Steps

• Step 1
  First, create a template for your basket base. Draw a 3" circle on a piece of paper. Next, draw a 19-sided polygon 1/8" inside the circle. Place a dot inside each angle. Watch our YouTube Video for tips on creating the polygon in photoshop, or download this worksheet, which features 6 templates. Cut a piece of chipboard so that it is slightly larger than the 3" circle. Use a glue stick to attach the template to the chipboard. Cut out the base with
  scissors. If desired, color the base with markers to match your basket color scheme.
• Step 2
  Use a needle tool to poke a hole through each dot. Note: For younger children, an adult can complete steps 1 and 2 beforehand.
• Step 3
  Cut 10 Chenille stems in half; you will need 19 pieces in all for the spokes of the basket.
• Step 4
  Push a stem through one of the holes, so that a "tail" sticks through the other side, approximately 1/2". Fold the tail flat against the base and wrap it around the stem to secure. Repeat this step until all 19 spokes are finished.
• Step 5
  The angle of the spokes will determine the shape of the basket. Spokes that are bent at 90 degrees will form a tall, narrow basket; while wider angles will form a range of bowl shapes. Bend all 19 spokes to the desired angle.
• Step 6
  Tie a piece of yarn to the bottom of a spoke and start weaving. Jumbo yarn works well for younger children.
• Step 7
  For a multicolored basket, tie on a new color of yarn as desired and continue weaving.
• Step 8
  To create a basket with a specific shape, you can easily change the angle by bending the spokes in or out at any point.
• Step 9
  Leave about 1-1/2" of spoke at the top to create the rim. Start by bending one spoke to the side and wrapping around the next spoke. Continue this pattern until the rim is complete. When you get to the last spoke, bend a small hook shape at the top, then bend the spoke to the side and hook it around the adjacent spoke.
• Step 10
  Your basket can have any shape and be any size you want! Try using lighter weight yarn for a tighter weave; use a whole stem for the spokes to create tall baskets; and experiment with different angles for different shapes.

Products Used

• Creativity Street Jumbo Chenille Stem 100-Count Assortment (C-711001)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, Black (C-711003)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, Brown (C-711013)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, Dark Blue (C-711010)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, Dark Green (C-711008)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, Orange (C-711014)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, Red (C-711006)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, White (C-711002)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Stems, Yellow (C-711005)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Chenille Stems Class Pack (C-911001)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Chenille Stems Hot Colors (C-711004)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Chenille Stems Multicultural Colors (C-711021)
• Creativity Street Jumbo Striped Chenille Stems (C-716001)
• Kemper Pro Tool (KEM-PRO)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Black (PYR-JRYB14)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Blue (PYR-JRYB12)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Brown (PYR-JRYB05)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Dark Green (PYR-JRYB07)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Hot Pink (PYR-JRYB80)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Light Green (PYR-JRYB06)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Orange (PYR-JRYB04)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Purple (PYR-JRYB10)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Red (PYR-JRYB02)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Sky Blue (PYR-JRY140)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, White (PYR-JRYB01)
• Pepperell Jumbo Roving Craft Yarn, Yellow (PYR-JRYB03)