Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Rian from Presser Foot shares her needle chart that shows which type of sewing machine and hand sewing needle to use with different types and weights of fabric. She keeps a copy next to her sewing machine so it’s right where she needs it. Get the needle chart.
[tags]sewing, machine, hand, needle, chart[/tags]
There’s something quietly special about a handmade Christmas gift basket. Not loud. Not over-the-top. Just thoughtful, useful, and clearly made with care. This fabric Christmas gift basket is one of those projects that looks lovely on the day and keeps working long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Instead of disposable boxes or cellophane baskets that never quite survive storage, this reusable fabric basket becomes part of the gift. It’s soft but structured, beginner-friendly to sew, and endlessly adaptable depending on what you fill it with. Think cosy socks, handmade soap, baked treats, or a few carefully chosen favourites for someone you love.
If you’re looking for an easy Christmas sewing project that feels meaningful without being complicated, this one fits beautifully into a busy December.
A fabric gift basket feels personal in a way store-bought packaging never does. It says, I made this just for you, without needing embroidery skills or weeks of prep time.
This pattern is ideal if you:
Once the gift has been opened, the basket doesn’t get tossed. It gets reused—for storage, décor, or future gifting.
Approx. 8 inches wide x 5 inches tall
(handle not included in height)
This size works beautifully for small gift collections: bath products, candles, jams, knitting notions, stationery, or a cosy winter bundle.
Optional but helpful: walking foot if your machine struggles with thicker layers
You don’t need novelty prints for this to feel festive.
Lovely exterior fabric options include:
For the lining:
Small-scale prints hold their shape and age better than large novelty designs.
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”
If you want a taller basket, you can add an extra inch to the height measurement. I wouldn’t recommend increasing the width unless you also increase the interfacing strength.
Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the exterior fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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.
With the basket still inside out, flatten one bottom corner so the side seam lines up with the bottom fold.
Measure 2 inches across the corner and draw a straight line.
Sew along the line.
Trim off excess fabric, leaving about ¼”.
Repeat for the opposite corner.
Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 using the lining fabric.
Leave a 3-inch opening along the side seam—this is for turning the basket later.
Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the handle fabric.
Fold the handle lengthwise with right sides together.
Sew along the long edge using a ¼” seam allowance.
Turn right side out and press flat.
Topstitch along both long edges for strength and a polished finish.
Pin the 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.
Place the basket exterior inside the lining, right sides together.
Match side seams and pin around the top edge.
Sew around the top using a ¼” seam allowance.
Turn the basket right side out through the lining opening.
Push the lining inside the basket and press the top edge neatly.
Topstitch around the top edge to keep the lining in place and give the basket a professional finish.
Close the lining opening with a hand stitch or neat machine stitch.
Your Christmas fabric gift basket is complete.
This basket shines when it’s filled thoughtfully.
Tie a simple tag to the handle and you’re done—no extra wrapping required.
This fabric Christmas gift basket sewing pattern is one of those rare projects that feels calm to make and genuinely useful to give. It’s simple enough for beginners, adaptable for experienced sewists, and timeless enough to come back out every December.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout. But it’s the kind of handmade piece people keep—and that’s exactly what a good Christmas project should be.
I have 2 different sergers recently purchased. They are used and only have 1 needle in each serger. My Singer serger (14u13) manual says to use Singer cat. no. 2053 #10,#11, #12, #14. The other serger is a SergeMate 5040L. Can I use the same needles in this machine as the Singer Serger? Thank you so much for you help. Confused, Terri
Terri, I’m not sure. I’d call your local Singer dealer and ask them. –Anne
Yes, I have the Companion Sergemate 5040. It can use the same needles that you use in your sewing machine. It can use Singer needles, universal needles. It was made by Tacony at the same time that they were making Babylock. Just remember to thread it right to left and to replace the sewing needle or needles. This serger has a very long life if treated right.
i have tacony made bl 5030 sergemate and looking for owner instruction manuals this unit purchased 3-3-90 to my mother who never get around to using it ,still in box but no manuals, please helpme find this information so I can use it to make throws, blankets and to cut down some of our clothes thanks for any help on this ,
I have companion 5040L serger machine the needel I used is either universal or overlock needles, it used to work properly ,now it started to berek the needel frequently the left needle. How can I fix the problem?