If desired, paint the handles. I painted mine black. Sand the handles well before painting. Two coats of paint were required with a sanding between coats.

From 5/8" FF, cut 7 spokes 30" long and 11 spokes 26" long. From 1/2" FF cut 6 filler spokes 18" long. Mark the center of several spokes and filler spokes. Lay out 7 spokes (30") horizontal, alternating with the 6 filler spokes. Line up the center marks. Weave in 1 center spoke vertically starting over the horizontal spoke and under the filler spokes. Weave in 5 more spokes on each side of this center spoke. Adjust the base to 8"W x 12 1/2"L.

Fold the filler spokes to the inside of the base. Create "chicken feet" by cutting the filler spoke ends in half lengthwise.

Tuck under the 2nd row of base weaving (5/8" spoke) on each side of the filler spoke. Trim off any excess. Repeat on the other end. Twine one time around the base with #2 R. Upset the spokes.

Weave 13 rows of start and stop using 3/8" FF. Keep the spokes up straight and don't let the corner spokes slant.

Pack well, cut and tuck spokes. Rim with 1/2" FO, seagrass between the rims, and lash with 11/64" FO. Cut 3 pieces of 1/2" FO each approximately 8" long for reinforcements on the bottom of the basket. Wet these pieces to straighten, and taper both ends. Refer to photo for placement.

  Attaching the Handles: Center a handle on the short end of the basket. Dampen the rim area before drilling the hole through the 1/2" FO. If the lasher is in the way, just move it slightly to one side. Attach the handles with #6 screws, washers & nut. Profile of handle attachment (from outside to inside the basket...screw, washer, handle, rim, washer & nut). Wear safety glasses to cut off the screw and file the end. Repeat on the other side.

All materials to make this basket are available at NC Basket Works.