How To Make a Woven Cardboard Bag

Note: I am not a professional basket weaver so all of the advice I give is my own amateur experience.

Materials:
Cardboard (lots of it – single ply is best)
Pins
White Glue (PVA)

1. Determine the size of bag you would like.  Create a box that size (you can use the cardboard laptop case pattern without the flap for that)
2. Cut strips of cardboard ½” wide with the wave structure going across the strips. You are going to need quite a few (I needed about 55 for mine) and the longer the better.  The longest strip you will need is the one that is incorporated into the base – it should be the length and the height of your box plus 6”.
3. Start weaving the base with an over under type weave flat on the table staring in the center and working your way out on either side. Stop when you reach your desired base size
4. Start folding your strips around the box you made in step one.  Pin the strips at the top of the box (if you want to avoid pin marks pin at an angle coming in from the side).  You will have more extra at the top on one side – this will be your flap.  Keep at least 4” on the other side for finishing
5. Start weaving around your box. The easiest way is to do a plain weave (over under, and then alternate on the next row)
6. Start your next row on the other side of where you started the last row
7. Continue weaving until you get to the top of your box
8. Remove all of your pins and remove your box
9. Fold the strips around your last row and glue them down and tuck them into the weave, securing them with a dab of glue.  They will alternate going to one side of the weave or the other – making sure to trap the last row of your cardboard.
10. Finish the flap weaving flat and tucking in all the edges
11. Create a handle and closure to finish everything off!
12. Carry your bag around with pride! – and if you stop liking it take off all of the hardware and straps and put it in the recycling bin!