Easy Beginner Baskets Project
Time: 2-3 Class Periods
Difficulty: Easy
Cleanup: Soap & Water
Materials:
Difficulty: Easy
Cleanup: Soap & Water
Materials:
Chenille Stems in assorted colors
Needle Tool
Yarn in assorted colors
Paper
Pencils
Scissors
Glue Stick
Chipboard
Markers (optional)
Steps
- Step 1First, 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 2Use a needle tool to poke a hole through each dot. Note: For younger children, an adult can complete steps 1 and 2 beforehand.
- Step 3Cut 10 Chenille stems in half; you will need 19 pieces in all for the spokes of the basket.
- Step 4Push 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 5The 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 6Tie a piece of yarn to the bottom of a spoke and start weaving. Jumbo yarn works well for younger children.
- Step 7For a multicolored basket, tie on a new color of yarn as desired and continue weaving.
- Step 8To create a basket with a specific shape, you can easily change the angle by bending the spokes in or out at any point.
- Step 9Leave 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 10Your 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.