I really enjoy making little fabric boxes from scraps of fabric and pieces of felt. I have also become a huge fan of enclosed seams. They are quick and easy. I often whip these out for a quick project in my sewing classes. Sometimes you just need something fun to complete now!

So, while laying awake I realized I can easily add a handle to these simple fabric boxes and create a basket. 

To make this box/basket all you need is some fabric and a rectangle of poly felt. You certainly could use wool felt but, I like the available colors and the price of the poly felt. It made me feel a little better to see it was made from post consumer plastic bottles.

  
I cut my fabric to the same 9X12 inch piece of felt. I then cut 2 1/2 X 9 inches off one end of both for the handle. With the right side facing the felt I stitched a 1/4 inch seam on each 9 inch side of the handle.

  
  
It seems to work best to trim the felt to 1/8 inch in the seam allowance before turning. 

Give the turned handle a good press after turning right sides out. Stitch close to the seamed edges and again across the handle using the pressed foot as your guide for each line of stitching.

  
Now for the box/basket construction. Lay your piece of felt down then the handle centered along the 9 inch edge with the right side facing up and pin in place. 

  Then lay your fabric facing down (right sides together) on top. The handle will be sandwiched inside.

 
Time to trim out the corners. Draw a 2 inch square out from each corner of your box sandwich and cut both fabric and felt square together.

 
Stitch 1/4 inch along the longer edges on all four sides. Leave the cut corners unstitched until later.

  
Trim the felt part of the seam allowance to 1/8 inch like you did with the handle.

 
Turn the box right side out through one of the corner cut outs.

  Top stitch around the top edge. It can feel a little fiddley with the handle but, just move it out of the way.

With the felt sides touching create a boxed corner. Pin in place. Repeat for all four corners.  Stitch close to the edge. Trim felt and fabric to create a very narrow seam allowance.

Turn your box inside out and stitch just to the inside edge of the corner seams. See photo below.

Turn right side out and trim threads. You are done. Fill your basket with eggs, candies or treats.

 
This is a quick, easy and cute project for Easter. 

  
What type of Easter or Spring sewing are you doing?