 Lay out horizontal stakes (46") and bottom fillers (22") Start FIRST vertical stake (38") UNDER the first horizontal stake |
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 Weave the first three rows using 3/8 flat. On the third row start to gently bend up the stakes. Keep each corner uniform and let each row be a little bit bigger at the corner as you go up the first ten rows or so. |
 Various sizes of flat reed may be used to create a pattern, or the basket may be woven with the same size weavers. Colors may be added. |
 Weave up to a height of at least13 inches, keeping corners uniform |
 Add a rim row a size smaller than your rim will be. Cut the stakes that are behind the rim row, trim the remaining stakes and bend and tuck to inside of basket. |
 When lashing on rim, insert a piece of 3/4 flat reed where the shaker straps will go. Stain basket before threading straps. |
 Cut two skids and scarf the ends. (These may be added vertically or horizontally. They help protect the bottom and keep the basket standing flat.) 'Feet' may also be added to the bottom corners of the basket to help protect and give it a different 'shape.' Use the same size reed as stakes for the feet. One inch shaker tape is threaded through the basket weavers, over the stakes and between the rims, then the two ends are sewn together to make a handle. Other types of handles may also be used. Sometimes I apply bushel basket handles to the rim of the basket and sew a shaker tape handle around them. Leather handles are also available at many basket supply sites. |