1. From the Front Ortho view <kbd>Numpad 1</kbd> create a segmented vertical curve (you can also convert segmented edge to curve with <kbd>Alt</kbd>+<kbd>C</kbd>).

2. Select the middle point and with proportional editing on (<kbd>O</kbd>) define the amount of bulging the basket will have:

    ![enter image description here][1]

3. Add a plane and convert to curve to get a square profile. Set this profile as the bulged curve's bevel object:

    ![enter image description here][2]

4. Turn off proportional editing. In editmode <kbd>Tab</kbd> offset the bulged curve from origin, duplicate the piece around and arrange like this:

    ![enter image description here][3]

   Move it around, set origin point to 3D cursor, duplicate with <kbd>Shift</kbd>+<kbd>D</kbd>, cancel move with <kbd>RMB</kbd> and rotate with <kbd>R</kbd>. You can also use the *Spin* tool for this. Make sure the ends of curves form a square

5. Turn on proportional editing, this time set the type to Linear. Select the top vertices and twist the curves around Z axis:

    ![enter image description here][4]

    For the curve vertices a *Mean Tilt* value can be specified to control the rotation of the square profile. With such control nice basket endings (and transition to the rod) can be achieved.

6. Optionally subdivide the profile curve, convert the basket to mesh, add subdivision modifier, recalculate normals:

    ![enter image description here][5]


  [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/1VhcW.png
  [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/J3PgP.png
  [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/mpcaR.png
  [4]: https://i.sstatic.net/bYflr.png
  [5]: https://i.sstatic.net/SseoA.png