Howdy, friends, I’m back! And I hope you’re ready to get crafty…
As I mentioned in my previous post, my (belated) stop on the Hawthorne Threads Oh, What Fun Blog Hop is all about easy-to-sew (and easy to customize!) projects that are perfect for holding holiday gifts. Ditch that wrapping paper! I’ll be talking about how modify my free Sturdy Fabric Basket pattern to create ANY SIZE finished piece and sharing an adorable fabric sack pattern that I think you’ll love.
This new in-house fabric line by Hawthorne Threads could not possibly be any cuter. I’m pretty sure I squealed a little when I first saw it. Some of the prints are perfectly holiday, but what I really love is that some of them are more neutral – winter themed, or just geometric – and can be used for a a variety of occasions, which I’ll talk about more later. So, let’s get to it!
These Sturdy Fabric Baskets are one of my favorite things to make. They’re quick and easy, and useful for so many things (plus, totally adorable!). I initially created the pattern a couple years ago to make baskets for holding fat quarters, scraps, trims, and notions in my sewing room, and then made one for holding remotes in the living room, another for hair accessories in the bathroom, and one for next to the door to catch my husbands wallet, sunglasses and all the miscellaneous junk that lives in his pockets!
You can showcase a fun focal print or create any patchwork design you like (there are patchwork directions in the pattern). The original pattern size (shown above and below) finishes at 8″ wide by 5″ high and 5″ deep, and is perfect for mixed gift baskets of items such as bath & body products or edible treats, just to name a couple ideas. I love these baskets so much, I want to gift them to myself! I can do that, right? I mean, I DID make them.
Another great feature of this basket size is that it’s perfect for holding Christmas cards, so your recipient can repurpose it after it’s emptied. You can also give a bag of potpourri along with it and it can be used a cute holiday decoration!
I used my favorite prints from Oh, What Fun on these two. The row of faces is cut from the border panel print and was the perfect size, and then I used the center of that panel (the cute confetti) to make the lining of the other basket. The ornament print is called Baubles and I also used it to make some cute gift tags which you’ll see later in the post. I added tiny pom pom trim to the basket shown above and I love the look! I tucked it under the lining foldover and glued it in place – super easy!
In the pattern file, I talk about using old belts or scraps of leather for the basket handles (which are optional.) I used scraps on both of these baskets. The gold was cut from a pouch I found at the thrift shop and the black is from a leather scrap pack I found at Hobby Lobby. I used embroidery floss to stitch them in place.
Thinner, lighter weight materials work best for the handles so they can bend easily. If your leather is too thick or sturdy, it can bow the sides of the basket out. You can also use ribbon, bias tape, or fabric in place of the leather.
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CUSTOMIZING YOUR BASKET
I receive emails quite often asking if I can resize the basket pattern cutting directions to create a specific sized piece that someone wants to make, so updating the pattern on how you can do this yourself has been on my to-do list for awhile, and this seemed like the perfect time! With a little math (don’t worry, it wont hurt too bad!), you can create any size basket you wish.
I’ve updated the original Study Fabric Basket PDF pattern file to include these directions and you can download it here.
Now I’ll show you a couple different sized baskets I created to get your creative juices flowing!
I wanted to make a piece that was sized for kitchen utensils and accessories, because that is another favorite set of mine to gift (perfect for housewarmings and showers, too!). This basket measures 4″ wide by 4″ deep and 6″ tall and I filled it with a dish towel, pot holder, whisk, spoon, spatula, measuring spoons and cookie cutters.
I used my favorite Baubles print in the Glacier Blue colorway and the lining is from Hawthorne’s Stardust basics line, which comes in 54 colors and coordinates so nicely with Oh, What Fun because it looks like snow!
And let’s not forget the guys or hard-to-shop-for friends and family on our lists! This basket measures 4″ wide by 4″ deep and 3″ high and holds four shot glasses with stir sticks and two mini bottles of liquor. It would also make a fun and inexpensive secret santa gift. Plus, this small basket is a nice size for later holding keys, jewelry, sewing notions or many other things. It also fits a pillar candle or mug.
The handles on both of these baskets were also cut from old thrift shop pouches. Both are vinyl, so they had white backings. I left the white showing on the yellow handles and for the blue handles on the short basket, I glued a piece of the dark blue stardust to the backside before trimming them down. It worked out so well! I also did this to the gold handles on the treats basket shown at the beginning of the post.
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BUTTON LUNCH BAGS & GIFT TAGS
I have one more fun pattern to share, because it’s just perfect for gifting homemade treats (or a million other things) and then your recipient also has an adorable and useful little sack! I’ve had this Button Lunch Bag pattern from Purl Soho bookmarked forever and made a few modifications to dress them up and make them quilting cotton friendly.
The pattern calls for a sturdy cotton (such as a canvas), uses one solid fabric, and has a rolled hem, so I made a few easy changes to make them work with my materials and the look I was going for.
I wanted my bags to have a bottom accent fabric, so I pieced together the full panel before assembling the bag and then added some cute trim along the seam line. Also, since a rolled top hem wouldn’t look as nice with a printed quilting cotton, I instead used binding around the top of the bag. I added it last after assembling the bags. I used Pellon Shapeflex (SF101) to give the bags some extra bulk and I love the feel of them. I added the interfacing after piecing my full panel, before assembling the bag.
The original pattern uses binding to hide the inner seams, but I just used a wide, tight zig zag stitch which was quick and easy, but gives the seams a clean look and prevents fraying. Alternatively, if using binding around the top, you could make a full lining for the bag. Simply make a second bag, but with right sides in instead of out, slide it inside your assembled outer bag, and then stitch the top binding down through both, holding them together.
For these bags, I used two of the prints from Oh, What Fun that are not holiday specific. They are definitely festive enough for holiday gifting (especially with some metallic trim!), but keep the bags neutral enough to be reused all year long.
I used the Baubles print that I love so much to make the little tag on the cookies. I fussy cut the ornament circles from the print and used embroidery floss to hand stitch them onto felt cut with pinking shears. I then stitched down a small, folded piece of felt onto the top to make the hanger. You can use a light print or solid cotton on the reverse side to write or stamp a name.
I had so much fun with these, I couldn’t stop! They’re going on all my gifts this year, and I think I’ll hang a few from my tree, too!
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I truly hope you have found this post useful and inspiring! All of these projects are easy and satisfying because they sew up quick and look totally adorable when done. This year I challenge you to ditch the wrapping paper and make some “gift wrap” instead!
As always, if you have any questions about the pattern along the way, you can contact me here anytime. Please be specific, so I can best assist you.
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TIME FOR GIVEAWAY! (GIVEAWAY CLOSED – THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!)
Who loves this Oh, What Fun fabric as much as I do? Would you like to win THREE YARDS for yourself?! To enter, please leave a comment on this post telling me what you would make with it and I will pick a winner at random on Friday! (Giveaway closed – congrats to @kgmcfall and thank you to all who entered!)
Now before you go, be sure to check out the other stops on the Blog Hop and see all the fabulous makes!
Monday 11/14 – Sew Sophie Lynn
Tuesday 11/15 – Hawthorne Threads
Wednesday 11/16 – Olivia Jane Handcrafted
Thursday 11/17 – Holly Gets Quilty
Monday 11/21 – Violette Field Threads
Happy Stitching!
~ nicole
lillyella 
I would absolutely have to make a few/bunch! of your baskets!! I love them and thanks so much for the chance to win 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com
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Oh I love the prints and the baskets and I’d make a basket and as many different gift bag/ornaments as I could.
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I would have to make some of these baskets. I am sew anxious to try this free pattern. thanks for the great giveaway and the pattern.
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I’d make baskets like yours; they are too cute. Thank you for the pattern.
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Bags, boxes, pillows…
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So many sweet prints in this line! I’d have to make a bag.
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Absolutely LOVE all the cute “critters” on this fabric! Would have to make something for my animal loving friends!
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Very cute line. I love the colors, they would be perfect in my daughter-in-law’s house. I would make her some placemats if I won!
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Such a great collection and the fabric appears to sew up beautifully. I think my imagination would soar with all the options the fabric provides. Thank you for the giveaway. If I’m the lucky one, my email address is: dcaughel@gmail.com
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Love your bags so of course I would make gift bags. Always behind so I would have to get an early start on 2017.
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I would have to make some of those adorable baskets you are showing. Thanks for the giveaway.
momof2nurses@yahoodotcom
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Oh my goodness I love these patterns and LOVE your blog. I’m not really sure where I’d start as there are so so so many amazing things to make, but the best place I suppose would be with sturdy boxes for my craft area; these will make my space look incredible.
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I love the idea of putting the tags on the Christmas tree! I think I’d give that a go!
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I would make an apron and a fabric wine bottle carrier!
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I raise chickens and would love to make the cute baskets/boxes for my “egg sharing”!
I usually give my friends a small bag of eggs when I’m invited to a lunch or dinner. They love them!
They would really enjoy getting a cute little bag or basket of fresh eggs.
🐓🐔♥️
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I have just discovered your blog. 💕 Thank you so much! Can’t wait to follow and see what you come up with next. Thanks for all the new projects. I think I will make baskets for all my Christmas present with the three yards. Hope it is enough! Thanks so much for the chance!
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I would make an “Oh What Fun” quilt to snuggle up in!
Your baskets are simply adorable and the leather handles are such a nice touch.
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I’d try making a basket. And a tote bag!
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I need a basket to hold Christmas books and trust that this will be sturdy enough to hold a few. They are really cute.
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Your baskets are wonderful, so I would want to make some myself.
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Along with everyone else, I would make some or your adorable baskets! Thanks so much for the free patterns!!
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Lovely prints. I’d make a quilt with them!
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I love all that you made! My favorite is the gift baskets and I hope to make some too. Thank you!
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I love your ideas and if I won I would make the baskets for notions in my sewing room. They are just so adorable. Thanks for the pattern 😀
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I would make the boxes. Like the options for making them different sizes.
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I would definitely be using your basket pattern with this fabric!
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Wow! It was worth the wait. Very fun projects. Can I get on your Christmas list???
Love these little baskets and I would love to whip up some for Christmas gifts if I win
the fabric.
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I do love this fabric! What a gorgeous combination of holiday and geometrics! I’m thinking a few baskets from your tutorial would be in order!
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I want to try out your basket pattern this weekend!
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Pillowcases and storage for my granddaughters new room!
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I love the baskets, the handles are such a great idea. I would probably start with a quilt, but I really want to make a basket or two. Thanks.
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Your baskets, bags and tags are so adorable! I love making gifts that can be used in many ways so your ideas definitely fit the bill. I love the fabrics, too. Nice job! Worth the wait!
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I’m going to make both the baskets and the bags for gifts! What a great way to use all those fun fabrics without breaking the bank! And I can personalize them………
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I would like to make storage bins.
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Bags, pouches and totes.
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My thing is making tote bags as gift bags. I would definitely be able to make a few totes with some yardage. Thank you for the give away.
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Oh, what would I make FIRST!! Love this collection! I would make a couple sew together bags with this fabric and make the exterior of one patchwork, and maybe fussy cut hexies on another!
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I would like to make some of the lunch bags. Everything is so nice.
nancyballard@hughes.net
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I love your ideas and appreciate your generosity in sharing them with others. Those 3 yards of material would be great for a set of holiday aprons for me and my girls! Cheers to you and yours for the holidays!
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This collection would be perfect for fussy cutting madness. So so cute. Anything with sweet animals on it and I’m all about it!
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We are expecting our first granddaughter so I would make a cute little dress and a small storage basket for her room. Love the fabric colors and feel they would be perfect for a little girl.
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Great ideas! I would use the fabric to make a few of these baskets as well! Thanks.
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What fun fabric!! It would be perfect for the fabric baskets and I can think of plenty of uses for those!! Please pick me!!!
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Merry Christmas and thank you for the chance to win!
momofreeds@yahoo.com
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Hi! I love love your baskets and lunch bags! Those I would and will make! Super fun details and the little tag/ornaments are so adorable! You have made all these so cute! Thank you for a give away! x Teje
nerospost(at)gmail(dot)com
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Love this fabric!!! I would definitely make some of the baskets from your tutorial and I’d gift them full of goodes! And I’d also make some drawstring bags with the fabric to gift !! It’s the perfect holiday fabric and I love creating with Hawthorne threads house fabrics!
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I would make a basket for gathering quilting scraps and threads. Your creations are very cute!
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I would make at least a couple of bags and I’d love to try out the new pattern Kismet trinket boxes by sew sweetness 🙂 these gorgeous fabrics would be perfect!
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Love love the baskets. I will make them for my baking theme Christmas gifts this year!!! Super cute tag/ornaments! Merry Christmas!!!
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I do like the baskets and if there are any scraps–how about a scrap quilt with some of them!
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Baskets, hot pads, table runner and more!
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