WARLU FABRIC SCRAP BASKET

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Using the main Warlu fabric, cut a 10cm wide strip across the width of the fabric.

Step 2 - From the six remaining Warlu fabrics, cut 2 x 10cm wide strips across the width of the fabric.

Step 3 - Stitch these 13 strips together, side by side (long sides). Press all seams open.

Step 4 - Sew the long side of the first strip to the long side of the last strip to make a fabric cylinder. Press this last seam open.

Step 5 - Lay flat fabric cylinder on cutting board and trim off scrappy ends. Cut 5 strips 10cm (4") wide.

Step 6 - Open first circular strip by unpicking one of the seams. Note which seam. Unpick the second circle at the next seam along in the pattern. Unpick the third circle at the next seam along etc. Continue for each circle.

Step 7 - Stitch the new 6 strips together, side by side, to make the body of the bag. Press seams open. Trim patchwork to 51cm x 100cm.

Step 8 - Using calico, cut a rectangle the same size as the patchwork - 51cm x 100cm. Cut another rectangle the same size out of the wadding.

Step 9 - Cut a circle with 31cm diameter (use a dinner plate as a guide) out of calico, another out of wadding, and another circle the same size out of the main Warlu fabric.

Step 10 - Baste the rectangular wadding to the back of the patchwork, and the circular wadding to the Warlu circle base. With right side on the inside, stitch the short sides together to make a cylinder. Press seam open, then attach the circular base to one end.

Step 11 - Take the calico rectangle, and with right side on the inside, stitch the short sides together to make a cylinder, leaving a 20cm gap in the middle for turning out later. Press both parts of the seam open, then attach the circular base to one end.

Make the Handles

Step 1 - Cut 2 strips of calico 45cm x 10cm and 1 piece of wadding 42.5cm x 3.5cm. Take one calico strip and, using iron, press calico in half lengthwise.

Step 2 - Press under a 5mm hem along length of top side. Flip fabric and repeat along length on this side to match.

Step 3 - Insert wadding and tuck it under hem. Secure fabric strap with a few pins, then topstitch long edges, and 2 or 3 lines of stitching down the centre of strap to add strength. Repeat for second handle.

Attach the Handles

Step 1 - Flatten patchwork bag and mark the centre on each side with a pin. Place the ends of one handle, level with top edge of bag, 12cm apart.

Step 2 - On the opposite side of the bag, pin the second handle in the corresponding position. NB Handle ends level with raw edge - handle hangs downward. Baste along raw edges to attach.

Step 3 - Tuck patchwork bag (right side out) into calico bag (wrong side out). Make sure handles are tucked in also. Align raw edges, pinning calico lining to bag along top edge. Stitch together 1cm from edge.

Step 4 - Turn right side out through the side seam opening in the calico bag. Stitch opening closed, then poke lining into bag.

Step 5 - Press top edge of bag, then with handles upwards, topstitch close to the edge around the top of the bag. Do a second row of topstitch 7mm down from the top edge of the bag.