Our Scalloped Basket pattern is ideal for storing sewing projects or banana bread for your helpful neighbor! I have always wanted to add a handle - so here is how I did it! Basically, I rummaged through my scraps, made the basket according to the pattern instructions and added a handle at the end.
What do you need for this project?
- The Scalloped Baskets pattern
- Pre-cut Bosal Scalloped Placemats (Craftex or Foam)
- Pretty fabric to make project per supply list
- Medium Weight Fusible Interfacing 6” x 16”
- Fabric strip 6” x 16”
- 2 additional buttons
Construction Choices
After you have finished making your basket, (you can access the video for the basket here), you will need a finished handle. Here’s what my basket looked like before:
There are 2 methods that we can use to attach the handle: 1. Sew directly to the sides of the basket, right through the handle; or 2. Add buttonholes to the ends of your handle and attach using buttons.
The advantage to method 1 is that it is fast and easy, but you will not be able to completely flatten the basket to store it. With method 2, you can remove the handle and flatten the basket to store it for the next time you want to use it.
Handle
For either method, you will need your 6” x 16” fabric strip and the same sized interfacing strip.
I used Pellon 931; next time I would probably use Pellon Decor Bond for more stiffness.
Step 1
Test your iron settings first - take a scrap of the interfacing and fabric. Place fabric, right side up over interfacing (dotted side up). Set your iron to wool/steam and spritz the fabric lightly with water. Press for 10-15 seconds, overlapping to get the entire test piece fused. Let cool and test the bond to see if it has adhered. Now fuse the handle strip to the interfacing.
Step 2
At each end. bring edges together in the center, right sides together. Pin.
Step 3
Sew across each end using a 1/4 inch seam.
Step 4
Turn right side out and press.
Step 5
Fold in half in the center and top stitch all around. I like using a top stitch needle for this.
And "Voila", a handle!
Method 1: Buttoned Up
This is the simpler of the two methods. Get out a beefy needle with a sharp end - Embroidery size 5 would work well here. Thread the needle, quadrupling the thread. Stitch the button to the handle end first, then through the basket and repeat on both sides. You are done!
Method 2: Buttonholes
For this method, I invite you to break out that sewing machine manual and have fun making buttonholes. I come from a garment making background, so I really found this rewarding to do. I did a test buttonhole first - I made up a sample strap so that I had the same thickness that I would use in the final product. Then I let the sewing machine churn out the buttonholes for me! Be sure the test that you have the right size for the buttonhole. Once I cut the buttonhole, I also apply fray check.
The rest is easy; sew a button to the basket and add your handle. You can then remove it whenever you want!
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As always, have fun and keep on creating!
-Kris
