quilted fabric basket - what do I need for middle layer?

[ZingSweetApple]

have you made one yet?
obviously wadding/batting would be too flimsy, so what is a good material to use that would make the basket quite "stiff" and hold its shape?

also, would it be washable?

thanks

Would buckram work? A dress maker friend used it to stiffen costumes she made for a school play.

I've always seen heavy weight interfacing mentioned in patterns/tutorials. Then it's washable

Another option is to try the plastic grid stuff used to cross stitching. You could cut to size and insert it into the sides. I'll try to find a link for it. I used it on a batman hat I crocheted to make the ears stand up.

Plastic mesh

good ideas, thanks. anything else?

you mean timtex? apparently it's difficult to sew through, so if I want to make cylindrical shapes I don't know how I would attach the circle at the bottom.

the plastic grid seems a good solution.

Fast2Fuse iron interfacing is good if you want a stiff finish but with a little pliability. I have used this to make boxes which I have machine stitched and embroidered and the beauty is you just fuse the lining on after you have finished decorating.

Forgot to say - washable as well.

ah, yes, I forgot about Fast2Fuse, thanks for reminding me!

I'm finishing/starting/ in the middle of about 8 projects, but I can't help thinking of the next several hundred

I have so many scraps (organized into 1" to 5" strips) I want to do something with them, so boxes seem like a good idea as something different and can be given away as gifts (or sold)

I've used timtex interfacing to make a fabric basket and didn't find it difficult to sew through, yes it's stiffer so the fabric doesn't bend quite as easily but it certainly wasn't a problem... might be worth trying a little on a sample piece?

daisy

that's good to know, thanks.

did you sew through timtex by hand or machine?

I used a machine with new needle (don't think I used a denim needle but that's worth having to hand if you have problems)

I did a shallow bowl a while ago and planned to use Timtex but because I wanted to do a different quilt design on the back to the front, I found it too thick - there were too many layers I ended up using normal wadding (80/20). I had silk, interfacing (to stop fraying), wadding muslin backing for the surface of the bowl and then silk, interfacing and muslin for the back and the whole sandwich came together quite well. It holds its shape no problem.

My concern with Timtex is that is quite stiff and if you were making a small bowl it might be hard to manipulate although I haven't tried tbh.

As for joining the base of the bowl to the sides, you would cover the bottom with fabric too and then you would be able to sew the side and the bottom together although you might have to do it by hand using a slip stitch or similar.

Thanks BBB

it's good to know there are many options. I want them sort of shoe box size.

I'm finishing some wall hanging small quilts ATM, using the 100% polyester wadding as I find it sturdier than my beloved 80/20, so better for the job - I think it might work for a smaller box as well.

I find it quiet funny how I'm planning these boxes in my head when in reality it will be months, even years before I can get to them!

Half the fun is in the planning!

Whilst the plans are still in my head they stay perfect too. The reality is less so for me so I like the planning bit. And the buying materials. That is fun too.

I had this book to guide me although I mostly muddled through on my own in the end because I needed to make the design on the back different to the one on the front. I think some of these look quite baskety iyswim. If you are going for something more boxy, they do a Fast Fun and Easy Fabric Box book too.

ooh, thanks, I'll look it up

I love the planning bit too
and I like waiting for the idea/concept to ripen - the end is way better if it's not rushed.

like my hexagon I spy quilt.
I thought of making one about 8 years ago after seeing one at a friends.
but I didn't like the pattern so I thought I'll just do large squares.

but that wasn't exiting enough so I thought I'll do a Maltese cross style tessalation pattern. then left it at that.

then I made (just finished!!) my hexagon tree mat and suddenly I thought I should make the I spy quilt with large hexagons so the actual patterns & designs are shown off!

and the concept was born. the hexagons are 5&1/2" (between parallel sides) and I have tacked about 50 already.
it will look awesome and I'm really excited about it!

btw there's a 14 projects in 2014 - do you want me to link it?
It's good!