Party Baskets

What you need: Scraps from your sewing basket make very unusual, and most attractive baskets for a child’s party. You can make one basket from a five-inch square of cloth.

What to do:

1. Cut a five-inch square of material with pinking shears. Measure 1 1/2-inches in from each side. Mark with a pencil dot. Crease along the lines, and cut as shown.

2. For a handle, cut two 5-inch by 1/2-inch strips of the same material—or contrasting material if you like—also with pinking shears. Lay one strip on top of the other and stitch through the center on the machine. Lay one end of the handle over B. Lap A and C over B on the inside. This holds the handle in between. Fasten with a few quick basting stitches. Finish other side the same way.

Try a solid color in cotton, with a handle covered in rickrack.

A two-inch square of light cardboard placed in the bottom of the basket helps to hold its shape.