Is there a way to do a standard basket weave then go into cross weaving? what is the best way to have a small bottom to a large center then make it come in at the top?

Yes. If I understand your question. Start with your standard weave and when you want to morph into cross weaving just add one or more balloons into ending juncture of the standard weave.



Depends on how tight you want it, as the larger bubbles you use the looser the weave becomes. I have found that anything longer than a 6" horizontal bubble loses the tightness I like. So, you can bring it out to a 6" bubble and then split each of those 6" bubbles into 2,3" bubbles, add a vertical balloon to each new juncture and continue.
Another tip is to create a bottom and top half of the object and join them in the middle. I have found that much easier than trying to make a large middle come down to a small top/bottom.

Thanks that helps a lot