Woven Paper Basket Tutorial
10 March 2010
Author: Kelly Keller
Basket weaving is thought to be one of the oldest crafts. Throughout history, baskets have been used for countless utilitarian purposes. Chores that we now use cardboard and plastic materials for were once the job of woven baskets. Today, baskets are not only useful; they are decorative and are woven by skilled artisans as well as beginner crafters. With this simple woven paper baskets tutorial, you can create beautiful handmade paper baskets for gifts and home décor!
An easy and inexpensive way to weave a basket is to use paper and a box. The box is used to help the basket keep its shape as the weaver works. There is no limit to which type paper or box you choose.
For this project, I used cardstock and a simple unfinished wooden box with a 4 inch square bottom. You may also consider a paper mache box or even a recycled box found in your kitchen pantry. If using a box larger or smaller than the 4 inch square size used here, simply adjust the measurements to fit your box.
Woven Paper Basket Instructions:
- Begin by scoring across a 12 x 12 inch piece of cardstock in two places - at 4 inches and at 8 inches. Turn the paper 90 degrees and cut fourteen 1/2 inch strips. Each strip will now have two equally spaced score marks that will make forming the bottom of the basket easier.
- Weave these 14 pieces together with half of the pieces going each direction.
- Lay the woven basket bottom over the box and adjust the score marks around the edge of the box.
- Cut twelve 1/2 x 12 inch long strips of cardstock to be used for the sides of the basket. Glue these pieces together to make 6 long pieces.
- Lay the box on its side and begin to weave, moving the box to the next side as you work around it. Tuck and trim ends as needed before moving on to the next row.
- To create a band around the basket top, cut four 12 x 1 inch strips. Glue two strips around the top of the basket; trim as needed.
- Remove the basket from the box and glue two of the strips inside the basket; trim as needed.
- If desired, complete the basket by adding a handle of paper, ribbon, or wire.
Follow these simple steps and create a woven paper basket for a fun centerpiece or to hold treats this Easter. Or use this technique to make fun containers to hold gifts throughout the year!