Fabric Easter Baskets Tutorial

I made fabric easter baskets this weekend for my husband and I. I just couldn't buy one when I knew I could create something with fabric. I searched the internet looking for a pattern or tutorial already figured out for me, but I didn't see anything I liked. This is what I came up with. Please feel free to use this tutorial for personal use.

This will be my first tutorial, so you will need to let me if you can follow it!

Materials Needed:

30 coordinating 3" squares (I used 4 coordinating fabrics)

1pc 13"x9" denim or choice of fabric for basket bottom

1 pc 2" x 18" denim for strap lining

2pc lining fabric 10.5" x 13" for the inside of the basket

1 pc batting 13" x 24"

2 pc medium weight iron on interfacing 10.5" x 13"

1 pc medium weight iron on interfacing 1.5" x 18"

Step 1 Cut all Fabric Pieces to Size and arrange the 3" squares into 2 sets of 3 rows of 5 squares. The squares can be arranged in any manner you choose. Sew 2 sets of square patchwork together using a 1/4" seam. Press seams to one side.

Step 2 Sew the 2 square patchwork sets to the bottom piece of 9"x13" denim fabric.

Step 3 Put the batting under the set and "stitch in the ditch" along the seam that separates the patchwork squares and the denim.

Step 4 I added top stitching on all sides of the squares. This step is optional, but I liked the look and the way it kept the layers together.

Step 5 Fold the patchwork in half with right sides together and sew along both sides. (Fold so that the piece is folded to 13" wide x 12" tall. See step 6 picture) I use pins to make sure all the seams line up and match.

Step 6 Now for the fun part! Cut off 2" from the top of the basket. The remaining piece that you just sewed together should be 10" tall. The piece you cut off will be your basket handle. (If you aren't too precise with your 1/4" seam allowance make the piece you cut off a little smaller. The remaining piece needs to be 10".)

Note: The piece you cut off may be a little 'wobbly' just square it off. You will need to cut one of the side seams to make the piece into a strap. The side seam will also be missing the decorative stitching if you chose to do it, so add the two little stitches if you desire.

Step 7 Box the corners of the patchwork. Measuring 3" up from the corner, making the basket 6" deep. I do not trim the access corner pieces because these pieces help the basket stand. Set to the side.

This is a picture of boxing the lining. I forgot to take a picture of boxing the patchwork, but the process is the same.

Step 8 Lining: Iron the interfacing to the wrong sides of both lining pieces. Sew around three sides of the lining leaving a generous opening on the bottom of the lining. Leave the top (13" wide section) open. You could use 1 pc of lining and leave a hole on the side. I used 2 pieces because my fabric was directional and I wanted everything going in the same direction. I also prefer to turn items through a hole on the bottom rather than the side.

Step 9 Box the corners of the lining using the same measurements as the patchwork. Set to the side.

Step 10 Now let's make the handle. Taking the patchwork piece you cut off, iron a 1/4" seam allowance on one of the long sides of the strap.

Step 11 Iron on the 1.5" x 18" pc of interfacing to the center of the wrong side of the 2"x18" pc of denim. Iron 1/4" seam allowance on the denim handle as well.

Step 12 With right sides together sew down the side of the handle that does not have the seam pressed.

Step 13 Press the handle so that the right sides are out. Sew down the long open side of the handle with coordinating thread. I also top stitched multiple lines down the handle. These are optional.

Step 14 Pin right sides of the basket handle to the patchwork sides.

Step 15 Pin right sides of all the basket layers together. Sew around the top edge of the basket with 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 16 Pull the basket right side out.

Step 17 Push the lining into the basket. Iron and then top stitch around the entire basket. Hand stitch the hole in the bottom of the basket closed.

Step 18 All done!

I added personalization to these baskets. If you would like to do the same...it is easiest if added after Step 4.