DIY: Oversize Woven Paper Baskets – Two Cool Designs, and a Free Printable Template!

This is a project you’ll want to bookmark. Remember being in first grade and weaving tiny paper baskets with your classmates? Four-inch baskets, made from marbled construction paper, to fill with conversation hearts?

Well, it turns out the simple concept can be amped up in several ways. Think oversize woven paper baskets with festive designs. Criss-crossed lines is only the beginning! We started experimenting with patterns and sizes and discovered that these make perfect baskets for delivering holiday baked goods to the neighbors. We even tried some extra-big versions that can carry full-size gifts!

We settled on a tree design and a star design — and I can’t decide which I like more! Come see.

Amy Christie wrote up instructions. Here’s what she says:

I’ve always loved these little woven heart baskets. In my childhood, I kept one — half light pink, half dark pink — for a long enough time the glue holding the handle on failed. I still think it’s wild how weaving strips together can make a basket. We got inspired after coming across a pin that showed a number of other woven basket options. Who knew there were options beyond the simple criss-cross?!

And then, we started trying different sizes. Going bigger and bigger. We made them super-sized! Large enough to actually hold a gift, instead of a trinket. The big ones require an extra step‚ making up for the lost fold — but the weaving remains the same.

I think they are pretty festive but I’m biased.

Ready to get started? Let’s make something pretty.

Supplies:

– cardstock paper*
– straight edge
– basket pattern PDF**
– stapler
– scissors
– glue (we used hot glue)
– ribbon
– goodies

*the larger size requires at least four pieces of paper per basket

**There are two designs: the evergreen tree and the star. The star pattern is symmetrical so the pieces can be made using one pattern. The evergreen tree pattern requires two different pieces, mirror images of each other. The patterns can be made to any size, bigger or smaller. The larger white bag was enlarge to 175% and the large gold bag, about 250%

To make the larger size, we have to make a folded edge. Begin by making a fold about 3/4″ in on one side.

Glue the second piece inside the fold. Repeat. Each basket needs two of these.

Print the pattern PDF. Trim off the paper on the bottom edge. Line up the pattern with the folded edge and staple the pattern to the folded cardstock.

Cut out the pattern pieces, starting with the inner line and finishing around the outside.

Then comes weaving. The premise is basic: around, through, around etc. The strips should be opposite of each other. If the first strip is on the outside, the inside and the outside, the second strip should be inside, outside and inside. We found it was easiest to NOT weave one strip by itself to completion. It was easier to work the strips simultaneous. Less struggle and paper mangling.

When the weaving is complete, attach a handle — we used different types of ribbons…

… and fill as desired.

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Oh my goodness. Aren’t these oversize woven paper baskets fantastic? I love the drama of the big options. But I confess, I definitely like the medium-size options best. They are so perfect for baked goods! What a fun, festive way to deliver cookies to favorite people.

Tell me, Friends. Did you ever make tiny woven paper baskets as a child? And did you know there are all sorts of designs you can weave into them? I only learned this recently!

 

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Credits: Photos and crafting by Amy Christie for Design Mom.