Small Market Basket

Compliments of The NorEsta Cane & Reed web site: www.noresta.com

Dimensions: 6" x 8-1/2"L x 6" (8"H to top of handle)

Materials: 5/8" flat reed; 3/8" flat reed; 1/4" flat reed; 1/2" flat oval reed; #3 Seagrass; 6" x 10" D Handle

Preparation: From 5/8" flat reed, cut 6 spokes @ 26" long. From 5/8" flat reed, cut 5 spokes @ 28" long.

Soak spokes and a piece of 1/4" flat reed in warm water for appox. 5 minutes.

Mark spokes at center on rough side. Mark inside of handle base at center.

Lay out the 5 28" spokes horizontally, spaced 1/2" apart.

Weave the handle in by sliding its base over/under the ends of the spokes and toward the center marks. Line up the handle with the center marks and evenly space apart the spokes, letting the handle extend 1/4" beyond the 1st and 5th spokes.

Working from the center out on each side of handle, weave the 26" spokes vertically. The first spoke on each side of handle will start Over the first horizontal spoke. Alternate the weaving until all 6 spokes are woven (3 on each side of handle).

True the base to measure 7-3/4" x 5-1/4". Weave 1 row of 1/4" flat around base as a retaining row, mitering at corners, and overlapping across 4 spokes.

Upsett the spokes.

Weave 10 rows of 3/8" flat reed. First row will weave Under the handle.

Weave 3 rows of 1/4" flat reed, dyed.

Weave 3 rows of 3/8" flat reed.

Pack down the weavers.

Measure and tuck the inside spokes under a couple of weavers on inside of basket.

Cut outside spokes flush wiwth top edge of basket.

Pin a piece of 1/2" flat oval around top inside of basket, over the top row of 3/8" flat.

Pin a piece of 1/2" flat oval round top outside of basket, over the top row of 3/8" flat.

Place a piecce of #3 seagrass in between the rim rows, along top edge of basket.

Lash rim with 1/4" flat reed, making an "X" at the handle sides.