DIY Baskets (2 ways) from Shipping boxes

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  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 de-stash 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, brads from the DIY perpetual calendar, etc. Now, let us move on to the making.

DIY Diaper caddy basket with 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

DIY wrapping paper/contact paper basket for holding snacks. 

Materials Required:

Cardboard shipping box

Wrapping paper

Contact paper

Double sided tape

Scissors

Leather scraps

Needle and thread

Utility knife

A nail and a hammer or an awl

Step 1: Trim the edges of the box's flaps to fold it inside for extra strength. As discussed in the previous DIY, cut a piece of cardboard to fit the center bottom of the box to make it even.

Step 2: Unroll the wrapping paper and place the box in the middle allowing some amount of paper on each side of the box. Use double sided tape and secure the bottom of the box in the middle of the paper. Then cut the paper to cover the shorter side first by overlapping a little on the sides. 

Step 3: Now cover the longer sides on the boxes using double sided tape. 

Step 4: Measure and cut the handles from the leather scraps. Use a nail and a hammer or an awl to poke holes for stitching the handles onto the box. Poke four holes in a square form on each side.Repeat the same on the cardboard box. Then,  use a hand sewing needle to secure the leather handle on to the cardboard box as shown.

Step 5: For added security, dab some strong glue on the wrong side of the stitched part and cover it with any thin material. I used a piece of plastic. 

Step 6: Now, you can use the same wrapping paper or different kind and repeat the same process as you did for the outer part to cover the inside of the box.As, I had some wood contact paper left over, I decided to use that to cover the inside part. The DIY wrapping paper basket is now done. You can use normal shipping tape to cover the edges and bottom for long life or even a coat of mod podge or any sealant. But it is totally up to you. 

Before 

After

I really like the way how these shipping boxes turned baskets came out. I somehow managed to not spend anything extra to make these baskets except the things I already own. What do you think? Have you done anything like this before? Share with me in the comments below. As always I would love to hear your comments. 

Other cardboard box DIYs you might like: 

DIY Textured Cardboard letters

DIY Ribbon/Tape organizer under $3

DIY shadow box using cardboard

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