Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

Free pattern: Make a driver’s cap

by

Editor’s Note:  The free pattern referred to in this post is currently housed in the archive at Scribd.  Anyone can view archived documents for free, but Scribd won’t allow you to download or print the document without either purchasing a subscription or uploading one of your own documents to their site.  Please know that the author continues to make no money off of the pattern.

Bandy Canyon shares a free pattern and tutorial for making this old-school driver’s cap.  Keep the retro feel by making it out of an old piece of clothing, as she did.  Very cool! Get the free pattern.  Get the tutorial.

[photo from Bandy Canyon]

[tags]sewing, tutorial, hat, cap, pattern, driver’s[/tags]

Comments

  1. You really shouldn’t claim that the Driving Cap pattern is “free”. When you click the link to download the pattern on Scribd, you are required to either upload a file or pay a fee. This is very disappointing, not to mention misrepresentation. It’s the same with any other file that is being hosted on Scribd. If you really want to offer the pattern for free, you need to go to Scribd and refresh it’s status to current instead of archived. I’ve found this a continual disappointment with people that use Scribd. Please don’t take all the joy out of pattern sharing and creativity from these fabulous tutorials by hosting your files in Scribd archives.

    Thanks.

    • Wynelle, I wouldn’t knowingly describe a file as “free” if people were asked to pay or upload a file in order to view it. However, Scribd has never asked that from me. I just double-checked on this file, and I am still able to view the file without being asked to pay or upload a file. –Anne

  2. Thanks for your reply Anne. Gosh, I really didn’t think you did it on purpose. I’m sorry – it really did sound like that! (*ugh, embarassed*) I posted to Bandy Canyon about her hat pattern. Only the person that uploaded the file can actually change its’ status. I was a little confused about who the pattern belonged to as well.

    Yes, the pattern can be viewed but not printed or downloaded without excluding or recalling it from archive. If you have a paid account with them or have uploaded a document in the last 24 hours, then you can download or print documents that are in archive. It’s a Scribd thing. Here’s the link to their info: http://support.scribd.com/entries/224907-my-document-is-in-the-scribd-archive-but-i-do-not-want-it-to-be-what-can-i-do

    There are a lot of crafty people using them for free document storage and retrieval but “after a period of time” (that time isn’t really specified) it goes into archive. I’m thinking that not everyone that uses them is aware or clear on the details of that.

    Maybe I can help get the word out.

    Thanks again,

    -Wynelle

    • Wynelle,

      I’m sorry if I sounded harsh in my reply. I honestly didn’t mean to! Going back and re-reading my reply to your initial comment, I realize that I was inadvertantly rude to you. Thank you for replying back and clarifying what’s going on with the documents hosted at Scribd. I think I understand better what’s going on. And after reading your comment I went back and tried to actually download the document that I was able to view. Sure enough, it asked that I either subscribe or share my own document, just like you said. Same thing when I tried to print.

      From my research, this looks like it is a relatively new “feature” at Scribd – so Bandy Canyon is probably not aware that this is happening. Thank you for letting me know about this so I can add an editor’s note to make it clear that readers can download the pattern only if they subscribe or upload a document to Scribd. I know the disappointment when you think you’ve found some really awesome free information, only to realize that it’s not so free.

      Thank you again for taking the time to let me know what’s going on, and for being so understanding!

      Warm regards,
      Anne

  4. Adding “an editor’s note to make it clear that readers can download the pattern only if they subscribe or upload a document to Scribd” does nothing to rectify the problem. It is simply saying “Oh well, I didn’t read the rules so you have to subscribe or upload to get something I offered you for free”. This is offensive to all readers and considered false advertising on your part.

Have you read?

Easy Halloween Fabric Candy Basket Beginner Sewing Pattern for Trick-or-Treating

There’s something about Halloween that makes handmade projects feel extra special. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, maybe it’s the excuse to pull out bold fabrics you’d never use any other time of year. This fabric Halloween candy basket is one of those simple sewing projects that feels festive without being fussy—and it’s sturdy enough to survive a proper trick-or-treat haul.

If you’re looking for an easy Halloween sewing project for beginners, this fabric candy basket ticks all the boxes. It’s quick to make, uses straight seams only, and can be reused year after year. No plastic pumpkin buckets cracking in the heat, no noisy handles dragging along the footpath—just a soft, practical basket that actually holds a decent amount of lollies.

Why Sew a Fabric Halloween Candy Basket?

Reusable fabric Halloween baskets are a great alternative to store-bought trick-or-treat buckets. They’re lightweight for kids, easy to personalise, and much nicer to store once Halloween is over.

This pattern is ideal if you:

  • Want a beginner-friendly Halloween sewing project 
  • Prefer reusable, eco-friendly alternatives 
  • Need a last-minute costume accessory 
  • Like projects that work for multiple seasons 

Once Halloween is over, these baskets also work beautifully for toy storage or dress-up accessories.

Finished Size

Approx. 8 inches wide x 5 inches tall
 (Handle not included in height)

This size is perfect for candy, small toys, glow sticks, and all the treasures kids collect on Halloween night.

What You’ll Need

  • Halloween-themed quilting cotton for basket exterior 
  • Coordinating cotton fabric for lining 
  • Matching or contrasting fabric for handle 
  • Fusible fleece or medium-weight interfacing 
  • Matching sewing thread 
  • Sewing machine 
  • Scissors or rotary cutter 
  • Pins or clips 
  • Iron 

Optional: walking foot if your machine struggles with layers

Halloween Fabric Ideas That Work Well

This is where you can have some fun.

Great exterior fabric choices:

  • Black with white stars or moons 
  • Orange prints with subtle texture 
  • Small bats, spiders, or pumpkins 
  • Black-and-white stripes for a modern Halloween look 

For the lining, try:

  • Polka dots 
  • Candy-themed prints 
  • Bold contrast colours (lime green, purple, orange) 

Avoid very large novelty prints—small-scale patterns look better once the basket is sewn.

Cutting Instructions

Basket Exterior
 Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Basket Lining
 Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Interfacing
 Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Handle
 Cut 1 rectangle: 4” x 16”
 Cut 1 rectangle of interfacing: 4” x 16”

Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Basket Exterior

Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the exterior fabric.

Fold the fabric in half with right sides together so the short ends meet.
 Sew the side seam using a ¼” seam allowance.
 Press the seam open.

Step 2: Box the Bottom Corners

With the basket still inside out, flatten one bottom corner so the side seam lines up with the bottom fold.

Measure 2” across the corner and draw a straight line.
 Sew along the line.
 Trim excess fabric.

Repeat on the opposite corner.

Step 3: Sew the Lining

Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 using the lining fabric.

Important: leave a 3” opening along the side seam for turning later.

Step 4: Make the Handle

Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the handle fabric.

Fold handle lengthwise with right sides together.
 Sew along the long edge.
 Turn right side out and press flat.

Topstitch along both long edges for strength—Halloween baskets get dragged, swung, and overfilled.

Step 5: Attach the Handle

Pin handle ends to the right side of the basket exterior, centred on opposite sides.

Double-check the handle isn’t twisted.
 Baste the handle ends in place.

Step 6: Assemble the Basket

Place the basket exterior inside the lining, right sides together.

Match side seams and pin around the top edge.
 Sew around the top edge.

Step 7: Turn & Press

Turn the basket right side out through the lining opening.

Push lining inside basket and press the top edge neatly.

Step 8: Finish

Topstitch around the top edge to secure the lining.

Close the lining opening with a hand stitch or a neat machine stitch.

Your Halloween fabric candy basket is complete and ready for trick-or-treating.

Easy Halloween Customisation Ideas

  • Add a name using iron-on vinyl or embroidery 
  • Use glow-in-the-dark thread for topstitching 
  • Shorten the handle for toddlers 
  • Make matching baskets for siblings 
  • Coordinate basket fabric with a costume 

This pattern also works brilliantly as a Halloween party favour basket or table decoration.

Beginner Tips for Success

  • Quilting cotton is easiest to work with 
  • Press after every step for a cleaner finish 
  • Use heavier interfacing if you want a sturdier basket 
  • Don’t overthink perfection—Halloween fabric hides a lot