Abstract: A form for making a stepped-bottom basket including a three-dimensional L-shaped frame vertically partitioned into two segments that are releasably fastenable to one another. The first segment includes top, front, rear and side walls that define the shape of the interior of the deep portion of the stepped bottom basket and the second segment includes top, front, rear and side walls that define the shape of the interior of the shallow portion of the stepped bottom basket. The second segment may include an integral splint guide capable of receiving inner reinforcement splints for the bottom of the shallow upper basket portion. Adjacent walls of the segments may be adapted for securely fitting and fastening the segments together.

Abstract: A unitary basket having at least two bottom portions at different elevations that define deep and shallow basket portions. A plurality of upsplints form a wall of the deep portion and the bottom of the shallow portion, which extends transversely from the top of the wall. A weave strip positioned immediately below the basket bottom panel extends over the outer surface of the outermost upsplints in the wall panel. A short splint positioned adjacent to the wall panel extends over the outer surface of the outermost upsplints in the bottom panel. The consecutive oversplints urge the upsplints inwardly and upwardly to define a sharp angle between the wall and bottom panels. The method includes the steps of weaving the oversplints over the outermost upsplints in the wall and bottom panels.