Monday 7 May 2012

Fabric Basket Tutorial...

Tutorial showing how to make a fabric basket ~ Threading My Way


A couple of weeks ago, I made this little fabric basket for a baby shower. It's a quick and easy present to make. Does it look familiar? That's right. It's the same shape as the fabric basket I made for the Typography Challenge.


Today I'll show you how to make your own fabric basket, which measures 6" x 6" x 3".

Materials:
  • 2 pieces 10 inches x 8 inches - main colour for the outside of the bag
  • 2 pieces 10 inches x 8 inches - contrast colour for the lining
  • 2 pieces 10 inches x 8 inches - interfacing
I used a medium to heavy weight, woven sew-in interfacing, but you could substitute this with a different weight interfacing, with iron-on interfacing or with batting. It all depends on the look you are after. I wanted my basket to be able to stand up by itself.

Instructions:
All seams are 3/8" (1cm), unless otherwise indicated.


Outside of bag - sew front to back:
I sew the interfacing to the fabric, before I sew, to stop any movement. If you are using iron-on interfacing, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

  1. Sew the interfacing to the wrong side of each outside piece of fabric. Sew close to the edge of the fabric.
  2. With right sides of the main fabric together, sew the side and bottom seams.
  3. Make boxed corners.


Making the box corner:

  1. Measure 1.5 inch from the corner seam (don't measure from the edge of the fabric) in both directions and on both sides of the fabric. 
  2. Put a mark to show where 1.5 inch is. You will have four marks.
  3. Pull out the sides of your bag.
  4. Place one seam on top of the other seam.
  5. Put your pin through the top mark. If the pin comes out through the mark on the other side, your boxed corner will line up. 
  6. If the pin is not coming out through the mark on the other side, reposition the fabric until it does.
  7. Face the seams in opposite directions to reduce bulk.
  8. Take the pin out and hold the fabric in place. If you would like, hand sew in place to hold.
  9. With a ruler, draw a line across the fabric.
  10. Sew across the line. I sew a couple of times for reinforcement.
  11. Cut the fabric and neaten.
  12. Repeat for the other side.




Sewing the lining:

  1. Sew the two side seams.
  2. Sew the bottom seam, leaving a gap of 3 inches.
  3. Probably not necessary, but I neaten the edges.
  4. Make boxed corners as per the outside of the bag.


Attach the lining to the outside of the bag:
  1. Place the bag inside the lining. ie: the right side of the bag is next to the right side of the lining.
  2. Line up the top edges of the lining and the outside.
  3. Baste (hand sew) the top edges of the lining and the outside.
  4. Sew a 3/8inch seam to join the top edges of the lining and the outside of the bag.
  5. Neaten the seam.





Turn the bag right side out:
  1. Put your fingers through the hole in the bottom of the lining.
  2. Gently pull the right side of the bag out through the lining.
  3. Topstitch the gap in the lining.






Finishing off:
  1. Push the lining back into the bag.
  2. Iron the top edge of the bag.
  3. Topstitch 1/8inch (3mm) from the edge, around the top of the bag.
  4. Fold over the top about 1.5".




You have finished your fabric basket. It's now time to fill it with goodies.


Yeah, I know the stripes don't line up. Hey, once it's filled no one will see it. If you are using striped fabric, positon the stripes so they line up, when you are cutting the fabric.


I filled my basket with baby goodies from Little Ladybird and some books. The present went down well at the baby shower. 


You can, of course, make the basket in different sizes and for different purposes. Just adjust the measurements and fabric.

Leave me a link in the comments, to any fabric baskets you make using this tutorial. I'd love to have a look.

... Pam


Fabric Basket Tutorial - how to make one by Threading My Way


Edited to add: If you make a basket using this tutorial, I'd love you to add it to the newly formed Threading My Way ~ Sewn by YOU Flickr group. Feel free to add any projects made with Threading My Way tutorials.

90 comments:

  1. This would make a great baby shower gift, that fabric is really cute!
    Wonderful tutorial Pam!

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  2. Very cute - that fabric is gorgeous! Nice idea to fill it with gifts for a shower.

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  3. Very pretty color and pattern combination. Such a nice gift for shower or other purposes. It holds well goodies. Loving it.

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  4. The tutorial is so awesome and clear - you are so generous to share it - I am so going to do this!

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  5. I love this, thanks for sharing the tutorial, I've pinned it hope that's ok. Do you think if I made some my children would keep things tidy? Worth a try!

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  6. I love the fabrics you have used! I think I might be making some for the kids rooms out of the spare material from their curtains, they might keep the clutter tidy :)

    Alison
    x

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  7. Oh wow Pam! This is so cute! Just love the fabrics!!! Thanks for sharing x

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  8. I love the basket and was just thinking yesterday, as I wrapped a birthday present, that it might be a good idea to make some cloth bags for presents. This is even better. Lovely colours. Clever idea and instructions very clear.

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  9. Pam,
    Thanks for sharing this project, I have always wanted to make these! Your's is adorable!

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  10. Hi Pam. This is a well written tutorial. Love the finished result :-)

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  11. I absolutely love this! I am going to Pin it as I have three baby showers coming up in the next few months. Thanks for the idea!

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  12. Great tutorial! These would look really cute in my sons room. Thanks for sharing!

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  13. Adorable! Love that alphabet print....I've nearly purchased it several times myself! :) I'm a sucker for ABC and number prints for some reason!
    Cute tutorial too!!! :)

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  14. Pam this is such a great tut! I just love your fabric choices. I'm pinning this and putting it on my "I want to make" list! :) xoxo

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  15. ADORABLE! I am going to be putting this on my craft to-do list for sure! : )
    - Hope
    http://hopefuloneblog.blogspot.com/

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  16. Seems simple enough - ooh the possibilities! Thanks!

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  17. awesome tutorial! i love the idea of giving a gift in a basket that can be reused!

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  18. Gorgeous little basket Pam! As always a beautifully clear tutorial - and such great fabric!!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  19. I've always wanted to make fabric baskets. Thank you very much for a wonderful tutorial,Pam. I will have to try this out. :)

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  20. This is adorable, I love it!

    Shannon@SewSweetCottage

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  21. I make tote bags all the time with the liner pull out method since I don't have a serger..But I love this idea and the use of heavy weight interfacing..THank you for that idea..

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  22. This is a great project! I love the fabric you chose! Would you consider linking this up at my Pinworthy Projects Party?

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  23. What a cute basket and awesome tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing!
    Quilting at the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  24. So cute! You chose the perfect fabric. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome tutorial at Etcetorize~

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  25. Darling little bag. Thank you for a very well written tute. Clear and easy to understand. Nice pictures. Great idea.
    [I'm visiting from Connie's Tues LinkyParty]

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  26. Great tutorial and I love the fabric you chose.

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  27. Oh thank you, Pam. This looks do-able even for a beginner like me. A great tutorial. x

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  28. So cute! Great tutorial. Thanks Pam x

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  29. Fantastic Pam!!! I might just have to do some for the baby's room at some stage - something to add to the never ending list! LOL

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  30. This is fantastic! I want to go make one for my little mans room right now! I would love to have you share this at my link party and even enter the giveaway! As always you projects are amazing!

    http://www.pincushioncreations.com/2012/05/homemade-by-you-11-giveaway.html

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  31. These are great! Awesome job!
    Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse Party! I'll be featuring this tomorrow. :)

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  32. cute. have pinned. I always like your stuff.

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  33. HI, Pam

    Love the tutorial. I am going to have to try this out. I found your lovely blog on Polk a dot link party. Love looking around your lovely blog. Have a great Mother's Day. I am a new follower too. Love for you to stop by www.homesweetbutterfly.com

    Vanessa

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  34. I'm going to use this to make a cover for the potted plant I bought my mother for Mother's day. Thanks for the tutorial!

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    Replies
    1. What a fabulous idea!!! I'd love to see a photo when you make it...

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  35. Nice! I'll definitely be making some of these.

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  36. This is great! I actually think I could do this!

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  37. Love this one Pam, and thanks so much for the tutorial and for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday!

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  38. Hi Pam, this is lovely, thanks for the tutorial. I have just selected my fabrics and will make one for my mum who had a birthday a couple of weeks ago and is visiting us for the weekend. Will come back and let you know how it turned out. Irina xx

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  39. I just bought a pattern to make some fabric buckets like this! I'm sure I'll be referring to your wonderful tutorial. Thanks for sharing with us this week!

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  40. Thank you for sharing on Blog Stalking Thursday. This is a great tutorial! You have been featured with this week's party! Don't forget to stop by and grab the feature button and wear it proudly!

    Thanks for sharing!

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  41. I totally LOVE this idea! I am going to fill my daughter's room with these. I have just been inspired to go and work on her accessories. Thanks!
    Mamajillof2crafts.blogspot.com

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  42. Wow, I have a baby shower coming up...this is perfect and I just happen to have some "baby" fabric in my stash. What a great idea.

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  43. Hi Pam, I made your fabric basket today and posted about it. Here is the link http://sewtlc.blogspot.co.il/2012/08/cosmetics-storage-baskets.html
    Thanks for the great tutorial!

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  44. Love it! Pinned it to make for Christmas gifts this year.

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  45. thank-you so much for the tutorial. I have sewed up 3 bags so far. I love them and you instructions were so easy to follow.

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  46. Wonderful, I like very much. Thank you for share this Tutorial¡¡¡ With Love from Venezuela.

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  47. Congrats for being featured on "Totally Tutorials!"
    Your tut made it look sew easy. enJOYed

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  48. I so want to have a go at making this but I can't work out what size I would need to cut my fabric to make a slightly smaller box that was 4 inches square by 4 inches tall. Are you able to help me please?! Thank you :-)

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    1. I've made a denim fabric basket that is roughly 4" x 4". Try following the instructions for the small basket, adding maybe 1/2" to all measurements for seam allowances. It will end up taller than 4", but I folded mine down and it is 4". I'd love to see yours finished if you end up making one.

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  49. i made some fabric baskets! thanks for the tutorial!

    here's the link. i made the other one bigger to hold more stuff.
    http://sweetmargoso.blogspot.com/2012/11/for-basurera-in-all-of-us.html

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  50. Wonderful tutorial, Pam! Thanks for linking up to my Pin Me Party! I've pinned it.

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  51. I just pinned you too, what a good tut, clear pictures and directions. Well done!

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  52. Hi Pam, thanks for the tutorial! I'm compiling a list of my fave tutes for my blog (mochwildchild.blogspot.com) and wanted to ask permission to link to this one, thanks.

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  53. hi. thanks for the tutorial.....

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  54. Thanks for sharing!I made this!:))

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  55. Thanks for the tutorial. I have pinned it to my board.
    http://pinterest.com/aniwasabi/

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  56. Hi there, I have just bought a sewing machine & this will be my first project ! Thanks for the tutorial.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I'd love to see photos when you finish! Have fun with your sewing machine.

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  57. Thanks for your tutorial. I made one of these yesterday. Pictures are on my blog. http://quiltandcook.blogspot.com/2013/04/fabric-basket.html
    Tina

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  58. I've been making these in every size shape and color. Wonderful for different occasions!

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  59. Love your choice of fabric. This would make a great peg basket.

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  60. I'm making some larger ones to fit on a shelf for storage in my bedroom - much prettier than plastic baskets :) Thank you!

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  61. i love your instructions! they are so easy to follow with the photos showing exactly what step you are doing. thank you ! i'm going to make this today

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. Have fun making your basket and I'd love to see a photo.

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  62. Hello Pam. I'm very pleased I happened across your lovely blog. I've made one of your fabric baskets and intend to make many more. I love them. Thank you. My blog is http://mandy-pipe.blogspot.fr if you want to see a photo.

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  63. Thank you very much for this tutorial, I used it make Easter Baskets. You can see my blog post about the project on http://skimmingstones.co.za/sewing-lined-quilted-easter-baskets-bags/ I have back linked to this post

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  64. Great idea! Would like to make these for organizing my craft space. Thanks for sharing the pattern in such detail!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Luci. I'd love to see pics when you make some.

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  65. Thank you so much for the tutorial. I made my first basket today to hold my random fat quarters. It worked beautifully! Great tutorial!

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    1. Glad your first basket worked out well. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I'd love to see pics.

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  66. Wow, no wonder so many people love your tutorial! It's also one of our favorites from last week's craft party! Domenica picked it. Come see it being featured tonight at 7pm EST. www.diy-crush.com

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  67. I must try this! I like this basket more than the ones I make with 4 tabs. I guess I'm tired of sewing on buttons! haha Thank you for the tutorial! I've saved it to make one as soon as I'm finished with my first 'nightmare' quilt! LOL

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  68. I made 4 of these baskets today. Your tutorial was perfect.

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  69. Having so much trouble printing the instructions, Help Pearl

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  70. My email address is vicandpearl0@gmail.com

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  71. My SIL is due any day! I think I will try this a little larger and use thin strips of Velcro to secure the layers along the top stitching but put panels of cardboard in between the layers so the sides will be more rigid.

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    1. Love to hear how the reinforcing for extra structure goes, Kat.

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  72. I'm going to make a few for babyshower gifts and fill up. I'm having a new grandbaby in August can't wait....

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    1. This little basket went down well at a baby shower, Kim. Enjoy your new little grandbaby come August!

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  73. Love this tutorial! I am a beginner but I think I will be able to make it. I bought some fabric with cute elephants in pink and gray. I think it will be perfect for it.

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