This fabric-wrapped plastic basket upcycle is a quick, affordable home organization idea. Learn how to give broken, cheap, or worn plastic baskets a fresh look by covering them with fabric to hide damaged edges and create a useful storage solution.
Every month I join a group of blogging friends for a themed creative challenge. This month’s theme is baskets, and I wanted to use a couple of plastic baskets I already had—even though they were missing parts of their rims. Instead of tossing them, I decided to upcycle them by wrapping them with fabric so they’d be attractive and useful again.
These baskets were missing sections of their top edge but were otherwise perfectly functional for holding supplies or linens. The challenge was to conceal the damaged areas and give the baskets a finished look that would fit into my home storage systems.
Materials Needed To Upcycle a Plastic Basket
- 2 plastic baskets (any size you prefer)
- Fabric large enough to wrap each basket (sturdy or lightweight depending on preference)
- Fabric glue, or a needle and thread if you prefer sewing
- Scissors and measuring tape or ruler
I used leftover curtain fabric for this project. Denim was an initial idea, but the heavier denim I had on hand proved difficult to work with—so I chose a softer, striped fabric that folded and glued well.
How To Upcycle Plastic Baskets
1. Measure and cut: Lay the fabric flat and place the basket on top. Make sure the fabric piece is large enough to fold over the rim and tuck or glue inside the basket so the entire exterior is covered.
2. Test sewing (optional): I tried to sew the fabric to the basket through its holes, but the combination of the glossy chintz-like fabric and the plastic made this difficult. If you plan to sew, choose softer fabric and use a sturdy needle and thimble.
3. Use fabric glue if sewing is impractical: For my fabric, glue worked best. Apply fabric glue along the rim and outer surface where the fabric will contact the plastic. Fold the fabric over the basket edges and press firmly, working in small sections so the glue can set.
4. Tuck and fold like gift wrap: Flip up the sides, fold the corners neatly (similar to wrapping a gift), and secure the folds on the inside with glue. Make sure the fabric is snug so it won’t sag when you add items to the basket.
5. Press and dry: After gluing the fabric into place, press down along the seams and corners, then allow the glue to dry fully. Reinforce any areas that seem loose with a little more glue or a few small stitches if desired.
I wrapped two baskets using two different-sized fabric pieces, which resulted in the stripes running in different directions. This contrast adds visual interest and gives each basket its own personality.
If you can’t see the missing rim once the fabric is in place, the project is a success—the fabric hides damage while giving the basket a finished, decorative look.
These fabric-wrapped baskets are perfect for storing school supplies, craft materials, or small linens. They’re easy to pick up and carry, and they tuck neatly onto shelving units like open cubbies or the popular modular shelves many people use for home organization.
I’ve used these baskets to corral school items so everything is grab-and-go on busy mornings. They also make attractive towel or linen holders when placed on a shelf. Choosing the right fabric can completely transform a plain plastic basket into a stylish storage solution that complements your decor.
Fun fact from my past: before I had children I worked in the textile industry for a fabric designer, so I always enjoy picking patterns and imagining how they’ll look in a finished piece. That background made choosing complementary fabrics for these baskets especially satisfying.
In short, covering broken plastic baskets with fabric is an easy DIY makeover that stretches your supplies, hides flaws, and creates tidy storage. Would you really throw these out when a simple fabric wrap can make them useful and attractive again?
Check Out These Other Storage Ideas
