How to Make a Fabric Gift Basket

A gift basket made with a pretty fabric is a delight to give and to receive. For any special occasion, whether it's a new home or a friend's birthday, these fabric gift baskets can be reused over and over again as a napkin holder or a container for fruit or other items.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric, medium or lightweight 16 by 16 inches
• Fabric, 12-inches long, 6 inches wide (for handle)
• Cardboard square, 8 by 8 inches
• Sewing machine
• Contrasting double fold bias tape
• Coordinated thread
• Scissors
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Lay the two squares of fabric, 16 by 16-inches, aligned together and flat on a work table, right side out. With a measuring tape, mark with straight pins 3 3/4 inches in from the edge all around.

2. With sewing machine, straight stitch on three sides on the straight pins. Insert cardboard square into opening in the center of the square. Straight stitch closed. This creates the sturdy bottom of the fabric gift basket.

3. Hold each corner and fold in at a 45 degree angle to create a wall for the gift basket. Pin with straight pins. Stitch the corners on the sewing machine across the top to close.

4. Open the double-sided bias tape and lay over the top edges of the fabric gift basket starting with one corner. Stitch along the edge of the bias tape all around the top to create a neat finish to the basket and add a nice decorative touch. The end of the bias tape can overlap the beginning piece by 1/2 inch and stitch closed. Cut off excess with scissors.

5. Fold the the 12-inch strip of fabric in 2 inches and press with iron. Fold in the other side, also 2 inches and press with iron. Slip into double-sided bias tape on one side and straight stitch on sewing machine. Cut off access. Do the same on the other side of the handle so the bias tape is secured on both sides. Straight stitch and secure the ends of the handle to opposite sides of the basket.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose fabric with a themed print and color scheme appropriate for the intended use of the basket. This project lends itself to making different sizes of fabric gift baskets by adjusting the dimensions of the material.