Stackable Scrap Bucket Pattern

It is no secret that I love my scraps.  Well today, I am going to share a fun project that will not only use your scraps but help you store them going forward.  Allow me to introduce the Scrap Bucket Pattern.

This baby made its debut at Sew South last weekend and I was so excited to see all the variations everyone created.  The pattern is easy to make and totally limitless!

Scrap Bucket Pattern

 

This project is for all levels.

Skill Level- 1 1/2 Button

Supplies:

• 1/2 yard of main fabric
• 1/2 yard of heavy weight fusible (Pellon TP971F)
• 1/2 yard of lining fabric
• 1 yard 3/8″ cotton rope
• 4 extra-large eyelets
• scrap bucket pattern

Tools:

• basic sewing supplies
• sewing machine
• hammer
• tape
• marking tool

*Use 3/8″ seam allowance for all seams.

Basic Instructions:

1. Print out pattern pieces and tape together to create the base of the bucket.  Following manufactures instructions, adhere fusible to the wrong side of main fabric and cut out pattern pieces.
2. Machine quilt fabric to fusible as desired and mark matching points on bucket base.
3. With right sides together, fold the rectangle in half to match the short sides of the rectangle.  Join seams together with a straight stitch.  Press open.
4. Position the seam to one side of the bucket base and pin the right sides together, matching your marking points. Join seams with a straight stitch. Press to “lock” stitches in place. Clip every 3/8″ to 1/2″ to allow for a smooth curve.
   

   *Tip: It is best to pin 4 markings first and then ease in the space between. This will help control the shape and allow ease to gently incorporate into the seam when sewing.

5. Repeat the process to join the lining; leaving a small opening at the center of the side seam.
6. Join lining to the basket by turning the lining right side out and slip it inside the bucket.  Right sides should be kissing here.  Pin in place.  Stitch all around the top edge.  Turn right side out and press along seam.  Topstitch through all layers 1/2″ below the top edge.
7. Press lining seam allowance: pin and straight stitch opening closed.  *This can be machine or stitched by hand.
8. Mark eyelet placement 6″ on center, 3/4″ below the top edge.  Following the manufacturers instructions for the eyelets, trace the inside of the washer.  Clip out the circle.  
9. Slide the eyelet barrel through the hole from the right side of the bucket, place washer over the barrel to create a fabric sandwich.  Grab your setter tools and hammer and set eyelets in place.  
10. Cut two pieces of rope 18″ long.  Tie one end in a knot and thread through the eyelet from the inside of bucket out: then back through the other eyelet. Tie in a knot.

There are so many possibilities with this scrap bucket pattern.  Add a pocket, make the sides fold over, bind the top edge with contrast…. the sky is the limit.  Just check out what everyone made during my class at Sew South last weekend.  LOVE THEM!!

Additional Tips: 

• When sewing the side to the base, I like to place my left hand in-between the layers and help smooth out the fullness.  This also helps to guide the fabric when joining seams.
• It is better to cut your eyelet hole smaller and stretch the opening over the hardware.
• Hammer the eyelets over concrete works best.
• A piece of tape wrapped around the rope end will prevent unraveling and make quick work of threading the eyelets.
• Remove tape from rope before tying knot. Pull knot as close to edge as possible.
• Don’t let the 1 1/2 button rating fool you.  It is an easy pattern but sometimes sewing curves can be challenging.

We have these buckets all over the house.  Think magazine storage, toys, scarves, and of course, scraps!  What would you store in your scrap bucket? I’d love to know.

ps- Be sure to check out my past scrap basket busters to use up your scrap fabric!