Share
Your first attempt at a woven basket was probably in Primary school with construction paper. This Woven Easter Basket tutorial is a revamp of that old classic with coordinating hues and some tips to get a slightly less wonky result than your earliest version. And we think wool felt might be a more elegant material... but we're a little biased. Gather your supplies and let's hop to it!
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 2 hours
Additional Supplies:
Decor Template (click to download)
Foam Core or other Stiff Board
Ruler
Felt Scraps
Seasonal Felt Poms - optional
Directions:
Woven Basket
1. Use a long ruler and Frixion pen to measure five 1 x 18" strips from Plié felt (lighter shade) and nine 1 x 18" strips from Begonia felt (darker shade.) Cut strips and set aside extra felt.
This step can also be completed with a ruler and rotary cutter, if you have a large enough cutting surface.
2. To create a guide for weaving, draw measurments on foam core or other stiff board with 90° angles. Guide should be 4 ¼" in from either side of same corner. This step is optional but helps to keep weaving straight. Foam core is also used in later steps.
3. Clip four strips of the same color on both sides of corner within drawn guide.
4. Beginning on right side, weave bottom horizontal strip over and under vertical strips. For added structure, place a small bit of glue between each overlapping section.
5. Continue weaving (and adding glue) with the second horizontal strip. The overlapping sections should alternate from the first horizontal strip - over and under becomes under and over and so on.
6. Continue weaving until all four horizontal strips are woven into vertical strips.
7. From end of woven section, measure out 4 ¼" on longer ends of strips. Cut away excess felt. This step is saved until now to give a more precise and even finished product.
8. Unclip and remove woven felt. Using corner of foam core, place one side of strips onto top of board with remaining base and sides hanging off.
9. Take second color of felt strips and begin weaving and gluing along side on top of board. Use clips to stabilize.
10. Once first side is complete, remove weaving and rotate to next side. Be sure to alternate over and under pattern as strips move around to each side.
11. After four sides are woven together, there will be about 1" of second felt strips remaining. Glue them onto matching color (over or under) on the first side to join final corner.
12. Add glue to inside of the second row. Fold over top row and clip in place while drying. This fold will create rim for basket and give greater stability. Allow to dry.
13. Take remaining two unwoven strips (light and dark) and trim to 12". Glue together and allow to dry.
14. Once glue is dry, remove clips from basket. Center and glue handle on the inside of two opposite sides.
Basket Decoration
15. Cut two 1 x 8" strips from Agave felt. Fringe along one long edge to replicate grass. Alternatively, use the largest element from the Floral Fringe deep etch die to die cut the felt grass.
16. Glue each "grass" strip along top inside edge of basket, between handle ends.
17. Add further customization with banners and initials. Use Decor Template provided or Banner and Stitchable Alphabet deep etch dies. Seasonal poms also make a fun addition!
Now that you've refreshed your Primary school skills, let's make a rainbow of baskets!
Fill woven baskets with candy (or craft supplies) and deliver as neighbor gifts or send off to your college kids. These woven baskets are Easter Bunny approved!
Thanks to Camille for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @notsomodernmillie or visit her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials!
