Baking Basket Pattern

Large Version Base: 15”wide x 26”long Materials needed: 5/8” flat spokes Cut 13 spokes 40" x 5/8” flat *Cut 12 filler spokes 32" x 5/8" Cut 18 spokes 29" x 5/8” flat 1/2" flat weavers 15” x 7 1/2” D handle 5/8” flat/oval inner and outer rims 1/4” flat/oval lashing	Smaller Version Base: 15" wide x 18" long Materials needed: 5/8” flat spokes Cut 13 spokes 32" x 5/8” flat *Cut 12 filler spokes 24" x 5/8" flat Cut 12 spokes 29" x 5/8 flat 1/2" flat weavers 15” x 7 1/2” D handle 5/8” flat/oval inner and outer rims 1/4” flat/oval lashing
*Note - You may need to substitute 1/2" filler spokes for part of the 5/8" width ones to get the bottom to fit the handle best.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Laying out the Bottom:

Put handle vertical in front of you, lay stakes horizontal across handle right tight to each other, starting with 40" Over, 32" Under, 40" Over, 32" Under, and so on... ending with 40" over until all 25 stakes are in.

Now weave the 18 - 29" long stakes 9 on each side of the handle starting with over, under and so on and ending with the last stake on each side over. As you place these stake, leave about 5/8" between each stake. When all 18 stakes are in, measure the bottom, it should be 26" long. Now pin corners and make any adjustments on the stakes so all weaving spaces are even. This makes for a beautiful solid (strong) bottom.

Spray again to keep wet... and upset the stakes all the way around.

Weaving the Sides:

Remember - Do not weave the short stakes (32" fillers) leave them sticking out until the sides are woven. Weave sides in start-stop weave, over-lapping by 4 stakes each row, using 1/2" flat reed. When you have woven 4 rows of 1/2" flat, weave in top row of 1/2" flat. Cut and tuck.

At this point you can tuck in the Fillers...they should still sticking out. Take in sets of 2 and cross ( get them very wet first ) cut to tuck under the 2nd or 4th row of weaving. This creates the "shoes". See picture.

Rimming the Basket:

Rim your basket using 5/8" flat/oval for both the inside and outside rims. If you want to use a rim filler, use #6 round reed, it provides the cleanest look. Lash with 1/4" flat/oval reed, making an "x" over the handle as you pass it (see diagram)