There are a couple of different kinds of water-soluble stabilizer. One is clear and plastic, and that brand is Sulky Ultra Solvy. The other is soft and fibrous, called Vilene. Both will work very well. Vilene is used in this demonstration.

Use a size 11 or 75/11 sharp sewing needle. A sharp sewing needle has a smaller, finer point than an embroidery needle. That means it will make smaller holes in the stabilizer. Rayon or polyester 40 weight thread works well for lace Easter baskets. 30-35 weight cotton can also be used, or metallic thread.

Freestanding lace is seen from both sides. Wind a bobbin with the same thread that you're using in the needle.

Hoop the stabilizer firmly. Make sure it is nice and tight with no wrinkles.

Embroider the designs. Stitch the handle once, the bottom once, and the side piece twice.

After embroidering, cut the excess water-soluble stabilizer away from the embroidered pieces.

Soak the embroidered pieces in water to remove the stabilizer.

Air-dry and press each piece. 

Trace the shape of one of the side pieces onto cardboard twice.

Cut out the shapes from the cardboard and set them aside for now.

Find and mark (with an air-erase pen) the center of each side of the rectangular bottom piece.

Find and mark the center of each end of the handle piece.

Find and mark the center of the bottom and top edge of each side piece.

Align one of the sides to the bottom piece, using the marked center points.

Turn the right sides down and zigzag stitch the pieces together. Repeat to attach to the other side piece.

Put the right sides of the basket together. Pinch one of the corners together.

Sew up the corner using a zigzag stitch. Repeat this for the other three corners.

Align the center marking of the handle to the center point on the top of the side piece. Overlap the handle to the basket by 1/2".

Use a zigzag stitch to attach the handle to the basket. Repeat for the other end of the handle.

Turn the basket right side out. 

Dampen the basket with spray starch. When the basket is damp, place the cardboard shapes inside to help form the basket.

Place crumpled paper towels between the cardboard to help form the basket shape.

To shape the handle, roll up a piece of paper. Slip it under the handle, then allow it to unfurl.

These beautiful baskets are perfect for Easter displays. Get extra creative with the lace designs and use them for bouquets, too!