Binding Coil Basket

Making these coil baskets has become habit forming. I have tried several ways to sew the binding on because tapering the wrapped clotheslines isn't all that finished looking. I have tried sewing on the outside of the bag using the open arm feature of my sewing machine. I turned one bag inside out for the final stitching was not easy to turn then I had to turn it back and one I sewed by hand.

This way is the easiest and looks finished.
Cut the bias tape exactly the same as the circumference of the basket. I clip it to the outside of the basket all the way around then cut,  sew the ends together diagonal seam with a 1/4 inch seam  and press open. That gives just the right amount of stretch to go around the outside of the basket. Hold in place with clips, necessary if there is a dip in the center front and center back of the basket.

 stitch around with a straight stitch and 1/4 inch seam

my bias is left over from quilts and is either 2 1/2 inches wide or 2 1/4 inches wide

 turn bias in, clip and stitch around again

Nice smooth binding.

Add handles.
I hand stitched the handles between the coils with a matching hand quilting thread. 
Too hard to go through the coil and too thick to stitch by machine.

What shall I put in this basket?  ~~Ann~~