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Sew a Patchwork Fabric Bin from Quilt Blocks

February 18, 2025 by Anne Weaver

Sew a Patchwork Fabric Bin from Quilt Blocks

Small bins and boxes are a great way to get a handle on surface clutter on a desk or work surface.  Loose pens and office supplies look messy when just sitting on your desk, but organized when they’re all collected in to a small bin.  Becky from Patchwork Posse shows how you can create the cutest little fabric bins to help organize your space.  You can use these little fabric bins to control clutter at a desk or office space.  They’d also be great in a craft room or sewing space to hold notions and other small items. 

These fabric bins have patchwork panels on all four sides.  This is a great way to use up orphan quilt blocks.  Or, if you’ve been wanting to give quilting a try, this project would let you try making some quilt blocks without having to take on a large scale project like a full quilt.  Each bin uses four  6 ½” square quilt blocks (plus other scraps for bottom and lining) to create a bin that’s roughly 5 ¾” square. 

This would also be a great project for using up smaller scraps.  Instead of making traditional quilt blocks, you could use a crumb piecing method to piece your tiny scraps into the 6 ½” blocks you’d need for this project.

Once you have the blocks sewn, this is a quick and easy project you can sew up in an afternoon or less.  The tutorial at Patchwork Posse includes step by step instructions telling you how to sew a small fabric bin.

In addition to the quilt blocks and fabric for the bottom and lining, you’ll also need some batting or fusible fleece to put between the outside and the lining.  The batting or fleece will help give body to the fabric bin. 

Head over to Patchwork Posse to see how to make these cute little fabric bins. 

[photo credit: Patchwork Posse]

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Have you read?

That Time a Thrift Store Employee Shamed Me – And Your Honest Responses

A few months ago, I wrote “That Time a Thrift Store Employee Yelled at Me – And Changed How I See Thrift Flips Forever

My inbox was flooded with messages from all of you, some agreeing, some furious, and many sharing your own thrifting wake-up calls. Today, I want to revisit the debate with your voices front and center.

The Incident That Started It All

If you missed the original article, here’s the gist: I was browsing my local thrift store for vintage linens (my weakness) when an employee called me out for being a “TikTok flipper.” She wasn’t wrong—I had repurposed thrifted finds before—but her frustration hit hard: “These used to be $2. Now they’re $20. because of people like you.”

Ouch.

I left that day with my fabric and a guilty conscience. But after hearing from hundreds of you, I realized this isn’t just about me—it’s a big, messy issue with valid points on both sides.

What You Told Me: The For & Against Thrift Flipping Debate

“Thrift Flipping is Gentrification – Period.”

From readers who sided with the thrift store employee:

“I work at a Salvation Army, and it’s INFURIATING to watch resellers clear out our plus-size section just to chop it up for ‘aesthetic’ crop tops. Those clothes were someone’s only affordable option.” – M., Ohio

“My mom raised three kids on thrift store clothes. Now? She can’t even afford to shop there. The ‘sustainable’ crowd priced out the people who actually need these stores.” – Anonymous

“If you want to upcycle, go to the ‘damaged’ bin. Leave the wearable stuff for people who can’t afford to be picky.” – R., Texas

“But Thrift Flipping Is Sustainable – Don’t Shame Creativity!”

From readers who pushed back:

“I’ve been flipping thrifted clothes for 15 years—long before TikTok. Thrift stores have always had resellers. Blame corporations, not crafters.” – L., Portland

“I’m a college student. Thrift flipping lets me afford ‘new’ clothes. Should I feel guilty for not being poor enough to ‘deserve’ thrift stores?” – Anonymous

“The real issue is overproduction. Fast fashion dumps 100B garments a year, but we’re fighting over who ‘deserves’ a $5 shirt?” – K., UK

And then there were the nuanced takes:

“I stopped flipping name-brand or plus-size items after reading your article. But I’ll still upcycle stained tablecloths or torn sheets—stuff nobody else would buy.” – J., Michigan

“Thrift stores themselves are the problem. They’re corporations now. My local shop is owned by a millionaire who jacks up prices, then blames ‘flippers’ for the backlash.” – Anonymous

Where Do We Go From Here?

After reading your messages, here’s where I’ve landed:

  1. Blame the system, not the stitchers.Thrift stores are becoming corporations. Fast fashion is the root issue. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
  2. Be mindful. Ask Is this item still usable as-is? Could someone else need it more? If yes, maybe leave it.
  3. Get loud about the real villains. Petition thrift stores to cap prices. Boycott brands like Shein. Support actual charity shops.

Your Turn

This isn’t a black-and-white issue, and I’m not here to lecture. But after hearing from you, I’m convinced: we can thrift flip ethically—if we’re willing to adapt.

So tell me: Have you changed how you thrift since this debate started? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.

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