I believe that knowing how to make baskets is a basic skill. I make a number of styles of baskets, depending on my needs and the materials that I have available. This is one style that is easy, forgiving and very inexpensive. It requires basic tools that most people already have and I use recycled fabric from worn out clothing to create one of a kind baskets that carry memories along with the stuff. This basket is about 6 inches by 4 inches and took me 2 to 3 hours. It is also one of the techniques that is used to make rugs.
Materials
12 yards of 2 inch fabric strips, heavy weight thread (quilting, or button thread)
Tools
Sharp scissors, needle, something sturdy to tie the braid to
How To
1) Create 3 - four foot long fabric strips by sewing the strips together end to end, then fold the ends of each created strip as shown. Fold the two edges to the center, then fold the strip to encase the edges inside. Your strip should now be about 1/2 inch wide.
2) Sew the ends together as shown so that the three strands are connected. Thread a length of yarn between the strips and tie it in an overhand knot.
3) Hook the yarn loop over something sturdy enough to give you tension to work. I often use my toe but a heavy chair, table, or closed door work well. Braid the length of the strips and tie off or sew the end to secure.
4) Remove the yarn and fold the end of the braid as shown. For my 6 inch by 4 inch basket, I fold over a 2 inch section of the braid. The length that is folded over will determine the difference between the length and width of the basket. For a rounder basket, fold over a smaller length. For a more oval basket, fold a longer section. Sew the two sides of the fold together as shown with a basic whip stitch. I use a double length of button thread. I try to make my stitch depth consistent about as shown. There should be at least one stitch for each braid loop, and more stitches wont hurt. Pull the stitches evenly tight without puckering the base of the basket.
5) When you get to the end of the fold, work the braid around the end of the braid as shown. I press the braid flat onto the table with my hands and ease the braid around the end so everything stays flat. Easy the braid around the curve one stitch at a time until you get to the straight section on the other side. Continue stitching the braid in place coiling it around until you get a base of your basket that is about 6 inches by 4 inches and both ends are about the same width.
6) To create the side of the basket, tip the braid on its edge. Sew the bottom edge of the tipped braid to the edge of the flat section of the basket. Keep coiling the braid around the basket, sewing as you go. Shape the basket by guiding the braid to its best position with your hands and stitching. This row should start sitting upright. The first upright row will not sit fully upright.
7) When you get all of the way around with the first upright row, continue with the second row by sewing the bottom of the braid to the top of the previous row. Keep coiling around until you get to the height that you want. The braid in these instructions should give you 3 upright rows. You need a minimum of 2 rows to achieve a stable and upright side of the basket. 3 rows creates a beautiful, shallow basket.
8) To put a handle in the basket, I reinforce the stitching at the edge of the handle with at least 3 stitches in one spot. Tie a knot to secure the end of the handle. I either cut the thread or run the thread through the braid of the previous row to the other end of the handle. I put 2 handles in this basket, so I am measuring the space with a lid and using the lid as a spacer for the handle. This gives me constant results for the handles. Tie a knot in the threat to secure the other side of the handle. Sew at least 3 stitches pulled tight to secure the end of the handle to the previous row. I put the working braid over the lid to give the space for the handle. Continue coiling and sewing the braid to the next handle if desired.
9) To finish the basket, cut the strips at different lengths and sew them down to the previous row. Tie a knot and run the thread under the braid. trim the thread. I have about a 2 inch difference between the shortest strip and the longest strip.
Pro Tips: Wrap the three strips around their own toilet paper rolls and secure them in place to make braiding easier. You can unroll them as you go.
If you want a larger basket, you can add extra length to the strips and braid them while they are attached to the basket, but it is much easier to braid the entire length before you start.
I did well putting this basket together. I only pricked my fingers 4 times, and managed to not get extra "decoration" on the basket. I usually manage to get a couple of blood spots when I am using a needle.