Lazies, You already know our Button Boats are quick, handy and beautiful. With the simple addition of an easy Handle, our Button Boats make perfect Easter Baskets! I’ll show you how to add a handle for perfectly Lazy Easter goodies. You’ll need the Button Boats pattern LGD138 in addition to this tutorial and some extra supplies to make the handle.
‘Easter Basket’ Button Boats
(Button Boats plus handle tutorial)
Planning
You don’t need to make any changes to the project as it is shown in the Button Boats pattern. Simply identify which of the three boat planks will be the two outside planks or the center plank. Add ribbons to the outside planks. Add the handle to the center plank. Construct according to the pattern, add the ribbon embellishments and create/attach the handle where shown in this tutorial. Then fill your beautiful baskets with love and enjoy!
Supplies
– Button Boats pattern LGD138, plus listed supplies
– Extra supplies for handle: size 1 1/4″ x 9 1/2″
– 1 yard of 7/8″ wide ribbon to decorate handle and both outside planks
Make Button Boat Planks
– Make your Button Boats sandwich of fabric and interfacing according to the pattern.
– Cut planks and stitch edges according to the pattern.
– Before proceeding, make and add handle and ribbon embellishments as shown below.
Make a Handle, Embellish Outer Planks
– You’ll need some extra supplies to make another small sandwich, then cut a handle 1 1/4″ x 9 1/2″.
(Or use other supplies you have on hand to make a handle from fabric/interfacing, fabric/fleece, etc.)
– Zigzag stitch the edges of the handle.
– Center the ribbon on the handle (below left), and on each of the two outer planks (below right).
– Topstitch through all layers close to both long edges of the ribbon.
– Finish the cut edges with a zigzag stitch to control any fray at the end of the ribbon.
Attach The Handle
– Handle is attached to center plank on the ‘Inside View’ on page 3 of Button Boats pattern.
– Center the handle on the center Boat plank.
– Zigzag along both ends of the handle to attach it to the plank.
Finish Up!
– After adding the handle and embellishing the sides, complete the project as directed in the pattern.
– Don’t forget your beautiful buttons (Snack Packs from Just Another Button Company).
Unhinged!
– Actually, the handle is ‘hinged’ to the center plank at the ends by the zigzag stitching.
– When the boat ends are tied together and the boat comes to life, simply lift the handle up and away from the plank.
Flat Is Cool!
I love this – even with the addition of the handle, the Button Boats still packs flat for easy storage.
Now or Later
The handle can be added during construction, or afterwards. That means you can use the bounty of Boats you’ve already made and add a simple handle to basket-ize them.
Tutorial Download
This Basket Handle Tutorial is available as a free download from my store at Craftsy here.
Shops: Contact me directly about using this tutorial for your shop.
All-Occasion Baskets
Adding a handle to Button Boats is great for everyday use, or other themes: baby shower, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays, etc.
Inspiration
My inspiration for these beauties came from these amazing Renaissance Ribbons designed by Kaffe Fassett, available here. You need one yard of ribbon per boat.
I paired the ribbon with some yummy brights from ‘Brighten Up’ by Me and My Sisters Designs for Moda Fabrics.
Now, hop over to Craftsy and download a 1-page version of this tutorial, then keep it with your Button Boats pattern for safekeeping.
– Post a comment and tell me how you will use Button Boat Baskets.
– Please like and share this post with your stitchy friends.
– Join the Lazy Girl community on Facebook here: Facebook Lazy Girl
Enjoy!
Joan
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