Marilla Walker Collapsible Basket and Bucket Bag Pattern

This endlessly useful bag pattern from Marilla Walker has two variations that will work in so many situations  - for craft projects, a picnic, on the allotment or at the market!   This is a full size paper pattern - just cut out and use! Provided with detailed instructions, this pattern is aimed at the advanced beginner and intermediate sewist. There are a lot of steps, but mainly basic techniques.

VIEW A - The collapsible basket is a folding trug style bag for carrying fruit, vegetables, or flowers. It is a soft fabric bag with a solid board inserted in the base for stability (this can be omitted). Gardening trugs/baskets for collecting produce from the garden tend to take up space when not in use. This one is foldable and easy to store and can be used to carry long stems or strategically tied to carry smaller items.

View B – A multi-pocket bucket bag with a main compartment and four large outer pockets. An optional drawstring top conceals or protects the main bag contents. Thick denim makes a good garden caddy for small tools, seeds etc. Printed thick cottons make a lovely project or hobby bag or even a picnic bag. There are two bag bases, a round one for a more typical bucket shape or oblong for a more rectangular tote style. The drawstring is best suited to the round base.

FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS (view A and B) – Medium to heavy weight fabrics such as denim, linen, cotton.
Fabric can be made sturdier with the application of interfacing or wadding/quilting. This very much depends on the intended use of the finished bag.

FABRIC AND NOTION REQUIREMENTS (METRIC)

• Medium weight fusible interfacing for bag handles. If preferred, 25mm webbing can be used as pre-made handles.
• Base board – view A. Pre-cut 2mm MDF or thick cardboard. A4 297mm x 210mm.
• 10cm piece of Velcro/hook and loop tape for view A.
• Co-ordinating thread.
• View B – 1 metre of cotton tape or cord for the drawstring.