Doily Mug Rug and Upcycling Doilies in We Like Sewing Magazine April 2025

For the April 2025 issue of We Like Sewing online magazine, we wrote a sewing pattern and an article about doilies. We’ve grown to appreciate doilies more and more over the last few years. Back in the day, when our grandmother was crocheting them, we didn’t appreciate them, but now we do. There are so many new and exciting ways that people are using doilies, that it’s hard not to get excited about them.

As you can see in the photo above, we wrote a beginner friendly pattern for mug rugs. These are fun and quick upcycle projects that can be made in an hour. The denim is from upcycled denim jeans. The doilies were given to me by my aunt. Some had “Made in China” tags on them, so I felt comfortable upcycling them on the coasters.

Additionally, I, Dana, wrote an article with 11 ideas for upcycling doilies and lace in the article: Reduce, Reuse, Relace! In that I share ideas for decorating your home, updating clothing and creating useful items as well. I also share a few photos from my home where I’ve upcycled doilies and lace.

Check out our latest article and pattern on We Like Sewing April 2025 website.

The article I wrote is just a small sample of the amazing projects I saw online. I didn’t have time or space to share them all. But if you’re looking for a visual inspiration, check out the Pinterest board I created: Upcycle Doilies and Lace.

This article ramped up my appreciation of doilies so much that I sewed a doily on a playing card holder I made for my sister. This was also a denim upcycling project. Check out the doily on the Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern.

Denim and Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern Collection

Sew your own gorgeous basket with this fun and easy Denim Basket sewing pattern PDF.

It’s a beginner friendly sewing pattern with step-by-step instructions and photos. Traceable templates are included for a denim basket (or fabric basket) that measures 10″ wide x 6″ long x 6 1/2″ tall.

About The Denim Basket (Fabric Basket) Pattern

This denim basket sewing pattern is FULL of helpful information making it great for new and experienced sewists alike. Here’s what’s in the basket sewing pattern:

  • 1 basket pattern: 10″ wide x 6″ long x 6 1/2″ tall
  • 2 lining options: sewn in or sewn separate
  • 3 handle options
  • 6 fabric designs
  • Traceable templates
  • 40 pages
  • 70+ photos
  • Beginner Friendly
  • Step-by-Step instructions

You can build your own fabric design, or sew a basket with a solid piece of material.

denim basket and fabric basket options in this beginner friendly sewing pattern

What material do you need to make a denim basket?

You only need 1 pair of children’s jeans to make a denim basket. However, we used 5 pairs for the chevron because we wanted different shades of blues and black material. You can use any denim you have on hand to make the denim baskets. If you want a basket with a pocket on the front, we recommend children’s jeans as the small size pocket is a perfect fit. Don’t have denim, check out your local second hand store for a pair or two.

What material do you need to make a fabric basket?

If you want to sew a basket from fabric, you have even more options. You can buy new fabric or use material you have on hand such as clothing and bed linens. This is a great time to upcycle fabrics that are worn or neglected or have a stain or two (just cut around those bad spots). The second hand store is also a great resource because you can browse all the clothing departments (children, men’s women’s) as well as the linens. We recommend cotton fibers for new sewists.

How much material is needed to sew a denim basket?

The denim basket and fabric basket each require 3 layers of fabric.

  • Layer 1: The outside fabric (such as denim or cotton)
    (2) pieces at least 12″ x 17″
  • Layer 2: The inside lining fabric (such as muslin or cotton)
    (2) pieces at least 13″ x 17″
  • Layer 3: The stabilizer (ultra firm – fusible or non-fusible)
    (1) piece at least 20″ x 24″

You’ll also need thread to match your fabric.

The Denim Basket / Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern PDF

You’ll also need the Denim Basket Sewing Pattern. It’s available in our Etsy Shop.

Now available on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

1 Basket Pattern – 6 Fabric Designs

Even though there is only 1 size basket in this pattern, we show you how to create 6 unique fabric designs. So it’s really 6 patterns in 1!

Basket measures: 10″ wide x 6″ long x 6 1/2″ tall.

The 6 fabric designs included in the denim basket sewing pattern are as follows. Keep in mind that this is in addition to a solid fabric basket design:

  • Chevron
  • Quadrant
  • Pocket Front
  • Stripes
  • Wide Stripe
  • Scrappy
Denim Basket with pocket used as baby diaper basket

Uses for Denim Basket (Fabric Basket)

This 10″ x 6″ basket size is really quite convenient. It will help you get organized and help your house feel neat and tidy. We’ve used these baskets as:

  • Baby Diaper Basket
  • Baby Shower Gift
  • Paperless Towel Basket
  • Book Storage
  • Bathroom Storage
  • Christmas Basket
  • Laundry Room Storage Basket
  • College Dorm Room Storage Basket
  • And more…

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Buy the Denim Basket and Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

We had a lot of fun sewing basket after basket. You will, too. The Denim Basket Sewing Pattern is available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy