Fringed Edge Easter Basket Tutorial

How about a simple, fringed edge Easter basket for that special little somebunny this season? 


You could use denim (this is from an old pair of jeans). If you use a thick fabric like denim, do not use as many layers of fabric as directed. I used only 2 layers of denim and one of bandana red cotton.

Fiona, the neighbors little chihuahua, was visiting me and had to check out the more "girly" of the bags. She has dreams of being a model. She evidently approved because she didn't want to leave it alone! (or was it the little bumble bee Easter egg she was after?)

Here is how this simple little project is made. You can make it any size you want, by the way, by changing the size of the circle.

1. Stack 6 or 7 fabrics of the colors you want. Trace off a large circle. I used a large platter that is 16" across. 

2. Cut out all layers. Put the bottom layer down with the right side down and the top with the right side up. Sew all layers together by sewing 1" inside the outer edge.

3. Draw a circle in the center of the circle that is half or less than the size of  bigger circle. I used a saucer that is  8" across. Sew layers together in the center by following your traced circle. (you can reinforce it if you like by sewing a couple more rings inside this.

4. Cut 2 strips that are long enough for a handle. Mine are 22" long and 4" wide.. Stack them  one on top of the other.

5. Fold in half lengthwise and sew 1" from the raw edge.

6. Fringe the edge by cutting down to, but not through, the stitching.

7. Roll the fringe to the center of the strip and sew along each edge to reinforce and hold it in place in the center.

8. Stick the ends of the handles inside the edge at opposite ends. Sew in place just outside the existing seam. Check to be sure you've anchored it in place well. (After all, it has to hold a lot of eggs!)

9. Fringe the edge all around the basket as you did for the handle. Use a piece of cording, yarn, or even dental floss and zig-zag over it along the 1" seam line. Be careful to not sew into the cord or whatever you are using. It should be free inside the zig-zag stitches.Then pull the cording to gather the basket all the way around.

10. Adjust the gathers evenly all around the perimeter of the basket. Get the fringe on handle and basket wet and place in the dryer with some towels. This will fluff up the fringe. 

That's all there is to it! It takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your speed, to finish one. For deeper sides, make the circle in the center smaller. If you want a stiff bottom, you can either insert a circle of plastic or cardboard or cover a circle of plastic or cardboard with fabric and place it in the bottom. 
                        Have fun with it!