Here's a lovely how to from Carina Gardner. Check out her site for more fantastic ideas. Take it away, Carina!
Materials
1/2 yard of fabric (main basket)*
1/8 yard of fabric (straps)
Wall basket-flat on one side and rounded out (available at a dollar store)
Any extra embellishments (pom poms, ric rac, more fabric for a ruffle, etc.)
* All fabric show in the photos are from Carina Gardner's Pinfeathers fabric lines available in quilt shops and online now.
1. Measure your basket's length and width for the back of the basket. Add 3-4 inches to the length and 1-2 inches to the width (It is better for the fabric to be "roomier"). Then, measure the front, rounded portion of the basket adding 1-2 inches to the width and 3-4 inches to the length. Cut out two pieces of fabric that match those dimensions. For example, the two pieces of fabric for the basket shown were 12" (length) x 16" (width) and 12" (length) x 10" (width).
Cut out four 4" x 22" strips for the straps.
2. Fold a pleat into the larger of the two fabrics (either one or two pleats) so that the edges of the fabric all match up. Sew along side edges and the bottom edge of the fabric leaving the top edge unsewn.
3. Hem the edge of the basket lining. Use a rolled hemming foot attachment on your machine or fold the edge twice and press into place before sewing.
4. Fold each of the 4" x 22" straps in half and wrong-side out. Sew along the longest edge. Turn right-side out. and fold in the raw edges. Topstitch along all four edges.
Attach the straps to the fabric basket lining by laying straps on the wrong side of the fabric on the UNPLEATED side of the fabric (the shortest side of the fabric). Sew a rectangle and "x" into the bottom inch of the strap to attach it to the basket lining.
5. Place the final basket lining into the basket with the wrong-side out. Roll the fabric over the edge of the basket to expose the right-side of the fabric. Pull the straps through some of the weaving in the basket or through loops (if there are loops on the basket). Embellish as you like. Tie to your bike!
Thanks, Carina! If you want to guest blog for Life of the Party, give Julie a shout!
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