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Washable & Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial

Washable & Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial

We’re always looking for new ways to go zero waste here at Plush Towers & one item we have been keen to ditch is the plastic waste-bin liner and we have been looking for a reusable alternative…

As the world, quite rightly, moves away from single use plastic bags that at one time many of us used to line small waste bins we have been pondering what a zero-waste replacement could be. We thought it was time to unleash into the world a tutorial for a reusable & washable waste bin liner!

This washable bin liner is the perfect zero-waste solution for all those light use bins in the bedroom, office or bathroom…

Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial

 

Anatomy of the washable bin liner

Outer Fabric: We’ve used waterproof PUL as the lining fabric in this project.

Why this fabric you might ask?! We figured it was the perfect fabric choice for handling lightly soiled bathroom items such as cotton pads or ears buds. Choosing waterproof PUL means there there won’t be any unwanted leaks through to the exterior of the bin liner…

It also means if you live with people that insist on chucking away their banana skins in their bedrooms that get buried & forgotten about you won’t get any leaky food waste either, ha!

Lining Fabric: For the liner outer we’ve used calico as it’s economical , but you can use any cotton. This part of the liner generally won’t be seen (unless your bin has lots of hole in it) so this is a great opportunity to use up your stash, or this as a great chance re-purpose or upcycle some other fabric.

Contrast Fabric: We wanted to give you the option to make it pretty so we’ve used a small amount of quilting fabric as an accent to give you the chance to match to your decor, or add a touch of personality to your bin. This fabric is actually part of the lining but appears on the exterior of the bin once folded over.

The whole liner is held securely in place by fold over elastic at the liner’s opening edge.

The method we’ve described in this tutorial would also work perfectly for washing baskets, laundry baskets, nappy bins, kitchen bins… You can use the same method for storage baskets (any size) to prevent leaking, damage, snags & scrapes!

We’re going to show you how to draft a pattern for a circular 3D vessel – in this case your waste bin – which you can apply to a variety of other storage projects! Follow along and you can draft your own pattern to fit any size circular bin or basket.

By using a liner you will be reducing your plastic use and waste, and become more conscious as to what waste you are producing, sewing a sustainable and useful project! 

How to launder your reusable bin liner

  • We recommend that your fabrics are pre-washed before you start this project.
  • This liner is designed for light use waste bins so it can usually be laundered at 30 degrees.
  • If you decide to use it for “messier” bins that might harbour higher bacterial growth, you can launder these fabrics at 60 degrees but it’s imperative you pre-wash everything at that temperature first. Washing consistently at 60 degrees may reduce the life of the cotton fabrics.
  • We recommend air drying this project after laundering. We do not recommend tumble drying PUL as regular tumble drying can delaminate PUL fabric over time.

A sewing project for Adventurous Beginners

Finished Dimensions: Depends on the size of your bin – we used this bin [affiliate link]

With the following dimensions: Dia 25.5cm x H 31cm / Dia 10” x H 12”

Approximate sewing time: An afternoon

Important Notes:

  • Pre-wash your fabrics
  • 1cm ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • We have overlocked our seams but if you don’t have an overlocker you can check out this post for other seam finishing ideas
  • When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
  • RST = Right Sides Together
  • WST = Wrong Sides Together
  • Read through the instructions fully before starting
  • Please note that pins can create permanent holes in PUL. we recommend using clips

You Will Need:

The requirements given below are enough for a similarly sized bin to this bin which measures Diameter 25.5cm x Height 31cm / Diameter 10” x Height 12”

If your bin is a different size draw the pattern out and then calculate what you need from the pattern.

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Draw Your Reusable Bin Liner Pattern

  1. Measure & draft the pattern pieces for your bin:

You need to take a few measurements to work out how to draw your pattern pieces. We realised this can seem daunting for some people so we’ve worked hard to make it as accessible and easy to follow as we can.

We’ve put together:

  • A video (below) for those that prefer visual instruction
  • Detailed written instructions & a handy printable which has a calculations table for you to complete with your own bin measurements. Use this for fool proof pattern drafting!
  • A worked example

The video & printable are designed to work together and compliment each other.

Measure your bin

Cutting Out The Fabrics

Cut the following :

  • From Fabric A (Contrast Top): 4 x Contrast Top rectangles
  • From Fabric B (Calico Cotton) : 2 x side panels & 1 x base circle
  • From Fabric C (PUL lining): 2 x sides and 1 x base circle

3. Constructing the reusable bin liner

  • With RST, sew the side seams of the 2 x calico side panels  together, using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance
  • Repeat for the PUL side panels
  • Mark the quarter points: On both outer & lining sewn side panels & the base circles, mark ¼ points :
    • On the side panels, fold the fabric on the seam & smooth & fold it across; the seam line is a one-quarter point & the fold crease is another. Bring those points together & smooth the fabric out to the sides; mark where the next 2 folds form.
    • For the base circle, fold it in half, make marks at each end of the fold line. Fold it in half again and mark both layers of fabric where they fold.
  • Take the PUL side panel & base & match up the marked 1/4 points & pin
  • Now pin the fabric between the ¼ points, using the snips to help ease the fabric around the outer edge if you need to. Align the fabric edges & pinning where the seam line will be sewn will help accuracy.
  • Sew in place using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. If you have a walking foot use this as it will help if the fabric is slippery. You could also use your overlocker if you have one.
  • Repeat the same steps on the Calico side panels & base circle
  • Add the contrast panel: Take 2 of the top contrast panels & place RST. At the shorts ends sew in place using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. This will create two fabric “loops”.
  • Repeat for the other 2 top contrast panels. You should now have 2 “loops” in the contrast fabric
  • With RST, pin one top contrast loop to the Calico part of the liner along the top of the exterior bin liner, matching at the seams. Sew in place around the loop.
  • Repeat, sewing the remaining top contrast loop to the the PUL part of the liner.
  • Put the PUL lining of the bin liner, wrong sides together with the Calico exterior. Line up the 2 x top contrast panels, match at the seams & pin. Baste the outer and lining together at the top
  • Attach the fold over elastic: Take your bin and pull the elastic firmly around the part of the bin where the top contrast fold over will sit. Measure where it fits comfortably and then take a few cm off this length so that when in place, the bin liner will fit snugly to the bin & keep the liner in place.

Measure Fold Over Elastic

  • Apply the fold over elastic using your preferred method: Please refer to our post here for detailed instructions on the different methods you can use to apply fold over elastic.

 

DIY Reusable & Washable Bin Liner

 

And you’re finished, well done!

Feeling proud? Show us your makes! Tag us @PlushAddict on your favourite social media channel!

Make A Reversible Baby Bib –  Free Pattern And Video Tutorial

Make A Reversible Baby Bib – Free Pattern And Video Tutorial

You have been loving our Dribble Bib blog post, so I thought it was time to show you how to make a reversible baby bib with these gorgeous Farm Days fabrics from Dashwood Studio!

You Will Need…

(Measurements are for 1 bib)

2 Cotton Fabrics min. 25x40cm each (We used Farm Days from Dashwood Studio!)

Thread

Kam snaps

Handy Tools We Used…

Needle Grippers

Pinking Shears

Important Things To Remember…

Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless otherwise stated

When machine sewing, always backstitch at the start and at the end

Pre-wash your fabrics

Drop the stitch length around the curves for a smoother curve

Disclaimer: Suffocation hazard. Never leave a child unattended when wearing a reversible bib. Always remove a bib when a child is sleeping.

Want a ready-to-use pattern? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download the reversible baby bib pattern.

Prefer written instructions? Check out our Dribble bib blog!

Ready? Click below to go to our YouTube channel for a step by step tutorial!

Don’t forget to subscribe for more tutorials and handy fabric guides.

Loved making this? We would love to see your makes over on the Plush Club Facebook group! Feel free to ask any questions there, or in the comments below.

Centered Zip Tutorial For Beginners

Centered Zip Tutorial For Beginners

Have you ever sewn a centred zip? It’s a great zip for beginners to start off with and it’s really not that hard so we’ve put together this Centered Zip Tutorial for you.

If you’re sewing a centred zipper for the first time or want to gain confidence in inserting them, this great tutorial contains a few tips and tricks to help you sew a centred zip.

Once you’ve mastered lining up the zipper tape, which can be the trickiest part, you’ll be able to insert a zipper with confidence and experiment with different types.

Zips! The most frequent task we are asked for help with. And something many get nervous about. With practice and a few surprising tools to hand they aren’t as tricky as you think.

What is a Centred Zip?

A centred zip is a type of zipper insertion in which the zip teeth are centred between the fabric. The fabric covers the sides of the zipper equally meeting in the middle and you are able to see the stitch on either side of the zip.

How to Sew a Centred Zip

 

Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner

You Will Need:

  • A simple zip project; try our cushion tutorial here or a pencil case.
  • A zip 1″ longer than needed, the length of the zip refers to the zip teeth, do not include the tape ends.
  • Contrasting thread for basting
  • Matching thread for sewing
  • Zipper foot
  • Medium weight interfacing

Optional additional resources:

  • Ghost tape (cloudy sticky tape/ Scotch Tape)
  • Lint roller

Top Tip:
While getting the hang of zips, insert them as the first step of your project; it’s far easier to work with flat fabric and it takes the pressure off any potential ‘whoops’ moments.

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Step 1:

Apply a strip of interfacing to each side of the zip opening*. The 2 strips need to be the full length and width of the zip, not exceeding the length of the fabric.

Step 2:

Tidy the raw edges of the zip opening. Use a non-bulky method; zig zag stitch or overlocking are ideal.

Step 3:

Clip the 2 sides of the zip opening right sides together.

Step 4:

Baste along the zip opening with a 1.5cm seam allowance and contrasting thread.

Step 5:

Press the seam open.

*interfacing is not needed for heavier weight fabrics unless they are loosely woven.

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Step 6:

Align the zipper teeth along the seam line. Position the zip pull side down zip bar at the bottom of the project, pull overhanging the top.

Step 7:

Tape the zip in place.

Step 8:

Starting at the top of the project nearest the zip pull, begin sewing using a 2.5 straight stitch length and a zipper foot. Backstitch at the start then sew down to the bottom of the zip. If the zip has a metal bar be careful near the bottom.

Step 9:

Stop sewing just below the bottom bar. Turn and sew across the bottom carefully. Backstitch for added strength.

Step 10:

Turn and sew along the other side of the zip teeth to the top and backstitch

Step 11:

Turn the project over and unpick the basting stitches using a seam ripper. Remove all loose threads (a lint roller can help with this) then test the zip.

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How do I sew a centered zip into a project?

 

To sew the centered zip into the project, vertically pin the opening end of the zip in place then unzip it by 3cm or more before sewing. Carefully backstitch when sewing over the zipper teeth. Excess zip tape can then be cut off.

Zip tips

  • The edge of the zip foot should run alongside the zipper teeth with the needle on the side closest to the teeth.
  • Start sewing on the side that has the least bulk under the sewing machine arm.
  • To keep the zip tape/ seam aligned, sew slowly, keep the edge of the zip tape at the same depth along the seam allowance, the edge or the seam tidying can provide a guideline. Use the presser foot as a guide for keeping the seamline straight; part of it may align with the zipper teeth or part of the zip tape.
  • If alignment is still proving tricky, try sewing from the right side of the fabric, mark just above the bottom bar with a pin to mark where to stop.

We hope you found this centered zip tutorial useful!

Let us know how you get along in the comments below 🙂

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more step-by-step tutorials!

15-Minute Upcycled Fabric Tray Tutorial

15-Minute Upcycled Fabric Tray Tutorial

These cute little fabric trays are a great beginner project. They stitch up quickly and are a very handy cute little item to have dotted around your sewing room. Use them to catch threads or keep your little sewing notions tidy and easy to grab. Perfect as a quick gift, scrap buster and a short satisfying sew…

Aren’t they just the sweetest little things?

You will need:

  • An old pair of jeans

  • 1 FQ Quilting cotton

  • Heavy Iron-on Interfacing or a woven interfacing. Vliseline G700 is great for this

  • Temporary fabric marker

  • Thread

3/8″/ 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed otherwise.

Step 1:

Decide which sized tray you are going to make. Cut your fabrics as per the the table :

Cut the following based on the table above:

1 x square Denim Outer Fabrics

1 x square Inner quilting cotton

2 x squares Interfacing Squares

Step 2: Iron on interfacing squares to the reverse side of both the denim outer & the quilt cotton fabric inner.

Step 3: With RST pin the outer and inner fabrics together

Step 4: Sew round the edge leaving a turning gap of approx 3-5 inches (depending on which sized tray you are making)

Step 5: Trim the fabric on each corner diagonally to reduce bulk, taking care not to snip through your stitches

Step 6: Turn to the right side making sure your corners are crisp (Use a sturdy pin to dig out the excess fabric in the corners helps here)

Pro Tip: The tool pictured above are Needle Grippers and they are SO helpful for turning out projects

Step 7: Press & pin the turning gap closed.

Step 8: Top Stitch all the way around the edge using a 3mm stitch approximately 1/8″ from the fabric edge , closing the turning gap.

Step 9: On both sides of every corner make a mark with a temporary fabric marker the distance from the corner as listed in the table below

Step 9: Match up the 2 marks on each corner so the lining fabric is touching. Over stitch catching both sides of the tray. Repeat for all 4 corners.

Congratulations! You’re done!

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How To: Make A Dribble Bib –  Free Pattern And Tutorial

How To: Make A Dribble Bib – Free Pattern And Tutorial

One of the most popular posts on my blog has consistently been The Best Fabrics for Dribble Bibs  & I’ve been planning on publishing a bib pattern & tutorial for a while now to compliment that post…

In these bibs I chose to use a cotton outer and a bamboo towelling & bamboo velour as backing fabric.

There are loads of other fabric choices you could use – check out the original post to run you through the options and the properties of each fabric

What You Will Need:

(measurements are for 1 bib)

Cotton fabric min. 25x40cm

Absorbent backing fabric min. 25x40cm (Read through your choices here. We prefer bamboo towelling or bamboo velour)

Thread

Kam snaps

*Important Notes*

1 cm seam allowance throughout, unless otherwise directed.

For steps using machine sewing, always backstitch at the start & end unless otherwise stated.

Pre-wash your fabrics

Disclaimer: Suffocation hazard. Never leave a child unattended when wearing a dribble bib. Always remove a bib when a child is sleeping.

Want a ready-to-use pattern? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download the dribble bib pattern.

Step 1: Print and cut the pattern

Print the pattern above.

Use the 1” test square to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check print settings.

Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the ‘fit to page’ option.

Step 2: Cut your fabrics

Cut out the following:

1 outer piece

1 backing piece

Step 3: Sew the pieces together

Sew the 2 pieces of fabric right sides together with a 1cm seam allowance. On one side leave a 5cm opening for turning.

Step 4: Clip the curves

Clip notches or use pinking sheers around the curves.

Step 5: Turning to right side

Turn the bib out the right way and press.

Step 6: Top stitch

Top stitch all the way round the outside 3mm from the edge.

Step 7: Attach the Kam snaps

Attach the Kam snap at the desired positions:

Add the female snap section to your right of the bib, smooth side to the front.

And the male snap section to your left with the smooth side to the back of the bib.

And you’re finished – well done!

If you’re making this as a gift, why not create a few in coordinating fabrics to complement a range of outfits?

Want a ready-to-use pattern? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download the dribble bib pattern.