From heavy 7mm FF cut 36 spokes 10" long. Soak briefly. Put a light pencil mark at 4 1/2" on the wood base (this is the center). Insert a spoke at this center mark and one on the opposite side. Then evenly space the remaining spokes. You may have to nip the corners of the spokes as you insert them on the rounded ends of the base. I found it extremely helpful to glue in the spokes.

Twine (or chase weave) 3 times around, keeping the spokes flat. DO NOT CUT THE ROUND REED. Gently upset the spokes and continue to twine 5 more times. End off round reed.

Weave the following rows start and stop, keeping the spokes up straight and evenly spaced. DO NOT LET THEM SLANT INWARD OR YOUR WILL BE TIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE BASKET.
8 rows 11/64" FO
7 rows dyed 3mm FO (just slightly damp)
3 rows 11/64" FO
7 rows dyed 3mm FO (just slightly damp)
8 rows 11/64" FO
Twine (or chase weave) with #2 R 4 times (*if your spokes are too close to twine, weave 4 more rows of 11/64" FO
1 row 3/8" FF (rim row)

Pack well. Cut and tuck spokes, rim with 1/2" FO, seagrass between rims, lash with 11/64" FO. I sprayed my basket with Clear Weaver's Stain before attaching the leather handles.

Attaching The Handles:
Locate the center spoke on the long side of the basket. Count over 3 spokes from this center spoke and put a pencil mark on the rim just past this spoke. You will be attaching the handles between two spokes. Do the same on the other side of the center spoke. Repeat this on the opposite side of the basket. Dampen the rim area before drilling the holes through the 1/2" FO rims. If your lasher is in the way, just move it slightly to one side. Attach the handles with 10mm Bone Dome Assembly. Profile of handle attachment from outside to inside of basket: screw, bone dome, handle, bone washer, rim & nut. Tighten up, cut off screw (with safety glasses on), and file the end if needed.

All materials to make this basket are available at NC Basket Works.