The White House
Stained Glass & Basketry
1574 So Wilson Rd
Radcliff, KY 40160
(270) 351-2220
www.thewhitehousesgb.com

Big Curvy Basket

Bottom Size: 17 1/2" L x 12 1/2" W
Top measurement: 17" L x 10" W

MATERIAL LIST:

  • 5/8" F Cut 10 @ 35" each for the width spokes
  • 3/8" FO Cut 9 @ 35" each for the width spokes
  • 5/8" F Cut 7 @ 41" each for length spokes
  • 3/8" FO Cut 6 @ 41" each for length spokes
  • #3 RR 1/2 pound-Used for the twining
  • 3/4" Half Round 60" for outside rim
  • 1/4" FO 160" Used for lashing the rim
  • 3/4" FO 60" for inside rim
  • 5/8" F Weavers
  • #6 RR 55" to go between the inside and outside rim
  • 10" Insert style handle of choice (I used a wire handle)
    1. Always soak the reed in water till you can fold without the reed splitting.


    2. Mark the centers of the spokes on the wrong side (the wrong side is the one that will splinter more when bent in half)


    3. Lay out the base with the over/under weave starting with 5/8"F and alternating with the 3/8" FO ending with 5/8" F. The base should measure 12 1/2" x 17 1/2". SPRAY SPOKES WITH WATER TO KEEP WET. Using #3 RR twine 2 rows around the base. Upset the spokes to start the sides (bend each spoke over the bottom of the basket base.


    4. With the 5/8" F start weaving the 1ST row, starting behind a spoke, making sure that the spoke on the bottom of the basket is on the opposite side. When finished with the row, hide the weaver behind the beginning point and hiding over 3RD  SPOKE. Weave a total of 6 rows with the 5/8"F.
      Each of the 5/8" F spokes will need to be trimed on each side evenly to 3/8" (tapered). Using #3 RR start twining pulling each row tight. Twine the next 11 rows in the same manner. The basket will go inward to make a curved shape. (You do have to pull tight or the basket won't get it's shape). All rows need to be packed down well. Keep wet

      With 5/8" F weave 3 rows.

      With #3 RR twine 5 rows.

      With 5/8" F weave 1 row.


    5. Be sure the basket is wet. Cut the inside spokes flush with the basket. Cut the rest of the spokes so they can be hidden behind a weaver about 2" to 2 1/2" going toward the inside of the basket. Tuck the spokes behind the weavers on the inside of the basket using a butter knife or weaver rite tool to help hold the weavers out.


    6. Insert handle. Cut the 3/4"FO to fit around the inside of the basket with about 2 1/2" overlap. Trim and sand the lap over area. Using the 3/4" Half Round cut to fit on the outside of the basket with about 2 1/2" overlap. Carve handle overlaps to fit snug. Sand. Cut the #6 RR to fit between the two. Be sure all fits together well and clip to hold all together. Take the 1/4" FO and hide between the the inside and outside rim (I usually go up and down once over the last row woven) make sure that the rounded part of the lashing will be showing when going over the rim. Go between each spoke-pulling tight. End lashing by hiding the same way it was started.


    7. The basket has to be shaped to look like a bag. Be sure the basket is well soaked-at least the top half. It's very easy to do-just hold on to the end of the basket and take your index finger and push in on the center spoke (3rd one) and fold like a bag looks.


    8. Have fun weaving!