Weaving a diagonal green grass basket

• 1 February 2012
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Start weaving long blades of grass in the basic weaving pattern.

Continue weaving. This large flat weave will form the base of the grass basket.

Turn the weave to form a diamond shape. This will give you a diagonal weave pattern.

Fold the four sides flat to create the bottom edges. The grass should just snap but not brake.

Creating a neat corner is always the hardest. Fold the corner blade over to create an edge and continue the weaving pattern.

Fold the next blade over and weave it down the opposite side.

Weave each blade all the way down the basket. Continue the weaving pattern to create the sides.

As you weave pull the blades of grass tight to create a strong basket.

When the sides are as high as you require it to be cut the grass a bit shorter and fold the alternating blades over the top grass weave to catch the blade and weave the blade down the outside of the basket

Now do the same folding the fold the leftover blades over to the inside of the basket to catch those weave blades and weave it in the inside. Cut any leftover grass sections short.

This creates a zigzag top edge for the basket.

You can finish the design by just adding the handle but I wanted a decorative edge.

To weave the decorative edge and the basket handle I wove 5 strands of grass into a long band.

The middle leaf is variegated to add a bit of contrast. You will need to weave two.

Stitch the band around the rugged edge of the basket using a long and flexible blade of grass.

I find it easier to cut the harder section of the blade at an angle to make it easier to stitch with. Stitch the trim all the way around the basket.

Stitch the handle to the sides of the basket.

All done and ready to design with. The Monkey grass dried really well and kept it's healthy green colour.