Did you ever want to make your own fabric basket and Easter eggs? Here are two tutorials to help you make both! (This post was updated in 2022)
I have to say, I’m so happy March is here. It’s probably one of my favorite months. And with Easter coming early in the calendar (only a few weeks away) I thought it would be a good time to share this easy tutorial to make your own fabric basket as well as a link to a tutorial to make fabric eggs.
Fabric Basket Tutorial
The basket comes together quickly – and looks like patchwork thanks to the fun patchwork ‘cheater’ prints – but would look great in any fun, spring prints.
The fabric requirements for this project are:
- ¼ yard outside fabric (patchwork cheater print)
- ¼ yard lining fabric (pink polka dots)
- ¼ yard Pellon Fusible Fleece (987F)
- ½ yard Pellon Shape Flex 101
For Full Pattern + Basket Template PDF: CLICK HERE
Using the pattern template, cut 2 outside pieces, 2 lining pieces, 2 Fusible Fleece pieces, and 2 Shape Flex pieces. For handle cut two 2″ x 8″ strips from exterior fabric and two 1 ½″ x 8″ strips from Shape Flex.
Before you adhere the Fusible Fleece and the Shape Flex to the backs of the fabric pieces, trim ¼′ off all the way around each piece. This will reduce bulk in the seams as you assemble the basket.
Following manufacturers instructions, adhere the Fusible Fleece to the wrong side of the exterior fabrics and the Shape Flex to the wrong side of the lining fabric.
This is optional, but I added some simple quilting lines to the exterior pieces after the Fusible Fleece had been adhered, just to give the bag some texture and to add to the patchwork look.
Pin two exterior pieces and two lining pieces right sides together. Sew ¼″ seams on both sides and bottom of the units. (See black lines)
Press all seams open. To create a box-bottom for the basket bring the two edges of the notched squares together. Match up seam allowances to keep bottom square and pin edges together. Sew a ¼″ away from the edge. Do this on both corners of the exterior piece but **only one corner of the lining piece.**
Fold down top edge of the basket where the handle will attach ¼″ and press to crease. Turn exterior piece right-sides-out and place inside the lining piece.
Start by matching up seams and pin two layers, right sides together, all the way around the basket.
Starting on the right side of where the handle will attach, sew a ¼″ seam all the way around the basket top, to where the next handle will attach. Leave a gap there and sew again around to the original side.
Pull bag exterior right-sides-out through the bottom corner left open in the lining. To close this corner, tuck edges in, pin and top-stitch the opening closed. (By pulling through the corner, the bottom of the basket looks neater.)
Tuck lining inside the basket exterior and use an iron to give the basket a good press and help shaping it. Pin all around the edges (make sure the seam is not rolled inside the two layers) and top stitch all the way around the top edge of the basket, leaving an opening again where the handles will be inserted.
Making the handle: Fuse Shape Flex to the back side of the two handle pieces and sew both long sides together. Turn right-sides out, press well, and top-stitch along both sides to give the handle a more finished look. Carefully trim away bottom corners to make handle easier to insert.
Insert one end of the handle about an inch down inside the opening for the handle. Finish top-stitching over the handle to secure it in place. (If you plan to carry heavy things in the basket, make sure the handle is extra secure.
Insert other end of the handle on opposite side and repeat to finish the basket.
When the handle is finished, the basket will have a kind of rounded appearance (see top basket in photo). If you would like your basket to have boxed corners (like the one on the bottom) there’s a simple step below. (I personally like it because it gives the basket a little more shape.)
Just pinch the two sides together at each corner and whip-stitch a few stitches at the corner to pinch those sides together. Use a coordinating thread to camouflage the stitches. Repeat at all four corners.
This will give the basket a little more of a box-y look. Either is fine!
Fabric Eggs Tutorial
I also made a bunch of fabric eggs to go in my baskets. I used the wonderful Fabric Easter Egg tutorial from Retro Mama. Her eggs are so pretty. I think I might make a bunch more this year. (Update – the photos weren’t showing up on this older post anymore.)
There is another fabric eggs tutorial/pattern with video instruction here.
I hope you enjoy this fun little project making your own fabric basket and eggs to get ready for Spring and Easter!
Click HERE for the free BASKET PATTERN PDF.
If you’re looking for other Spring/Easter-inspired projects, I’ve collected a bunch of pretty ones on this pinboard:
Follow Amy Smart’s board Spring Sewing on Pinterest.
*this post contains an affiliate link
dolores
I love, love, love this little basket. Such an easy way to make it and add the handles! Bravo!! Love the idea of leaving a boxed corner open for pulling through too…will remember that for other projects! Very handy size and shape for use on a dresser or to hold cloth napkins on a table!
Thanks so much for the tut chica!!:)
xo
Amy Smart
Thanks friend! Happy spring to you!
sally keller
cute, cute, cute, Amy!! I hope to make some of these this month!!! Thanks for sharing this tutorial!! Blessings!
Jamie
This is too cute!!! I like how you used the patchwork fabric for the outside. Great idea!!!! I just might have to try this with some Japanese fabric then!
Katarzyna Wójcik- Respendowicz
So sweet:)))))))))))
Diana
Any chance you could offer this in pdf form? I love to save these to make when I have time 🙂
Amy Smart
I read your mind. 😉
Just updated the post with a downloadable PDF pattern. Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B84-9qxKZITOeG41WTdvaTlDNWs/view
Mauigrandma5
omg how darling…Happy Spring… I’ll have to make for my one girl grand daughter…4 boys 1 girl…
Thank you for sharing ..
Ilona
This is so beautiful. Its probably my favorite project of all. I love how detailed it is. It will be an amazing addition to Easter Celebration. Thank you so much for sharing. Your blog is beautfil and so are your projects!
Mary Wright
Thank you Amy for this PDF I love this little basket. Unfortunately I couldn’t get the template pattern to come up is there anything that I can do other than making my own pattern up?
Amy Smart
Hmm… Tell me what happens when you click on the link.
Lara B.
Amy that is the cutest little Easter basket and eggs. A really great tutorial too – thanks! I love the little star quilt with the bunnies att eh end too!
Mara
So cute, love it!
Amy
Thank you for this tutorial! I made one last night and three more planned today. It’s cute as can be and your instructions and photos were crystal clear. Thanks again!
Marybeth
I may have asked this already, but…What are the finished dimensions of this project?
Genevieve Caswell
Hi Amy,
I just wanted to say Thank You for all the things you show us & pattern you give to us. I know you have to be super busy with your life and I for one appreciate it. 🙂
Charlotte
this is a lovely tutorial and a lovely piece of work – I want to make several to store sewing bits and bobs in and have ordered the pellon products to do this. Thank you so much for sharing
Deborah
The Free Pattern is no longer there.
Amy
Which pattern is no longer there? I just checked the links to the basket and the eggs tutorial and they both worked for me, but I definitely want to fix something if it’s not taking you to the right place.
Thanks for your feedback.
loralynnann
The basket and eggs pattern is no longer available. I would love to make this if possible! TIA
Amy
So sorry about the download headache. Google changed all of the file links on downloads from google docs. I’ve updated the file link and you can find the free pattern here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cadp83k8rmd68gx/Amy%20Smart%20Fabric%20Basket%20Pattern.pdf?dl=0
Thanks and Enjoy!
PATRICIA CARVALHO TORRES
poderia especificar as medidas?
50×48? nao entendi muito bem 1/4
obrigada
becca22321
Amazing and so adorable!!
choxton
Thank you so much for this adorable basket pattern, fun and lovely. I made this for my daughter, and mailed it to California last week, so she could have it by Easter, thanks again. The tutorial is wonderful, too. You are very talented and sweet sharing the pattern. Carolyn H
Amy
You’re welcome. I’m so glad!
choxton
The link worked fine for me, thanks