Handy Car Bin
- Apr 15, 2020
- 2 min read
I don't know about you but our car always seems to be cluttered with rubbish. It seemed sensible to make something fun and useful that would harness it all.
Instructions below.
Two squares outer fabric 28cm wide by 29cm high. Same in lining (I'm using shower proof fabric) Cut a piece 10cm by 35cm for the strap.
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A strap made the easy way - fold in half lengthways, press a crease at the half way point all the way down the length, open out, then bring the 2 long raw edges to the initial crease and press 2 new folds (these will be a quarter of the way from each long edge,) then fold the long folded edges back together. (the strap will now be a quarter of it's original width) All the longer raw edges will now be enclosed. It also needs the raw edges hiding by folding them in at one end as they'll not be enclosed in a seam. They'll have velcro on.
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Like this
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Leave a 2cm gap on the lining seam, 2.5cm down from the top edge on one side only.
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Leave a gap for turning, along the bottom edge of the lining.
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Use 4 small pieces of Wundaweb to keep the seam allowances glued down either side of the small gap in the side seam and in the same place on the opposite seam. Repeat in the same places on the outer fabric side seams. This will keep the casing open for feeding through the corset boning/parcel strapping.
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Stitch side and bottom seams on outer fabric. No gaps this time.
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Press seams open and trim corners.
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Find half way along one of the top edges of outer fabric (I've notched it) and 'machine tack' the end of the strap in place (the unfinished, raw end).
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Create 'T junction' corners. 8cm across on all four corners. (2 on outer fabric, 2 on the lining)
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Matching up the seams, drop one bag inside the other right sides (RS) together. Stitch all the way around the top. 1.5cm seam.
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Trim seam allowances if necessary. Then, turn right side out and close the gap in the lining by machine edge stitching it.
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Top stitch twice around the top of the bin. Once above and once below the gap. This will form the casing through which you'll push either parcel strapping or corset boning. (This will keep the top open - much easier than faffing about when you're driving).
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Feed the strap by trimming a curve. Feed around the casing until the ends of the strap meet. Then cut. You'll be able to stitch through the strap with a zigzag stitch to close the gap.
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This is the wide zig zag - very small stitch length - to close the gap.
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Lastly, take the bin to your car, with two strips of velcro (one hook and one loop side) and explore where you'd like to hang it. Wonderclip/pin the velcro strips in the correct place until you return to your machine and stitch them in place.
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Ta dah! Your bag is finished.
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This is such a clever little project! I love ideas like this that turn an everyday problem into something practical and handmade. A car bin is one of those simple things that can make a big difference, especially for keeping the space tidy during longer trips. I found https://www.www.drslot.co.uk.co.uk/news/ while browsing, but this tutorial definitely caught my attention more — it’s great to see useful crafts that are also fun to make.
This is such a clever and practical project — a car bin that actually looks good and keeps clutter contained is a total game-changer! Using shower-proof fabric for the lining is a smart touch for spills, and feeding corset boning or parcel strapping through the top casing to keep it open is genius — no more fumbling while driving. The velcro strap makes it easy to hang wherever it's convenient. Useful and satisfying to make! More here: https://chicken-subways.org/
This is such a practical DIY idea! A small car bin is one of those things you don't realize you need until you have one, and it's a great way to keep the interior clean and organized. I also like that you can customize the fabric to match your car or your personal style. If you're interested in discovering more useful ideas and interesting online content, it's worth checking out https://anglia-bet.co.uk/ as well. Simple projects like this can make everyday life a little more convenient.
What a clever and practical sewing project! It’s amazing how such a simple idea can make a big difference in keeping a car tidy and organized. I especially like the addition of the boning or parcel strapping around the top, as it helps the bin stay open and actually makes it easy to use while on the go. The detailed instructions and photos make the process feel very approachable, even for someone who isn’t an advanced sewer. Using waterproof lining fabric is also a smart touch, making the bin more durable and easier to clean. This is the kind of handmade item that combines creativity with everyday usefulness, and it would make a great gift as well. Thanks for sharing…
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