick foam type lining and it was just awful, way too bulky. Luckily I was able to take it apart and peel the foam lining off so the pieces of fabric were saved for another day. I'm inspired to try again now!
Patti Estep
Hi Julie,
I hope you like it. They are firm but not super sturdy. I guess it's all a personal preference.
I hope you are able to make them just to your liking.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti