Free Sewing Tutorial: The Scraptastic Basket (2 Sizes!)

Scraptastic Basket Shown here in LARGE size.

My thread and fabric scraps are EVERYWHERE, how about yours? I never have enough thread catching baskets, or baskets of scraps and this one is great because it holds plenty. Also, it stands up on it's own even when empty.

This basket goes together very quickly, and is suitable for a beginner to advanced sewist. Instructions and a downloadable pattern piece are provided just below.

First, a bit about the fabric I've chosen:
I was lucky enough to have some scraps left over from the Jungle Ave fabrics that Sara Lawson from Sew Sweetness sent to me, and decided to whip up a little extra something to show off these Art Gallery Fabrics. This is Sara's first fabric line with AGF and it's just beautiful. I've also made my new tote pattern "Totes Ma Tote" with these and you can read about it HERE.

Now... for the tutorial!!

Shown in Large Size.

DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN PIECES HERE!!

** TIP:  If you would like to try it in different sizes, simply change the size on your photocopier!
** TAPE PIECE A & B TOGETHER TO MAKE ONE PATTERN PIECE.
** Seam allowances are 3/8" (1 cm).
** Backstitch all stops and starts to secure seams.

Materials:

For Exterior:
- Large: 1/2 m (1/2 yd) Quilting cotton or linen (I've used Elephant Skyline by Sara Lawson)
OR Small: 1/4 m (1/4 yd)  (Not a Fat Quarter)
- Fusible Fleece (Such as Pellon Fusible Thermolam Plus)

For Lining:
- Large: 1/2 m (1/2 yd) Quilting cotton or linen (I've used Word on the Street by Sara Lawson)
OR Small: 1/4 m (1/4 yd)  (Not a Fat Quarter)
- Light or medium weight fusible interfacing.

Let's get started:

1) Using the provided paper pattern piece, cut out the following:

- 4 Exterior Fabric
- 4 Fusible Fleece
- 4 Lining Fabric
- 4 Fusible Interfacing

2) Trim the Fusible Fleece and interfacing so that they are about 1/2" (12 mm) smaller around all edges than the fabric pieces.

3) Fuse the Fusible Fleece to the Exterior Fabric pieces, and the Fusible Interfacing to the Lining Fabric pieces using your iron and pressing cloth. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions to do this.

4) With RIGHT SIDES together, pair and pin two exterior pieces together along one long side. Sew down long side, using a 3/8" (1 cm) seam allowance.  Repeat for other two exterior pieces.

5) With RIGHT SIDES together, pair and pin two lining pieces together along one long side. Sew down long side, using a 3/8" (1 cm) seam allowance.  Repeat for other two lining pieces.

6) Take all 4 sets to the ironing board and press back seam allowances so that they are open. Because of the curves, it may be easiest to do it like in the photos below.  First press back one side of seam allowance, flip over unit, and press back the other side. Press all 4 seams open.

7) With RIGHT SIDES together, place one Exterior pair inside the other, as shown below, and pin around long sides, matching centre seams. Sew in place. Press this seam open too.

8) With RIGHT SIDES together, place one lining pair inside the other, and pin around long sides, matching centres. IMPORTANT: You will need to leave about a 4" (10 cm) opening along one side for turning. Sew in place, making sure to leave the opening. Press this seam open.

9) With RIGHT SIDES together, slide lining over exterior piece, matching and pinning at side seams. Pin around top opening.

10) Sew around basket opening. If you have a free arm on your sewing machine, it works well to use it here - I don't, but it still sews up nicely.

11)  Turn basket out through turning hole, and tuck lining down inside exterior.  Pin around Basket opening so that it is secure. Topstitch around opening using a 1/4" (6 mm) seam allowance.

12) Sew hole in lining closed, by either machine stitching next to seam or hand sewing. Fold down top of basket, and you are done!!

** Consider trying this in fabrics to match your baby nursery or office and store all kinds of things.

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment.
Janelle