Sew the Cherry Tree Lane Toy Bins with Sew A Story

by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story

Storage can be beautiful, especially when it tells a story. I created the Cherry Tree Lane Toy Bins as a way to turn everyday organizing into something special. These soft-structured bins look like storybook houses and telephone booths, and are perfect for holding books, toys, art supplies, or even quilts.

This pattern includes three sizes and styles, with detailed piecing that brings each bin to life. You can create a whole neighborhood of bins using fabrics from my Spoonful of Sugar collection for Riley Blake Designs, and they work wonderfully for both playrooms and craft spaces.

To help the bins hold their shape, I used Therm O Web’s HeatnBond Craft Extra Firm Fusible Interfacing, which gives them structure without stiffness. I also recommend Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive for temporarily securing small pieces during layout and SpraynBond Fabric Stiffener to give added support to your fabric before construction.

Materials You’ll Need

Fabric & Supplies:

• Assorted fabrics from the Spoonful of Sugar collection (Riley Blake Designs)
• Cardboard inserts (as sized in the pattern)
• Basic sewing tools, thread, scissors
• Embroidery floss or HeatnBond Sew A Story Sparkle Paste for embellishment (optional)

Therm O Web Products:

• HeatnBond Craft Extra Firm Fusible Interfacing to add strength and shape to the panels
• Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive for temporarily securing small appliqué or embroidered pieces
• SpraynBond Fabric Stiffener to add crispness to outer panels for cleaner lines and handling

Step-by-Step Highlights

1. Piece the Panels

Each bin begins by piecing front, back, and side panels to resemble charming houses or a classic red telephone booth. Use the Stitch and Flip method and refer to the layout diagrams in the pattern. Add embroidery or surface decoration as you go.

2. Fuse Interfacing

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fuse HeatnBond Craft Extra Firm Interfacing to the back of all main panels. This gives the bins their shape and durability while keeping them soft.

3. Assemble the Body

Sew panels together in a loop, then attach the base. Turn right side out, press, and fold the top edge over. The cardboard inserts slide into sleeves to form a stable interior, allowing your bins to stand upright.

4. Create the Bottom Insert

Each bin includes a removable bottom insert with an interfaced fabric sleeve wrapped around a cardboard rectangle. This keeps the bins structured while still washable and collapsible when needed.

Where to Use Them

These bins look adorable:

• Lined up on a child’s bookshelf
• Tucked into cube storage for toys or clothes
• On top of a dresser filled with baby items
• In a craft room holding fat quarters, trims, or tools

You can even use them seasonally. Fill the telephone booth bin with red and white gifts at Christmastime, or use the house bins for classroom organization.Try the Pattern Club Free

Therm O Web readers can enjoy one free month in the Sew A Story Pattern Club. Each month includes one new craft pattern and one new quilt pattern, along with detailed tutorials, project ideas, and creative community support.

If you loved the Cherry Tree Lane Toy Bins, this month’s featured craft pattern inside the club is this exact project.

Join HERE

Use code: ONEFREEMONTH

You can also watch more about the Cherry Tree Lane Toy Bins on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANkjHwYNHfA

Let’s Sew Together

Sewing something functional and story-driven is always a joy. These bins have quickly become some of my most-used items at home, and I hope they bring both organization and charm into your creative space.