Step 7

Wrapping the Basket

Now that all of your items are in place, it’s time to wrap up your creation if you wish. Many baskets look great without wrapping, so it depends on your situation.
 

The most common (and usually the least expensive) wrap is cellophane. It’s available in a huge variety of colors and patterns. Tulle is another beautiful and inexpensive choice for wrapping baskets (tulle is the netting material used in veils). Or you can purchase pre-made “basket bags” made out of cellophane—just put the basket inside the bag and tie at the top with a ribbon.
 

Wrapping can be tricky because it’s hard to judge how much material will be needed to cover the basket properly. Probably more that you think at first glance! Here’s one technique for using cellophane to cover a medium-sized basket:

1. To start, unroll the cellophane and place your basket in the middle, with the front of the basket facing a corner of the cellophane. Pull this corner of the cellophane up so that it is at least six inches over the top of the basket.

2. Cut the cellophane into a rectangle so that the opposite corner gives an equal height. If the cellophane isn’t wide enough to cover the sides, you may need a second (shorter) length to tuck inside.

3. Pull up the front corner and pull the cellophane across the front of the basket so it is smooth. Try to create a “picture window” effect on the front of the basket to display the contents as clearly as possible. Tape the edges to items in the back to keep it taut.

4. Pull up the opposite back corner. Start gently gathering the front and back, straightening out wrinkles as you go. Pull everything as taut as possible.

5. Gather the top of the cellophane and fluff it out so it will stand up. Temporarily fasten with a twist tie.

6. If necessary, snip excess cellophane from the top.

If you want to hide the contents, you can wrap the basket in tissue paper inside the cellophane, or use an opaque material like fabric or butcher paper to wrap the basket. Burlap works well for masculine baskets. Wrapping paper usually doesn’t work well, because it tends to tear easily. In a pinch, you can use clear or tinted plastic food wrap or even waxed paper.