Collapsible Bucket

A simple fabric bucket that has been designed to be rigid enough to stand on its own, yet pliable enough to be folded for easy storage.

The use of heavy-weight fabrics, rather than paper-like interfacing, allows for great recovery even after folding/storage.

Etsy Sew Useful Listing

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6215452

Step 1 Recommended Fabrics

Duck, heavy twill, drill, canvas, denim

Comments

[Laurie in Maine]

Cool :) I've started using reusable bags for grocery shopping and I feel bad for the baggers when they won't stay open. I've been on a 'recycle with denim jeans' kick so will try a blue jeans version... ASAP!

[ravenarelics]

I agree! I am learning new sewing techniques and developing some of my own. I've considered using an old coat hanger sewn into the rim... will bend into keep closed, bend out to open. We might want to use coated hangers, though, for while washing they might rust. What do you think?

[ravenarelics]

I REALLY love this bag and hope to make one soon. I have an Etsy shop and sell bags there. I like to use recycled materials. Do you think it would stand nice and stiff if I interface it with denim? Vicki

[frogangel]

Thank you so much for the instructions, It will come handy.

[Dalya]

This is awesome. I love this idea. When I saw this tut I thought I was gonna need some flexible plastic or something like that. But it's just a circular pattern :D Beautiful choice of fabrics and I love the buttons.

[mycroftxxx]

What changes would need to be made to convert this into a foldable "survival" bucket that can hold and transport water?

[princessbunnyrooroo]

Maybe use Goretex like fabric- and use seam sealant to waterproof your stitches. Or if you were wanting to go the old fashioned way I believe they used canvas or tightly woven hemp burlap (modern burlap is not close, but you could "reweave it" to be tighter) and it was waterproofed with pitch. Heat the pitch in a can wired to a stick, over the fire. smooth it onto/into the fabric with a hot rock while wearing thick gloves. It flows into the fibers well then cools to a pliable, water proof barrier. When rolling or folding up we stored our dishtowels and washcloths in it so it didn't stick to itself.

[worldzend]

Three things I can think of right off: Line the bucket with a plastic grocery bag Oil the fabric with linseed oil to make old fashioned oilcloth Make the bucket from modern vinyl oilcloth

[woolfood]

I'm not certain but just speculating..... A self healing fabric, maybe a neoprene of some sort for avoiding leaking through stitch holes. I know that 'back in the day' canvas was used to transport water at least for short distances. But I think it was heavier grade than I've used or at least heavier than I'm willing to put through my machine. A vintage machine could handle that sort of weight. Another line of thinking....I used to cloth diaper my children and I used wool as a moisture repellent. You could try to make the bag in a wool flannel and then felt it up when it's done. That would minimize wicking through stitch holes. I'd definately raise the walls several inches, just to maximize volume. Katie

[mymsie]

Thanks for this awesome tutorial! The instructions are so clear and the photos are very helpful. Such a clever pattern. Here's my first try.

[Lucky Bear]

Thanks so much for this! I made one yesterday! Mine isn't quite as rigid as yours looks, although I used heavy cotton curtain fabric...perhaps I will use a heavier fabric B next time, as I just used dress material for that bit. Anyway, a really sweet design, just wanted to say thanx so much because I love it!

[jkluit]

I cannot believe it! I made virtually the same thing, same fabric et al for teacher's gifts this past May. I did ribbon handles with grommets but it is nearly identical. How crazy is that. Oh, I also stitched coordinating pockets to the outside and filled them with summer goodies, like flip flops, bubbles, journals etc. How interesting.

[jrodehickey]

I've been looking for a grocery tote that will stand up on its own.

[SoftAscent]

Great instructable. I'm going to try this out.

[trinit]

I has a bucket.

[mrmath]

You've got some Mad Sewing Skillz there!