Make a picnic basket

To determine the amount of fabric required to make the five panels for the lining, measure the four sides and the base of the basket and add 5cm to each horizontal and vertical length for a seam allowances (all seams are 2.5cm unless specified). Lay fabric on a flat surface and cut out the base panel and four side panels.

Pin the left and right side panels to either side of the front panel, right sides together; sew in place. Pin the left and right side panels to the back panel, right sides together; sew in place. Press all four seams open and flat. Press a 2.5cm hem along one edge of all four joined side panels. Turn the raw edge under to meet the crease (forming a rolled hem) and conceal the raw edge. Pin, press and sew in place, close to the second folded edge.

Pin the long sides of the base panel to the bottom, unhemmed edges of the front and back panels, right sides together. Pin the left and right side of the base panel to the bottom edge of the side panels, right sides together. Sew base panel in place, easing around each corner. Press seam up so it lies flat against side panels.

To make the corner ties, fold the 60cm strip lengthways, right sides together, then pin and press. Cut strip into four 15cm lengths. Sew a 0.5cm seam along the long and one short side of each strip. Turn each strip right side out, using a safety pin or loop turner if necessary. Tuck raw edge inside the strip by 0.5cm and hand stitch closed.

Position a tie along the outer top edge of the lining bag, with the centre of the tie aligned with the bag’s side seam. Securely hand or machine sew the tie in place. Repeat with the other three ties. Place the bag into the basket. Thread the ties out through the wicker and knot. Thread the tails back through the wicker and tuck them between the lining bag and the basket to conceal the ends.