The basket base is made up of triangles and half-square triangle units, with light and dark areas that reflect the same fabric in two different colorways. Use any two light and dark combo of fabrics, or mix it up to create a varied basket for a scrap quilt.
The handle can be appliqued using my template, or you can vary it by selecting one of the methods described in my 6" Basket Block Pattern and the larger Fruit Basket quilt block pattern.
Fabric Requirements
Before cutting squares for the basket base, read through the instructions for quick-pieced half square triangle units. You'll learn how to enhance the block's accuracy by cutting your squares slightly oversize, and then trimming the resulting triangle square units back to the correct dimensions after assembly.Squares that are cut in half once diagonally should match the size given.
Dark basket base:
- (8) 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" squares (cut three in half once diagonally, leave others as squares)
- One basket handle (download handle template)
Light basket base:
- (5) 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" squares
Light for background
- (1) 15-7/8" x 15-7/8" square (cut in half once diagonally, one will not be used -- save for another basket)
OPTIONAL Cutting for a 5-inch Quilt Block
This size isn't quite 'miniature,' but it's close. Try this version of the basket if you'd like to make a batch of very small quilt blocks. When working this small, I recommend you make oversize half square triangle units and then trim them back as mentioned above; be sure to read the instructions if you have not tried that technique, as each half of a unit must be identical in size.Dark basket base:
- (8) 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" squares (cut three in half once diagonally, leave others as squares)
- One basket handle (download handle template and print at 50%)
Light basket base:
- (5) 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" squares
Light for background
- (1) 5-7/8" x 5-7/8" square (cut in half once diagonally, one will not be used -- save for another basket)
