The last row of coiling leads up to a 4 (?) strand braided handle. On the first row of coiling are what looks like gourd seeds which were drilled twice and stitched around the basket. I love it. I've had a horse for over 20 years and went through a lot of bailers twine in that time :) I always hated to throw it away. Now I know what I should've been doing with it.
The basket is functional and beautiful. I was so intrigued when I opened the box and saw the top of the handle sticking out through the packing peanuts!