Tutorial: Gathered Round Basket

I had a few requests for instructions on how to make the gathered round basket that I made last week. This is an easy project and the baskets can be made in any size, are fully reversible,  and are useful for so many things.

Materials: (to make a basket measuring 4 1/2 inches diameter and 1 3/4 inches high)

• 2 pieces of cotton fabric cut into circles with a 8 inch diameter (I used a small side plate as a template)
• 1 piece of fusible wadding (such as parlan or pellon) cut into a circle with an 8 inch diameter 
• strip of fabric measuring 2 1/4 inch x 14 inch (for binding)

Instructions:

1. Fuse the wadding to the fabric circle that will form the outside of the basket, following manufacturers directions.

2. Baste the basket lining and basket outer together with the wrong sides facing.

3. Using a long straight stitch, sew a gathering stitch around the perimeter of the circle, close to the edge. Stitch a second gathering stitch close to the first gathering stitch. Ensure both gathering stitches are within the 1/4 inch seam allowance. 

4. Gently pull the two ends of thread on the wrong side, the fabric will gather along the thread.

5. Secure the threads at one end to prevent the stitches from pulling out.

6. Even out the gathers until the circumference of the circle measures approximately 12 inches. When all the gathers are in place, use a standard machine stitch to stitch a 1/4 inch seam. 

7. Press the binding strip in half lengthwise with the wrong sides facing. 

8. Pin the binding to the outside of the basket and stitch in place. 

9. Fold the binding over to the inside of the basket and stitch in place by hand using a slip stitch to secure.

Edit 07/ 2012 - Just wanted to clarify in response to a few emails - The circles are 8 inches in diameter (the measurement you get if you rule a line through the centre of the circle) and when they are gathered they measure 12 inches in circumference (i.e all around the outside of the circle).

Did you notice our brand new header? My favourite graphic designer, aka Sarah, designed it today. It is wonderful to have a fresh new look. 

Edit 03/2013 Check out Gathered Round Basket - 3 Sizes, to make three baskets that nest inside each other.

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