Sewn Basket with Fabric Top – Easy Drawstring Tutorial

This sewn basket with fabric top combines a sturdy machine-sewn cord basket with a soft fabric upper section that closes with a drawstring. It is practical for storage, lovely as a handmade gift, and also works beautifully as a decorative home accessory.

One of the best things about this project is how easily you can change its character. Pair different colours of 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord with patterned or plain fabric and the same basic pattern can look completely different every time.

Watch the full video tutorial

Follow the complete process step by step in our video:

Finished size

The finished basket is approximately 19 cm in diameter and 8–9 cm high.

What you will need

• approx. 15 m of 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord

• a piece of fabric approx. 70 × 35 cm

• 2 × 1.5 m of 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord for the drawstrings

• sewing thread

• scissors

• sewing machine with a zigzag stitch

• safety pin

Step 1 – Sew the basket base

As usual, start by forming a small spiral and gradually make it larger, joining the cord with a zigzag stitch.

We leave the very centre of the circle unstitched at first. Once the circle is larger and easier to handle under the presser foot, go back and sew the centre together.

Continue sewing until the base reaches approximately 19 cm in diameter, or until it reaches your preferred size.

Step 2 – Shape the basket sides

Once the base reaches the desired size, tilt the circle upright and continue sewing to build the sides of the basket.

Keep adding rounds until the basket reaches the height you want. Cut the cord and secure the end. The cord basket itself is now finished.

Step 3 – Prepare the fabric

Finish the raw edges of the fabric with a zigzag stitch to help prevent fraying. Cut the fabric in half, sew the two pieces together, trim off the excess fabric, and finish the raw edge once again with a zigzag stitch.

A little disclaimer before we continue 😄 We’re cord makers, not professional seamstresses! So if any trained tailors are watching, please don’t pull your hair out. 😂 We’re doing it our own DIY way – probably not always by the book, but the best we can. And most importantly… it works! 😄

For technical reasons, we had to re-record the tutorial for sewing the top part of the basket using a different fabric.

Step 4 – Measure the fabric top

Measure the inside circumference of the basket to determine the correct size for the fabric top.

Mark the measured length on the fabric, then sew the fabric together along the marked line.

Step 5 – Create the drawstring casing

Now create a casing along the top edge for the drawstring. Make sure there is enough room for the cord to pass through comfortably.

Step 6 – Attach the fabric top

Sew the fabric top onto the inside of the basket. Then sew over the edge once more with a zigzag stitch to secure it neatly in place.

Step 7 – Create the drawstring openings

At the seam, carefully open a small hole in the drawstring casing on both sides. Stitch around the edges of the openings to secure them and help prevent the seam from coming undone.

Step 8 – Prepare and insert the drawstrings

For the drawstrings, prepare two 1.5 m pieces of 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord.

Pull out the inner core from both pieces. Attach a safety pin to one end and thread the drawstrings through the casing, one through each opening. Tie knots at the ends of the drawstrings.

And we’re done!

Your basket is ready to use. Fill it with craft supplies, small household items or gifts, or simply use it as a handmade decorative piece.

The same sewn basket with fabric top can look completely different simply by changing the colour of the 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord and the fabric print. Try a soft neutral combination, a seasonal print or a bright colour pairing and make the pattern your own.

If you create your own version, share it on Instagram and tag @bigcord_bigideas – we’d love to see what you make.

One pattern, endless possibilities

Try the same design in a dark green basket with autumn or pumpkin fabric, a natural beige basket with a bee or botanical print, an orange basket with a colourful food-inspired Italian-style print, or a fresh lemon-yellow combination. The construction stays the same, but the finished look changes completely with every colour and fabric pairing.