Cut all strip ends to a V shape.
For easier braiding, soak or spray with water.
Put one strip horizontally and one strip vertically on top of the first.
Use 6pcs horizontally and 6pcs vertically. Put them on top of each other and braid together.
Keep the strips in place with 4 clothespins, one in each corner.
Raise the 3rd and 4th strips, cross them and pinch together.
Do the same on the other 3 sides.
These will be the corners of the basket.
It should look like this.
Mark the bottom surface by folding up the sides to create a square.
As seen from above.
Remove one of the corner clothespins and braid the strips together in order to build the wall of the basket.
Do the same to the other corners.
Remember to keep the square shape.
Check all around if all sides are well braided.
Mark a line where it should fold, approx 5cm/2 inches up.
Take 2 strips, place them like a V, and fold them outwards.
Use a clothespin to keep the folded strips in place.
Move on to the next 2 strips. Make a V and fold them at the line.
Braid the strip under as seen in the picture.
Move on to the next 2 V:s and fold them at the same time.
Send the strip through. Remember to lift one strip and send the strip under the next strip.
Do the same around the whole basket.
Strips on the corners should be sent through on two sides.
One strip should be raised and the next sent under.
One strip should be raised and the next sent under.
A completed lap.
Now braid the long strips as far as you can.
Cut all the short strips.
Cut all the short strips.
Prepare to patch. Cut one end pointy and on the other end, cut the corners.
Where bark is missing, start with the end that has cut corners.
Braid the pointy end over and under.
Cut protruding bits.
Continue to braid until all the white surface disappears.
Continue to braid until all the white surface disappears.
Tip: You can put a small piece under the one you are going to cut, so as not to cut too deep.
Finished.
Well done!
Images: Yukari Ota
