Charlie's Walker Basket

Dimensions: 19” X 7 1/2” X 5 3/4” tall

MATERIAL LIST:

5/8" F SMOKED CUT 7 @ 33 1/2" EACH FOR LENGTH SPOKES

1/4" FO CUT 7 @ 33 1/2" EACH FOR LENGTH SPOKES

5/8" F SMOKED CUT 16 @ 22" EACH FOR WIDTH SPOKES

1/4" FO CUT 16 @ 22" EACH FOR WIDTH SPOKES

1/2" F CUT 6 @ 24" F SMOKED EACH FOR FILLER SPOKES

#2 FOR TWINING AROUND THE BOTTOM (OPTIONAL)

5/8" F FOR WEAVERS

5/8” FO SMOKED CUT 2 @ 56” FOR THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE RIM"

1/4" FO FOR THE LASHING

#6 OR #8 ROUND 53” TO GO BETWEEN THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE RIM

Always soak the reed in water till you can fold without the reed splitting.

Mark the centers of the spokes on the wrong side (side that will separate a little when you bend-right side will be smoother).

Lay out the bottom of the basket- keeping in mind that each-5/8" Flat smoked has a 1/4" Flat Oval on top that will be as one spoke. Alternating the 7 lengthwise spokes (33 1/2") with the 1/2" F, hold down one end with a spoke weight. Starting in the middle add the short spokes (22")-weaving under 2 over 2. Pack tightly. The fillers can be folded and hidden behind a spoke (be sure that they are wet enough so they won't crack). .

Bottom measurement should be 19” X 7 1/2”. Twine to hold in place (optional). It does help keep the spokes in place, especially the 1/4" layer. SOAK BOTTOM THE WELL- upset the spokes to start the sides (Bend each spoke over bottom of basket). May want to use clothes pens in the corners to keep the spokes going up.

Weave 9 rows (under 1 over 1) until measures 5 3/4" , 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 3^RD spoke.

PACK DOWN ALL ROWS AS YOU ARE WEAVING.

Re-soak the top. Cut the spokes off that are to the inside of the basket:-all others are to be folded over last weaving row. Cut off the spokes leaving

enough room to be hidden between the rows (This process is called cut and tuck).

Using the 5/8” Flat Oval (must be soaked longer than the other reed to have the pliability needed) go around the basket with about 2 ½” overlap. Do the same with the 5/8" FO for the inside of the basket. Trim and sand the lap over area and clip together- both the inside and the outside of the basket. Cut the round reed to fit between the two. Be sure all fits together well. Take the end of the 1/4" FO and hide between the inside and outside rim (I usually go up and down once over the last row woven) making sure that the rounded part of the lashing is going to be up when going over the rim-go between each spoke pulling tight. End lashing by hiding the same way it was started.

I designed this basket for my Father-in law when he needed a walker. I used brown shoe strings to tie to the walker. It’s also handy to hold books, toilet paper, cd's or paper work.

ENJOY

PAM