If you would prefer a VIDEO tutorial, that can be found on here on our YouTube channel. This is for those that may benefit from written instructions. This blog post will provide you with step-by-step instructions to create your very own custom size tray or basket.
This project has been designed with beginners in mind! It's a basic pattern for making trays and baskets for every room in your home. Make any custom size you desire, no matter how big or small. It's the only tray and basket pattern you'll ever need! This project can be sewn in under an hour!
Step 1: Gather Supplies. You will need:
- a piece of faux leather or cork fabric (the size can be determined by following the pattern and instructions available on the Sallie Tomato Website.
- a ruler
- chalk wheel
- rotary punch
- rivet setter and anvil
- small rivets
- a spool of polyester thread
- scissors
- helpful additions to this project would be our double-sided basting tape, wonder clips, and a Teflon clip.
The FREE pattern can give you instructions on how to make any size you want as well as tips for sewing with faux leather and rivets! That is available here.
Step 2:
Start with your fabric. Measure your desired height on all four corners. Next, measure a half inch from each side edge on all four corners. Draw a diagonal line between each of the corner marks.
Once you’ve finished marking each corner, cut along the diagonal lines. Flip your fabric over and fold all four sides 1/4 of an inch to that side. You can use some double-sided basting tape or wonder clips to hold the folds in place.
Step 3:
Sew 1/8 inch from the folded edge and repeat to hem all four sides.
Step 4:
Fold each corner in half, matching the edge of your height lines. Use some sewing clips to hold the fold. Sew along the height. Repeat this to sew all four corners.
**TIP** To prevent your fabric from shifting on you as you sew, start about a ¼ of an inch in and back stitch to the top edge. Then sew forward along the height line.
Step 5:
Top stitch along the top hemmed edge- starting at the height line and sewing to the point along your previous top stitching. Doing this will help the fabric lay flat. This is what your project should look like so far!
Step 6:
Fold each corner against the nearest side edge.
Punch a hole about 3/8 of an inch down from the top edge of the corner using a rotary punch. Your hole should be no larger than the post of your rivet.
Next, take the post of your rivet and poke it through your fabric. There should be no more than 1/8 inch of the post sticking past your fabric. If the rivet does extend farther than 1/8 inch past the fabric, it is too large. Then, snap the cap to the post.
Use your rivet tools to secure the rivets. Have the concave side of the tools against each side of the rivet. Center the rivet on the anvil and place the setter on the cap side. Hit the rivet a few times with a hammer to set it in place and repeat for the remaining corners. Make sure to fold each corner in the same direction.
Note: if you'd like you can install additional rivets on each corner for more support or you could hot glue the folds flatter.
Step 7:
Once all the rivets are installed, fold each corner with wrong sides together and clip each edge. Allow your project to sit overnight. This will help mold the fabric into shape.
And voila, your tray or basket is ready to use!
If you have any questions, we're here to help, so please just ask. We’d love to see your completed project! So be sure to share your photos on social media! Share and see photos of this pattern in the Sallie Tomato Patterns & Hardware Group on Facebook!
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