Cut 28 spokes each 8" long from 3/8" FF. Soak briefly. Mark the center of the 5" x 8" oblong base (4"). Insert a spoke at the center mark (smooth side down) and another spoke on the opposite side. These are your "handle spokes". Evenly space the remaining spokes around the base - 13 on each side of the handle spokes. If the groove in your base is too narrow to insert the spokes, run sandpaper around the groove several times, and/or sand down the ends of each spoke (you want a tight fit).

Weave 1 row of 3/16" FO keeping the spokes flat, then gently upset the spokes and weave 20 row of 3/16" FO start and stop, and 1 rim row using 3/8" FF. Check often to be sure your 6" handle will fit.

Pack well as you go. Cut and tuck spokes and insert the handle. Rim with 1/2" FF inside and outside, seagrass between rims, and lash with 3/16" FO.

Finishing Your Basket:

If you plan to stain your basket, do so before attaching the buttons. There are two ways to attach buttons that have a shank on the back. You can use twist ties to secure them to the basket, or cut the shank off with flush cutters - always were safety glasses - and glue to the basket using hot glue gun. The buttons on this basket were attached with twist ties. Decorate as desired with optional items.


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