Wedding Gift Fabric Baskets (Free Pattern)

I shared with you before that I made this fabric basket.  Well, that was fun to make.  It inspired me to (finally) catch up on these wedding gifts I fully intended on making before a new baby and a big move happened.  You see, I could have just sent something fabulous that was made in China, but when all these weddings are cousins? Well, I can't just give them anything.  Family deserves hand stitched in my book.

Although my projects are usually easy to 'whip up', these were a tad more time consuming. I did end up just using heat n bond for the letters (Heat n bond doesn't stand up to the washing clothes get, but it's perfect for these, as they won't be washed regularly when used as baskets. ) I love them and I hope the recipients do as well. 

A funny story...my husband saw them and said "Wow, those are great! So professional looking.  Only, if that one was mine, I wouldn't want to carry it around."  He thought they were man purses.  Ha!  Dudes-don't feel like you need to bring them to the mall.

Anyway, I am going to ignore my guilt and show you how behind I was on wedding gifts. Oops.  Please forgive me.

I did have a little help.

  (And did you notice she's wearing an upcycled mama made dress?
 


 I'm most happy with them.  I did make an extra set and am planning on putting on etsy (as I have not updated that site in forever).  If you are thinking you'd like to purchase them, give me a shout and we can work out a deal.

Or better yet, make your own. Directions are coming right up: 



Wedding Gift Fabric  Baskets
DIY Instructions (5/8 seam allowance)

You will need this for the letter templates.

1) Cut fabric
Tan fabric Sides:  Cut two 12in x 6in.
Thick Black Fabric Bottom:  Cut one 12in x 7in.
Thinner fabric Back Straps: Cut two 12in by 3in
Thinner fabric Batting and Lining: Cut one of each 12 in. by 17 1/2 in

2) Pin and sew side to bottom, right sides together along longest side.

 3) Do the same on the opposite side. Press seams
 
 4) Fold entire piece in half with right sides together, matching seams and stitch along sides. Press.
5) Fold seamed sides in.  This creates a triangle, as shown below.  Measure 1 1/2 inches in, mark and stitch.  Do the same on the other side.

 

It should look like this. Turn right side out. Set aside.

6) Fold each end of the long edges of the straps in 1/4 inch.  Press.

Fold in half, press to form strap.  

 

Stitch the two sides together. 

 7) Pin straps to the right side of the fabric basket. Baste in place.

 

8) Place the batting on top of the lining.

  

 Fold right in half as shown, stitching along both lateral sides.

 9) Make triangles at side bottoms the same way as described above.  Turn the right side out and press.

 10) Flip the outer basket back to having the wrong side out.  In it, place the lining in, like so, matching the seams. Stitch in place, leaving a 2 inch gap.

 11) Feed the bag through the 2 inch gap. Press, bag, pin opening and top stitch entire upper edge.

12) Cut out paper templates (link here.)  Iron heat n bond on the wrong side of fabric.  Place the letters upside down on the heat n bond.  Trace. Cut. Iron on basket.

 And there you have it, fabric wedding baskets, perfect for a wedding gift. Go ahead, give it a try.

 (Although beware, before you know it, you could have this many made.)  Hand made is the way to go.

It's Homemade Living Wednesday. 

Today is: 

  Me!

Tammy- http://www.ourneckofthewoods.net/

Mary - http://homegrownonthehill.blogspot.com

Next Wednesday is:

Staci - http://lifeatcobblehillfarm.com/ 

 Daisy - http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com  

Sue-The Little Acre That Could