Snuggle Basket

When I was a volunteer with Heavenly Angels in Need, I tried my hand at making patterns.  I had a talent with making sewn items ever since I was a little girl.  I remember sitting with my best friend Liz at her dining room table and made Barbie clothes from the fabric scraps from her mom.  Liz’s mom was a seamstress and she always had extra fabric around.  I made this basket that is a cross between a cradle and Mosses Basket.  I used the fluffy fabric that was so soft, but it is so hard to work with since it SHEDS when you cut it. 

Snuggle Basket Instructions

Created for HAIN

Materials: main fabric, bottom fabric, and thread

Directions:  These are directions recapping how I built the prototype.  This pattern is suitable for all types of fabric.  If you plan to use lighter weight fabric, you may need to use a stabilizer or batting in order for the sides or wall to be slightly firm.

Step 1:  The pattern is just an oval and a rectangle.  You will cut one piece of the oval from the main fabric and one from the bottom fabric.  In this example, I used fuzzy fleece for the main fabric and stretch cotton for the bottom.  You will cut one rectangular piece (7 inches x 39 inches) from the main fabric.  Note:  If you choose to make this basket using the fuzzy fleece, please be aware that the fabric sheds – a lot so don’t be surprised that there is fuzzy fleece all over the place.

Step 2:  Place the oval pieces with wrong sides together.  In my example, I used the fuzzy fleece to be the inside the stretched cotton for the outside bottom.  Set this aside for just a moment. 

Step 3:  Take the rectangular piece (this is for the basket side) and fold it in half with the right side facing.  The piece will measure 3 ½ inches by 39 inches.  On the side of fold, come in about ¼ inch and sew a straight line down the piece.  This will make a small edge for the basket side.

  

Step 4:  Pin the cut edge of the rectangular piece to the oval pieces.  Tip: In order to sew the ends together in a straight line, I left about 1 ½ inches free at the beginning and ending on the rectangle so I can match the beginning piece with the end piece so I can sew a straight line to form the basket side/wall.  After pinning the pieces together, you are ready to sew them together to from the basket.

  

Step 5:  Now take the two pieces and sew a straight line to join the ends.  Trim off any excess.

End Note:  I had to sew one more time around the bottom in a zig zag stitch in help reduce the fuzzy fleece from shedding on the inside. 

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