Easter Egg Basket

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The large cloth strips plus our simple template make this project a snap for little fingers.

Materials

Basket template (see Step 1)
Poster board square, 11 by 11 inches (for the base around which you weave the fabric)
Pencil

Instructions

Click here to print out the Easter basket template.
Trace the template onto the poster board square and cut it out.
Tie a knot at the end of 1 fabric strip and pull the knot between 2 panels of the base (B).
Weave the strip alternately over and under the panels (B and C). Glue the unknotted end of the fabric strip to the base.
Knot the end of each new strip and tuck the knot under an unglued section of a previously woven strip. After 3 or 4 strips are completed, gently fold the basket panels up so they begin coming together (C) to form a widemouthed basket (D). Tip: Don't squeeze the sides in too tightly as you work, or the basket will become too narrow at the top.
If necessary, use a dab or two of tacky glue to secure the fabric to the poster board, especially around the top. Let it dry.
Trim any excess poster board at the top, making sure there's still enough to support the topmost fabric strip.
Line the basket with straw or grass. Add eggs!

For instructions on making natural egg dyes, click here.

Tips:: How to Dye the Fabric
Materials:
Clean white all-cotton adult T-shirt
Bowls
Strainer
Leftover egg dyes
Clothesline and clothespins

Steps:
Tear the T-shirt into approximately 24 strips 1-inch wide and about 2 feet long.
Drop the T-shirt strips into separate bowls of strained dye. Stir until all of the fabric is wet. Let the strips soak for 1/2 hour, stirring them occasionally.
Briefly rinse the strips, wring them out, and dry them on an outdoor clotheline.