Today I’m super excited to be working with Warp & Weft and Sew Mama Sew to create a new tutorial for you! Esmari from Warp & Weft has even come up with a giveaway to go along with it. Hooray for everyone!
I came up with the idea for a sturdy base fabric tray a few months ago. Since the fabric tray tutorials I was finding online seem to have fabric bases, they are hard to pick up without dropping everything on the tray. Which, of course is fine if you don’t want to move them around – but I thought it would be nice to make one that you could could carry. I love the shape of this tray is like a little wooden tray, right down to the contrasting handles – and they are really easy to sew in!
I count myself super fortunate to have been able to work with two collections, brand new to the Warp & Weft shop! First, Beyond the Backyard , features lovely springy flowers and (my favorite) tiny bees hidden throughout. These meld amazingly well when they are pieced together. The second collection, Petite Plume is based on peacocks and I am loving the bright colours in this one! The navy background on the “Floral” design sets off the others beautifully. Both of these collections are made by Canadian manufacturer Camelot Fabrics. Since Warp & Weft and I are both based in Canada that makes this post a truly Canadian experience – Enjoy!
So, you’d like some fabric of your own? Here’s your chance! Esmari from Warp & Weft is giving away one fat quarter bundle with each of the lovely Petite Plume fabrics in it. That’s 5 fat quarters just waiting for you to make something amazing! (And of course a fabric tray is on your list?!) The giveaway starts today and ends at midnight on Monday, May 19th. Enter on the Rafflecopter widget below – and if you don’t have Facebook to sign in with, just use your name and email! (Keep reading, the tutorial is next!)
The full tutorial is on Sew Mama Sew today – Click: Sew Mama Sew Fabric Tray Tutorial – to access it. The tray tutorial on Sew Mama Sew is for a 10″ x 6″ tray – the perfect little rectangular size for showing off your favorite fabric scraps in a pieced rectangular log cabin. This post will cover the materials needed and cutting sizes for the bonus 6″ x 6″ tray. A perfect square with my newly acquired skill – the wonky star quilt block – in the centre. (More on that in a later post!) I love this little tray for things like jewelry, paper supplies in your office, or even for holding your kids’ loom bands!
Materials:
- Quilting Cotton Inner – Fabric Scraps (sizes indicated in Prep & Cutting below)
- Quilting Cotton Outer – one piece 11”x11”
- Quilting Cotton Handle – one piece 9”x5”
- Batting – one piece 11”x11”
- Canvas – one piece 11”x11”
- Medium Weight Fusible Interfacing – one piece 11”x11”, one piece 9”x5”
- Hardboard (for base) – one piece 5.75” x 5.75”
- School Glue Stick OR Basting Spray OR Pins
- Embroidery Floss & Needle
- Ruler, Removable Fabric/Hera Marker, Your other usual sewing supplies
- Zipper foot and/or Walking Foot are helpful but not necessary
- 6″ x 6″ Fabric Tray Pattern Pieces
Printing the Pattern Pieces:
- Print the 2 page pattern pieces pdf on letter size (8.5″ x 11″) or A4 paper. Important: Make sure scaling is set to ”None” or “Actual Size” when printing. Once you have printed the pages, measure the 1″ test square to ensure the pattern is the correct size. Cut out the 3 pieces along their outer lines. Tape/glue the tray pattern pieces together, matching the letters in the gray half-circles. You will now have 1 tray pattern piece and 1 handle pattern piece.
Prep & Cutting:
- Prewash your fabric if desired and press well.
- Fuse the 11”x11” interfacing to the Outer Tray Fabric and the 9”x5” interfacing to the Handle fabric.
- Lay the interfaced Outer Tray fabric wrong side up and trace the Fabric Tray pattern piece onto it using your removable fabric marker. Also mark the back of the fabric with all dots and clipping lines. Cut out the Outer tray. Do not clip yet. (photo is of the larger tray)
- Fold the 9”x5” interfaced handle fabric in half so the short ends meet. Trace 2 handles using the pattern piece, being sure to line it up at the fold. Cut out both handles. (photo is of the larger tray)
- Cut fabric scraps for the Inner Tray following these sizes and the drawing below. You will need eight 2 1/2″ squares for the background and five 2 1/2″ squares for the wonky star. Also cut two pieces 6 1/2″ x 2 3/4″ and two pieces 2 3/4″ x 11″ for the inner tray sides.
- To make the wonky star inner base, follow this tutorial from Cathy at Blueberry Patch. She uses 4″ squares in her tutorial, but we are using 2 1/2″ squares here. Follow her steps 1 and 2, then follow the directions here to piece them together.
- Lay out and stitch your wonky star block together with ¼” seams. Add the top and bottom sides to your centre block, then add the left and right sides. Your pieced fabric should be approximately 11”x11” when finished.
- Create a quilt sandwich with the 11”x11” canvas on the bottom, batting in the middle and quilted inner tray on top. Use pins/glue stick or basting spray to secure everything together. (photo is of the larger tray)
- Click the link and follow the Sew Mama Sew Fabric Tray Tutorial to finish your fabric tray. Continue the tutorial by finding the “Prepare the Quilted Tray Base” section and begin with the step noted in the photo below.
I’d love to see your trays! Please share on the Thread Riding Hood Facebook page, or hashtag #alongforthreadride or #threadridinghood on Instagram or Twitter. And don’t forget to pick up your Beyond the Backyard and Petite Plume today!
** Please note: This is a sponsored post and the fabric was provided to me at no cost by Warp & Weft, through Sew Mama Sew. However, as always, all opinions are my own and I will not promote a business that I do not love myself!
thanks so much for the giveaway! the obvious answer is of course I’d make a fabric tray. but I also think these fabrics would be perfect for little baby granddaughters!! Hmmmm, they could be for a fabric tray for their rooms! 🙂
This is such a great project, Sherri! Love the way you did the handles and the embroidered corner detail!
Thanks for the great tutorial! I think these will be on my list of handmade gifts for my daughters and niece for Christmas which is perfect for their dressers, and I do believe I’ll practice with a set for me too! The fabric give away it just what I need to get started!
I Love the Tray Tutorial and the Beautiful Fabrics! I Think I would Make this
tray with the Fat Quarter if I Win! Thanks For This Giveaway!
If not a tray, then a tote! 🙂
Thank you for the great tutorial!! I love the beautiful fabrics, especially the peacocks 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
Super cute fabrics! I would love to try this tray, and I think they would make a nice wallet!
Thank you for the great tutorial…I am putting it on my to do list! Petite Plume is adorable….I would love to make a bag/tote so that I can show it off.
Awesome tutorial. I’m a novice sewer and would love to be able to sew this and other stuff for around the house and easy-to-make dresses my little girl with these super cute and pretty fabrics!
i would make some trays or put them in a quilt..
I’d make a cute purse or bag! Thank you so much for the giveaway!
The fabric is gorgeous!
Those feathers…to die for! If I won this bundle I’d probably whip up a Sew Together Bag with it. Totally display those cute birds & feathers!
I just pinned the tutorial from Sew Mama Sew, then found this post – such a cute tray! I would do a trial run first, with not-so-special fabric, but then I would make the basket WITH the fabrics – what a fun collection! Scraps would be used for a couple of very spectacular zipper bags 🙂
NOW I know how you made my runner! I sure do love it – and your very cute basket.
Your stuff is always amazingly perfect. WOW!
I would add these to some cute items I’m making for my kids to wear this summer.
Another great idea! Can’t wait to get started on this one too! =)
i like your tray so maybe that, but also a table runner, great colors.
What adorable fabric! Love the tutorial, too! Thank you!
I’m not sure what I’d make, but the tray looks fun! Maybe a cute baby quilt…..
Cute fabric! I like the tray and will probably make one.
These are such cute fabrics, thanks for the chance to win. The tray is really cute, thanks for the tutorial.
I have a basket pattern I think I would make with these cute fabrics for my newest grandbaby, who will arrive in September. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Absolutely sweet. The fabrics are perfect for my frame purse mood.Smile!
Love the tray…I definitely will make one…maybe with the fabric…if not I will use the fabric in one of the many quilts I will be making. I have promised my 4 sisters each get a quilt this year plus my oldest son and daughter in law.
So cute! I think a small activity bag for my niece would be nice, she’ll be making the rounds visiting all the aunties, uncles, nannas & papas this summer 🙂
What a great project! I could use quite a few of those for my “treasures”.
this fabric is so cute! Thanks for the chance. The obvious answer is this cute tray but I don’t know yet what I would make!
I would probably make that cute tray.
I think I could get a little skirt and halter top out of it for my baby niece, if I pieced it together. That’s what id make:)
I can picture some cute colour blocked tanks for my daughter, or some adorable zippered pouches. Such adorable fabric!
I love it. I think I would make me a bag
I would make a quilted tablerunner or zipper pouches. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! 🙂
I would make a couple of reversible sun hats
Great tutorial! This tray would make a perfect present for my mom’s birthday coming up 🙂
I am going to make a couple of these baskets, very nice.
Would definitely make the fabric tray!!
I don’t know but I like the red–I have a hard time finding red in modern fabrics. perhaps a drawstring bag for my upcoming sock project…
Super cute tray Sherri! Way too challenging for my sleep deprived state right now…but Definately added to the project list! I think esmari’s fabric selection is soooo cute…perhaps baby clothes for adia?
I would make a basket from your tutorial for my sewing room
What fun fabric! I think I’d make a whimsical little tunic for my wee little girl.
The tray is so cute, I want one to keep my little tools together when I’m sewing.
A gorgeous table runner!
The fat quarters are just adorable! I would love to make a tray or a pillow using these fabrics! Thanks for the chance to win!
I would make bags using the delicious fabrics 🙂
I was thinking about something to hold zippers, and lay them flat. This project and fabric would be perfect! Thanks for the chance.
Another project added to my “must do” thanks for the idea and tutorial! I love the fabrics!
I have my eye on a cute little zippered bag I would love to use these fabrics on. After making an adorable tray first though 🙂
Super cute fabric! Would make a tray!
I like the tutorial, and the fabrics are lovely.
I would make a tote.
I would make a nap pad for my little granddaughter. Thanks for the chance!
I would make a quilt for my little girl’s big girl bed. She would love the ladybugs!
I’d make a reusable ‘trash’ bag for the car– it would add a pop of color!
The fabric is so cute – I would make a pile of hexies with them for a kids quilt!
I would love to make some sweet little tote bags for kids.
I absolutely love the tray and that is what I would make!
The fabric tray is fabulous! thanks for the tutorial! I would love to give that a try.
I can always use another fabric tray. I only have one atm.
I would make some of those trays!
I’d like to make these trays with this beautiful fabric but I don’t know that I could wait for them to arrive! Maybe a second one?
so, so cute!! I would have to make these trays, they are darling!
Awesome!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for this morning that links to your tutorials:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-quilted-fabric-tray-in-two-sizes/2014/05/15/
–Anne
I think that tray would be too hard to resist! I would have to make one. And I can’t decide whether I like the yummy bees or those adorable feathers best. I’ve been quite enamored with feathers lately. Hoping to win.
xo Linda
I would love to make your trays, I’ve been looking for something like this. Thanks for the great tutorial.
What a great idea, I can’t wait until I have some time to make one!!!!
I’d make one of these baskets! They’re “sew” cute!
Love the fabrics!!! And I do love the tray tutorial. Hmmm. Nesting trays might be a good idea to make with these.
I would make a tote for my daughter. She’s already seen the fabrics and loves the red and blue prints. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com
I would make some fabric trays. I think they are such a great idea. You can just throw them in the washer when they become soiled. Thanks so much for posting the tutorial.
Another great tutorial, Sherri. I love that the projects that you create tutorials for are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also practical. I could think of so many uses for this tray! First I think I’ll use one or two to round up some hand sewing works in progress. My biggest excuse to not get working on them is having to gather all the materials. 🙂
I’m quite inspired to make this tray. It’s beautiful and fun.
I’d be making lots of fabric trays for the grand kids!
I would make a tray. These are so cute.
I would love to make the tray. Beautiful fabric.
I would make bibs 🙂
What a great idea and just in time for summer fun. Not only can they be used in many ways in the house but those back yard barbecues will also benefit from this show stopper idea. Carry those essential items to the picnic table in style!
Very nice tutorial. Beautiful fabric.
I would make the tray out of the fabric. Then would see what i could make with the scraps. Probably coasters.
What a lovely line! I would make a small bag…try to highlight the super sweet prints! 🙂
Love the tray ! If I win I would make lovely little dresses for my little princesses 🙂
I currently use a boring, old metal tray to keep my sewing tools handy but this tray would be much more fun to see on my table 🙂
What a wonderful tray tutorial! Thanks for the opportunity to win some of this beautiful fabric!
I love the tray. I’m always looking for a basket or whatever to put my current wip in. This would work perfectly. I have to say those fabrics would make a very cute tray.
The FQs are great . I have a little girl to do a quilt for and these would work in great.
I’d sure like to make this tray for my ottoman!
So cute!
Love the fabric trays!
I see this as a mini diaper bag! My sister is expecting her first and I would love to use this!
Thanks for the tutorial- will be trying this! I think the fabric would make a great purse or pouch.
Love all that you do. The fabric line is wonderful! So colorful and full of fun. I keep entering your giveaways and are still hopeful that one day I’ll be the lucky winner. Have no fear, I’ll still be a loyal follower whichever way!
Thank you for the lovely tray tutorial….I want to make one in both sizes. They will be perfect to use as a his & hers nightstand tray.
still collecting for tween girl quilts…. these are perfect….
Gorgeous!
Sorry – should have said what I’d make. A pinafore for my new niece!
I would love to make a tray, and add to my stash!
Totally on my to-do sewing list.
I’d make a pram quilt for a friend who’s expecting
i would to make a cute bag or a gift for a daughter of a friend who is expecting a baby soon.
I would love to make either a bag or a gift for a friend’s daughter who is expecting a “surprise” baby.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
I’d make a quilt for my daughter!
bright funky patterned materials makes me happy – & will love the challenge of making a tray or two
I think these fabrics would make cute table mats or coasters, something spring/summery!
I have to make a tote with that fabric. Love it. Thanks for the tutorials. Thanks for the chance.
Wow, the tray you made and did the Tutorial for, is ADORABLE!!!!! I would love to try it with the Petite Plume fabric!
Thank you so much for the opportunity AND thank you SO much for allowing those of us who are not on FB to enter. I cannot tell you how nice it was to be given an option to still be able to enter this contest!
I would make a little quilt. Thanks!
What a great idea! Love the fabric combo.
Thank you for this tutorial. I’ve made some collapsible travel trays recently and think your trays with handles look quite nice. I look forward to making this as well. Thank you, too for a chance to enter the FQ giveaway!
I’d get a kick out of making a thread catcher basket and pincushion with the cheery fabrics.
This fabric tray is definitely on my list of things to do and the fabric giveaway IS perfect for it.
so cute!! I would possibly use in making children’s clothes.
I would make a pillowcase dress for my granddaughter.
The tray tutorial looks like an excellent use of these great fabrics
I think these would make a really cute little bag.
I’m thinking a patchwork summer dress for my younger daughter!
I would definitely make my Granddaughter something. There is enough in this giveaway to make her a fabric basket for her room……..and a mini purse !!!! Love, love the fabric 🙂
I would make myself a nice skirt
Ok I have tried many times to pull up the instructions for this Fabric Tray but cannot get the site to open. Would you please send the sewing instructions for making this fabric tray/casserole carrier it is so cute and I want to make it. Thank you
Hi Nanny Lou, The Sew Mama Sew site is not working right now. You can access the tutorial on the WayBack machine here: https://web.archive.org/web/20160514024126/http://www.sewmamasew.com/2014/05/quilted-fabric-tray/
I will send you an email with the pattern pieces shortly. Sherri