Once the left side is done, I’ll be using a 22-inch flexible afghan hook to complete the sashing strip and cream border on the top and border. The final round will be the dark blue in either single, double, or half-double crochet to mirror the binding I’ll be using on the quilt. I may also add dark blue fringe on the top and bottom but am still undecided at this point. More illustrations will be coming as I progress.

Unfortunately Leisure Arts no longer prints this little gem. But I found it available through Amazon’s third-party sellers. You might also check out eBay.

My Rating: ★★★★★ 

Here is the back side of the Basket block I just completed. As you can see, lots of ends to incorporate. This is not one of my favorite aspects of crocheting but I’ve developed a couple of techniques. One is to weave the ends after I finish each block and before I start the next. I find doing it as I go along much more enjoyable. The other is to  make sure my ends are at least double the length of my needle.  It is so much easier to weave the ends if I can freely turn my needle.

First I thread the needle (duh). Then I weave the the needle through the back stitches being careful not to catch the front of the block. The knit stitch back makes this somewhat easier than the classic Tunisian stitch.

Once the needle has been pulled through, weave the needle one more time the opposite direction on the row above or below the row you just worked. This helps to prevent the end from working loose. Snip the end off and move on to the next end.

Work your way through the remaining ends and before you know it, you’re done. I find this process much less tedious if I’m watching a good movie or listening to a good book.