MDL0106 - ORIGAMI - SQUARE BASKET WITH HANDLE (USING 2 SQUARES OR A RECTANGLE)

Credits and Resources:
This is likely to be a traditional model.
Text-Only Instructions: Lindy van der Merwe - Copyright 2024
accessorigami.com            

For instructions with pictures, see, for instance,
origami-instructions.com
Steps 1 to 8 are instructions for the preliminary or square base.
Paper to be used: 2 squares, or one rectangle, any size; thicker paper or thin cardstock is recommended.
Folding level: Intermediate
Steps: 28
Description: This is an open, square basket with a handle folded from a separate piece of paper.
The handle is attached to the sides of the basket during the folding process, without using glue.
The folding process is divided into 4 phases.
Remarks:
Using this model as an easter basket may be the first option that comes to mind.
It can be folded for any occasion at any time of the year though.
Folded from note squares, it can even serve as a Christmas tree decoration.
Fill the tiny basket with a sweet treat to make the decoration even more special.

Phase 1: Make the handle
Basically, the handle is a long folded rectangle.
You have three options for folding a handle for your basket.
In all cases, make straight, strong folds, especially along the outer edges of the folded strip.
 Option 1:
Take a rectangle and Make a square from it. Use the leftover small piece as a handle by folding the rectangular piece in half the long way.
Lastly, fold the edges of the rectangle to meet each other at the center.
Make sure the smooth side of the handle is on the outside when doing the assembly.
Option 2:
Cut or tear a square in half and fold one of the rectangles into a thin band as described above.
Option 3:
For a thicker handle, fold a square in half and then unfold.
Fold both edges into the center.
Repeat the last fold.
Fold in half one last time.
Once you have created your handle, set it aside.

Phase 2: Make the basket
NOTE:  This model starts from the preliminary or square base. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the base and then go to Step 9.
You can also learn about the Blintz and other origami bases at the following link:
Most-Used Bases in Origami

Step 1
Using a square, place it down on a hard, flat surface so that it forms a diamond shape.
Step 2
Bring the left point over to meet the right point. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Bring the top point down to meet the bottom point. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Turn the square over and position it so that its edges are facing up and down, left and right.
Step 5
Bring the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 6
Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and leave folded.
Step 7
Grasp the left and right points of the resulting rectangle and pick it up off of the folding  surface. Push inward. The model should collapse along the pre-existing folds.
The result will be a square or diamond-shaped model, with four flaps one each to the left and right, front and back.
Step 8
Fold the front flap to the left and fold the back flap to the right so that your model will lie flat.
The model will have one open end, which should be facing away from you.
Step 9
Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
Crease and leave folded.
Step 10
Fold the bottom point up again, but only to reach the horizontal center crease.
Leave folded.
Step 11
Flip the model over and repeat Steps 9 and 10 on the other side.
Step 12
Flip the left point of the model, top layer only, over to the right, like turning the page of a book, to reveal a smooth surface.
Press flat.
Step 13
Fold both left and right points inwards so they meet each other at the vertical center of the figure.
Crease and unfold.
Step 14
Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point.
Crease and leave folded.
Step 15
Flip the entire model over to the other side.
Step 16
Flip the left point of the model, top layer only, over to the right once more, like in Step 12, to reveal a smooth surface again.
Press flat.
Step 17
Repeat Steps 13 and 14 on this side as well.
You should now be left with a triangle, composed of many layers, with its point facing towards you.
Step 18
Flip the right point of the model, top layer only, over to the left again.
    Press flat.
    Step 19
Turn over the entire figure and repeat this last step on the other side.
Step 20
Make the folds for the bottom of your basket by folding up the bottom point so it meets the horizontal center.
Crease well and unfold.
Step 21
Flip over and repeat on the other side.

Phase 3: Attach the handle
Step 22
You will notice a triangular flap at the center of the model.
Gently lift the flap a little and insert one short side of the handle within the fold you will find behind the flap.
Holding the handle in place, press the triangular flap down again to cover it.
Step 23
Then fold the entire edge, including the triangle and the end of the handle, up into a narrow band.
Crease very well and leave folded.
Step 24
Turn the model over and repeat Steps 22 and 23 on the other side.
Your handle will now be attached on both sides of the basket.
Step 25
Pick up the basket and gently open the left side of the figure. Lift the bottom flap up and  tuck in the two points on this side so they meet each other, disappearing within the layers of the left side of the model.
Fold down the flap you have just lifted, so it covers the folded in points.
Step 26
Repeat the previous step on the right side of the basket.
At this point you should have the basket at the bottom, still with a triangular point and the handle protruding at the top.

Phase 4: Open up the basket
Step 27
Open the basket by gently pulling the sides in opposite directions. push out the corners and flatten the bottom, making sure the handle stays in place.
Step 28
Lastly, fold the flaps on the sides of the basket over to the inside if preferred, or leave them as they are.
You could also use a dab of glue to secure the flaps on the underside of the basket or use a mountain crease to fold the flaps in half so the points are folded under on two sides of the basket.
Making origami accessible through text-only instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, April 2022
Revised, September 2024
This text copyright 2024 by accessorigami.com

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