Cut 12 spokes each 7" long from 3/8" FF. Soak briefly. Mark the center of the 3" base. Insert a spoke at this mark (smooth side down) and another spoke on the opposite side. These are your "handle spokes". Evenly space the remaining spokes around the base. 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). Twine 2 times around the base with #2R.

Upset the spokes and weave the following rows start and stop, alternating the 1/4" FF red and 3/16" FF. You will have 5 rows 1/4" FF red and 4 rows of 3/16" FF. Pack well and weave 1 row 1/2" FF denim blue and 2 rows 3/16" FF. Refer to photo.

Pack again before cutting and tucking the spokes. Rim with 3/8" FF inside and outside, seagrass between rims and lash with 11/64" FO. If desired, stain your basket before attaching the handle.

Attaching the "PR" wire handle: Find the center spoke on each side of the basket. using a small drill bit (we used 3/32") create a hole in the spoke just below the rim. Repeat on the opposite side. Gently spread the wire and insert it into the hole from the outside of the basket to the inside. Do the same on the other side. Bend the wire over the rim and back down to the outside. Wear safety glasses to cut off the excess wire.

After your basket is dry, press the 3/8" white stars onto the row of 1/2" FF denim blue.

All materials (except the white stars) to make this basket are available at NC Basket Works.