A couple of weeks ago I shared these Easter basket totes on The Ribbon Retreat blog. Let me tell you, that was quite the treat for me, being the sewing newbie that I am!
I have taught myself to sew over the last year and, I have to admit, these totes have been my biggest challenge. I mean, there was geometry involved, you guys! But regardless of my lack of fondness for math, I do have to say these turned out great, and I can’t wait to show you how to make them!
Don’t fret that Easter is coming up soon. I made both of these in just a few hours!
These Easter totes are 8″ diameter and 8″ tall which is plenty big enough to fill full of Easter goodies and eggs. We will be allowing for 1/4″ seams throughout the project.
Materials for 1 tote:
1/4 yd solid fabric for outside base of tote and inner lining of tote (I used Moda Bella Solid in Amelia Orange)
1/4 yd solid fabric for outside of tote and inner base lining of tote (I used Moda Bella Solid in Turquoise)
1/4 yd pattern fabric for outside of tote and handles (I used Riley Blake Fun & Games in Chevron)
1/4 yd medium interfacing
iron on vinyl
In order to make the side of the tote we need to first determine the diameter of the base of the tote then do a little math. We determined earlier that it would be 8″. The circumference of an 8″ diameter circle is 25.1″ (C=2πr). Therefore we need the length of the side of the tote to be 25.1″. The height of the tote is also 8″.
So for the inner lining of the tote we simply need to cut a piece of the solid fabric 25.1″ x 8″ (plus seam allowance).
For the outer portion of the tote we are using a color block method so the top side of the tote will be 25.1″ x 3″ using the other solid fabric and the bottom side of the tote will be 25.1″ x 5″ (plus seam allowance) using the pattern fabric.
For the outside of the tote, line the two fabrics up along one long edge with the right sides facing one another and stitch together. Open the fabric and iron it flat. Go ahead and fold over the top seam and iron it flat. Now is the time to add the child’s name to the center of the solid fabric. I used a die cut machine to cut out the name in flocked iron on vinyl.
Cut interfacing to 25.1″ x 8″. Place the interfacing on the back of the outer fabric we just made. Fold the fabric with the interfacing in half with the right sides facing in. Sew a seam where the two ends meet.
We now need to sew the sides to the round base for both the inner and outer parts of the tote. Carefully pin the pieces together wrong side out. If you pin all the way around the circle and there is extra fabric from the base of the tote left, as shown above, I have a simple fix. Overlap the base of the tote over sides as you repin. This will make the circle smaller as you attach it to the sides and the circle will fit perfectly! Carefully stitch the base to the side for both the inner and outer portions of the tote.
The above photo shows the lining of the tote. The outside of the tote will have the interfacing for the side and the base of the tote.
For the handles we need a piece of fabric that is 19″ x 3″ (plus seam allowance). Fold the fabric lengthwise wrong side out and stitch together. Pull right side out then iron flat so that the seam is in the middle back of the handle. Insert 2 stacked pieces of the interfacing measuring 19″ x 1.5″ into the handle. You may want to use a heavier interfacing for the handles to be sure they will stand up straight on the basket.
Turn the outer and inner sides of the tote right side out. Place the lining into the outer portion of the tote and fold in the tops of both to hide the rough edges. Insert the jumbo ric rac between the lining and outer side of the tote. Use a contrasting color of ric rac to the outside of the tote. Also insert the handles between the ric rac and inner lining. Pin all pieces into place and stitch together. I used a contrasting color of thread for an extra decorative touch.
These will be so much easier to store than bulky woven baskets. And that means more room in the Easter storage tote for other decorations!
The tote is nice and roomie for lots of Easter goodies.
I repeated the entire process for a 2nd tote bag, simply flipping the solid colors.
I love the bright colors! Perfect for little boys.
I even have a little bit of the Chevron fabric left over so I think matching Easter ties might be in order!
Linking up to Flamingo Toes, Today’s Creative Blog, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Tidymom, Whipperberry,
My Repurposed Life, 30 Days, Tatertots & Jello, Serenity Now, and other great parties found on my party page.
Kristi Dominguez
Monday 1st of April 2019
These are adorable! I love these colors! So precious and perfect for Easter! Thank you bunches for linking up with us this week! <3
Hil
Tuesday 14th of March 2017
These are absolutely adorable! If I had a sewing machine I would love to make these for my kids!
Thanks for sharing at #bloggerspotlight
Alicia Owen
Thursday 9th of March 2017
These are super cute! Getting excited for Easter. :) Thanks for sharing on the This is How We Roll link up.
Crystal
Thursday 17th of April 2014
Love them!!! I love how they are personalized and have that super fun rickrack!! Awesome job!!
Sarah Nenni-Daher
Wednesday 16th of April 2014
"I mean, There was geometry involved, you guys!" is the best line! These look amazing and I'm going to Pin for next year... I can take on no new Easter projects this late, even though I really want to make these. Thanks for sharing (found via G+).
Michele {The Scrap Shoppe}
Thursday 17th of April 2014
lol! Math was never my favorite subject. ;) I hope you get a chance to make them next year!