Turning a simple wool blanket into a functional and stylish basket is a rewarding project that blends practicality with textile artistry. This process, often referred to as coiling, allows you to repurpose old garments or thrifted finds into a durable organizer for toys, magazines, or laundry. The resulting basket possesses a unique softness and warmth that is difficult to achieve with traditional rattan or plastic materials.
Unlike standard sewing projects, this craft requires no intricate stitching or complex machinery. The primary mechanism is a meticulous hand-sewn blanket stitch that secures the coil as you build upward. This method is accessible to beginners, yet it offers enough nuance to keep experienced crafters engaged for hours. The key to success lies in preparation and understanding the specific properties of the blanket material you choose.
Selecting the Right Blanket
Material Matters
The foundation of your basket is the blanket itself. For optimal results, you want a fabric that is dense, sturdy, and non-stretchy. Minky fabrics, while luxurious, often lack the structural integrity required for a stable base. Instead, look for high-quality acrylic wools or tightly woven cottons that hold their shape when folded.
Size and Thickness
Thickness is a critical factor that determines the wall height and stability of your final product. A standard fleece blanket might work for a small, flat tray, but you will need a substantial throw or Queen-sized blanket to create a deep, tub-style basket. As a general rule, you should calculate the yardage based on the desired diameter; a larger basket requires a continuous strip of fabric roughly three times the circumference of the base.
Preparing the Fabric Coil
The first active step is transforming the flat fabric into a coiled rope. You begin by cutting a continuous spiral strip from the body of the blanket, typically two to four inches wide depending on the desired basket girth. To ensure the strip maintains a consistent width, it is helpful to mark the edges with chalk before cutting.
Once cut, the strip needs to be pre-treated. You should gently stretch the fabric lengthwise to identify and eliminate any curling tendencies. Ironing the strip on a medium heat setting (ensuring the blanket is fiber-safe) helps to flatten it, creating a more uniform surface for sewing. This preparation prevents unsightly waves and ensures the coil sits flush against itself as you build.
Constructing the Base
Every basket requires a solid foundation. You will start by forming a tight spiral for the base, usually beginning with a small coil that resembles a cinnamon roll. The critical element here is managing the tension; you want the base to be tight enough to hold its shape but loose enough to allow manipulation.
| Base Style | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Round | A simple, centralized coil that expands outward uniformly. | General storage and aesthetic appeal. |
| Oval | An elongated base created by varying the pressure on one side of the coil. | Fitting into rectangular spaces or baskets. |
Building the Walls
With the base established, the construction shifts vertically. This is where the blanket stitch comes into play. Using a heavy-duty needle and thick thread, you secure the base to the rising wall of the coil. The standard technique involves passing the needle through the edge of the base fabric, then through the side of the coil above it, creating a interlocking loop that resembles a twisted ladder.
Maintaining consistent tension is vital during this phase. If the stitches are too loose, the basket will wobble and lose its shape. Conversely, if they are too tight, the fabric may pucker or distort. As you sew, occasionally place the basket upside down on a flat surface to check that it sits evenly. Adjust the stuffing or padding inside the coil if one side begins to dip.
Finishing the Rim
Once the basket reaches the desired height, the coil must be terminated gracefully. This usually involves tapering the fabric strip to a point or folding the final edge inward. You will then perform a series of secure stitches to lock the top layer in place, preventing the coil from unraveling.
For a polished look, you can fold the raw edge of the rim under and stitch it down to create a clean, bound edge. Alternatively, you can leave the natural fringe for a more rustic, avant-garde aesthetic. The handles, if desired, can be integrated by creating large side coils or attaching separate straps made from the same blanket material, ensuring they are stitched through multiple layers of the wall for strength.
