If you are making a larger basket, cut 2 extra strips for every 1 inch (2. 5 cm) that you would like to add. Construction paper will work the best, but you can also use thin plastic sheets, cardstock, felt, or thin cardboard. These methods won’t work well for reed or willow because you need to prepare those materials differently.
You want just a sliver of space between the vertical strips because this will make weaving the horizontal strips through them easier. If you are making a larger basket, then add more vertical strips. For example, if you want a 5 in (13 cm) basket, then use 5 vertical strips total.
Make sure that the horizontal strip is centered, too; you want an equal amount of paper sticking out to the first and last vertical strip.
If you are making a larger basket, then continue to add horizontal strips. For example, if you’re making a 5 in (13 cm) basket, then add a fifth horizontal strip.
There should be an equal amount of paper on each side of the grid.
You just need to do the corners for right now. Don’t worry about the top, bottom, and side edges. A glue stick will work just fine for paper, but if you are working with plastic or felt, hot glue will be the way to go.
Some of the strips may peel away from the bottom edge of your “box. " Glue these down so that the edge is seamless.
If you used more than 8 strips to make your base, count how many strips are on each edge, then add 2 inches (5. 1 cm). This is how long your new strips should be in inches. If your paper is not long enough, tape or glue 2 strips together to make a longer strip. If you are making a bigger basket, then make 1 additional strip for every 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of height.
If you used more strips to make your basket, it will be larger. Count how many strips are on 1 side. This is how far apart your marks will be. If you are working with a longer strip for a larger basket, you still want 4 equal-sized segments and one 2 in (5. 1 cm) segment.
The end of your strip should nestle into the fold that comes just before the 2 in (5. 1 cm) segment. This square will create the first row on all 4 sides of your basket.
Each square will create 1 row for your basket. If you made a bigger basket, make more squares. If you want a shorter basket, however, you can skip this.
This will complete 1 row.
Continue adding paper squares and weaving your strips around them until you reach the top. Each square that you add will make your basket taller. If your basket reaches the height you want, then stop adding squares.
A glue stick will work just fine. If you choose to use liquid glue, secure the paper with a paper clip until it dries. Use hot glue for felt or plastic. Your basket has vertical strips and horizontal strips. The vertical strips come from the base and sides of the basket. The horizontal strips come from the squares you made.
If you made a different sized basket, measure the height of your basket. Multiply it by 3, then add 2 inches (5. 1 cm).
If the handle is too long, cut the ends shorter. If the handle is too short, move it upwards. Use tape or clothespins to temporarily secure the handle in place.
A glue stick will work just fine here, but liquid glue will be even better. If you made a felt or plastic basket, use hot glue.
A paper basket is great for kids’ Easter baskets with plastic eggs. You can store heavier items in you basket, but you don’t be able to carry your basket around; otherwise, it may break.
