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DIY Insulated Picnic Basket with Napkins

In life there are things that we can find ourselves drawn to and we have no idea why. haha. Am I right? Well, in this case I think I know why and I know how it started. Let me begin by showing you how I’m going to turn this thrifted goodie into a DIY insulated picnic basket. {{ooh…aaah…ooooo}}

Thrifted Basket Before Picnic Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

You would have bought it too, right? I mean it’s a basket and no one passes up baskets – at least any one sane, that is. ahem. I can honestly say that I came by my fetish thru my mother. Yes, thank you Mom.

BACKGROUND

I remember a transitional time when JC and I were living with my parents. If you remember, I mentioned in my last post that they built a gorgeous 6 K log home. Well, there was plenty of room for us. They had a full basement that housed a fun place to play with a billiard table, workout area, ping-pong table, second kitchen, woodworking shop, and much more.

However, my mom decided to create her own business down there selling handmade crafts. Part of her inventory was baskets. Lots and lots of baskets. They multiplied like Gremlins, it seemed. So, I took it upon myself to organize them for her. It was so fun!

Plus, she used handmade straw hats to decorate my bedroom, which also started a new fascination. haha. A girl can have these kinds of innocent vices and be perfectly normal. Just sayin’.

DIY TIME

Anyhoo, I’ve always preferred a basket to stow away my items as opposed to…awful plastic. Natural fibers rule in my world. In addition, I love to support local artisans as well. This basket, however, is probably of the overseas factory kind. But, I couldn’t resist the utilitarian design of it.

It has handles and a stout structure making it perfect for what I envisioned. If you’ve not seen how I love to make insulated lunch bags for my shop, stop and take a peek at this upcycled linen skirt post.

Handmade Striped Insulated Lunch Bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #shopping #style #bag #lunch

This project is very similar in basic design. Here’s what I used to create the innards of this DIY insulated picnic basket.

DIY Insulated Picnic Basket Layers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SUPPLIES:

  • cotton fabric
  • PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric)
  • Insul-Bright
  • coordinating thread
  • plastic mesh (optional)
  • cord
  • beads

TOOLS:

  • sewing scissors
  • serger or sewing machine
  • sewing tape measure
  • hand-sewing needle

Notice I’ve taken the measurements of the basket and translated them into 3 lining layers, plus the top flaps. Since there’s no way I can give you instructions how to make one for every basket you find, I’m just giving the basic idea to inspire you.

My layers have boxed corners that allow for the lining to have a square bottom. My basket interior measured 13″ L x 7″ W x 9″ H, so I cut to suit my needs. See diagram below.

Cutting Layout for DIY Insulated Picnic Basket by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For each lining layer, two pieces are cut and then serge (or zig-zag stitched) together in the sequence below.

Serging Layout for DIY Insulated Picnic Basket by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

BOXING

First, to box the corners, simple open up the “box” and pinch the corners together. Next, sew it shut with your serger or sewing machine.

Boxed Corner Before | prodigalpieces.com

Serging Insulated Layers | prodigalpieces.com

Serged Boxed Corner for DIY Insulated Picnic Basket | prodigalpieces.com

Now we have our first layer complete. Also, you’ll need to do the same with the PUL and cotton. Last, for added reinforcement (totally optional) I added an extra layer of plastic mesh. I thought it would make it fun to be able to remove the lining and use it as a bag too.

Plastic Mesh for DIY Insulated Picnic Basket | prodigalpieces.com

The layering order from the outside to inside is: cotton, mesh (anchor-stitched from the inside), Insul-brite, then PUL. Just make sure when you’re working on the cotton and PUL linings that you have them right sides facing each other. Then, turn right side out for assembly.

Boxed Insulated Layer for Picnic Basket | prodigalpieces.com

From here I’m just going to say you can add top flaps as I’ve done, add handles, add…whatever your heart desires. In addition, you can embellish in any way you see fit. The WHOLE idea is to have fun with it. Really!

THE REVEAL

Here’s my spiffed up thrifted basket turned DIY insulated picnic basket with coordinating cloth napkins. woot!

Handmade Insulated Picnic Basket with Four Cloth Napkins by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #diy #farmhouse #summer #picnic

Picnic Basket with Cloth Napkins by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Visit prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #lunch #picnic #farmhouse #fashion

See how the inside has the PUL lining? PUL comes in all sorts of colors and patterns, so feel free to jazz it up a bit with color fun. It is a moisture-resistant fabric, but not waterproof. I use it for diapers, women’s products, snack bags, etc.

Inside DIY Insulated Picnic Basket with PUL lining | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #picnic #home #sewing

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces Takes a Thrifted Basket and Turns it into an Insulated Picnic Basket with Style | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #sewing #handmade #home #summer

If you’d like to own this basket set, you can find it, my lunch bags, and much more available in my online shop. (SOLD)

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Picnic Basket with Set of Cloth Napkins by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #home #summer #homedecor

My goal is to inspire you, so please feel free to ask questions if you have them. These baskets would make for wonderful wedding, graduation, or birthday gifts stuffed full of goodies.

Also, do pin and share with others so they can be inspire too. Share the love!

Grab that thrifted basket and turn it into a DIY insulated picnic basket. Perfect for gifts! See more by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #crafts #home #summer #homedecor #farmhouse #gifts

Up next, I’ll be having my Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun. See my latest DIY fun HERE.

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more projects like this DIY insulated picnic basket:

Create a DIY Rolling Laundry Cart with a thrifted basket. Full details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comLooking for the perfect gift for mom? Blow her socks off with this Easy & Affordable Mother's Day Flower Basket | Full video tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Head to prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #mothersday #giftideas #home #homedecor #budget #crafts #flowers #mom

 

Comments

  1. Minnie says

    Oh Boy!
    I’m feeling a little like yogi bear wanting that picnic basket!
    Lunch on the go, shopping, diaper bag, purse duties, sewing/knitting projects…oh the uses are endless!
    Love it❤️
    Blessings to you!
    Minnie

    • Larissa says

      haha! You made me giggle out loud. 😀 Yay! Happy hunting!

  2. Constance Colvin says

    You are an inventive genius!

    • Larissa says

      aww…I just have so much fun and glad I can share. Thanks!

  3. Donna Gonzalez says

    What a smart think to do with that plain basket. ? Love it!

    • Larissa says

      woot! 😀 Thank you, Donna. I’m such a sucker for a basket.

  4. ColleenB.-Tx. says

    Cute basket by itself but what you had done with it, it’s outstanding.
    Great little basket to have a small picnic outside or in the house with your kiddos. Lay down an old sheet or blanket on the floor and have yourself a little picnic with the kids.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Colleen. I’m excited to have had it come together so well, but also that it’s headed to its new home.

  5. Marie says

    You are so talented, Larissa! Someone is going to create wonderful memories with this lovely basket.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for the love, Marie. Having some stitch therapy right now feels good. 😀

  6. Dawn says

    I am a confirmed basket-head! I have collected them since my teens and love their utilitarian origins and their natural beauty. Some of my most treasured pieces were made by my grandmother, She took a basket weaving class in the late 1980s and went kind of nuts (wonder where I got it from?) I also love to collect the old picnic baskets with the wooden lids. They are getting harder to find so whenever I do, I snap it up. Your basket was lovely as is but you made it even more special. Thanks for sharing!

    • Larissa says

      hahahaha!! Yes! I have several of those picnic baskets too. I just have such with them. sssshhh…I even have a stash sitting right beside me. 😉

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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