3. Gathered Drawstring Liner
A gathered drawstring liner feels a little luxurious, like a soft pouch tucked into a sturdier basket. The idea is to make a fabric bag that fits inside the bin, with a drawstring channel along the top. When you pull the strings, the fabric cinches closed, keeping contents hidden and contained.
Cut two rectangles of fabric, each the width of your basket’s interior plus one inch and the depth plus three inches. Place the pieces right sides together, sew around three sides, and turn the bag right side out. Fold the top edge down about one inch to create a channel, leaving a small opening, then thread a length of twill tape, ribbon, or elastic through the channel.
This style is especially handy for baskets that hold small items that tend to escape: craft supplies, hair accessories, yarn, small toys, or pantry odds and ends. The gathered top keeps everything tucked in, and the bag can be lifted out of the basket entirely when you need to carry contents to another room. Choose a soft cotton for a casual look or a heavier canvas for a sturdier, more structured pouch.
One nice detail: if you use two different fabrics for the inside and outside, you get a reversible liner that works with multiple basket styles. Cotton prints, ticking stripe, or a soft chambray all look great here.