As promised, if you just want to dabble into English Paper Piecing, but still end up with a sweet and eminently useable project, this version of my free Spring Basket pattern is just the thing for you!
To make this version of the basket, you’ll follow all the original steps as posted on Sew Mama Sew with just these few modifications:
You’ll need a 32 inch x 6 inch piece of fabric for the outer basket, and only 16, 2.5 inch square-ish scraps for the hexagons.
Prepare and baste 16, 1 inch hexagons. Lay them out and sew into a zigzag line as shown. Then join the two end hexagons together to form a ring. Press well and remove the papers. If you are new to English Paper Piecing, here is the information you need.
Using the extra pattern piece marked [Outer fabric- non-pieced version only], cut four pieces from your outer fabric and sew together as described for the lining pieces.
Line up your ring of hexagons 1/2 inch from the top edge. The top left corner of every fourth hexagon should line up with a seam in the outer fabric. Pin well, then topstitch with your machine on both edges of the ring. (Or hand applique if you are more comfortable with that technique.)
You can cut away your base fabric from behind any light-colored hexies if it shows through. Be sure to leave 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Follow the rest of the project as written. Then, start a new English Paper Piecing project and use this basket to store the pieces 🙂
Visit www.FarawayRoad.com or my Etsy shop to buy a starter kit for this project which includes Snowflakes Freezer Paper Shapes and the In-R-Form stabilizer you’ll need to get going!
Thanks for reading!
❤ Jessie
