How to Make Coil Baskets With a Wood Base
Coiled baskets are emblematic of the tradition and history of Native American tribes. Historically, a coiled basket was made by winding bundled pine needles into a rod, which was then tightly coiled to create the base and walls of the basket. Coils would be sewn together with natural fibers or embroidery thread. The differing patterns and techniques used to create one of these baskets could often help identify what region of the country the basket was made in. The artwork within these baskets could be very simple, or ornate and complex. You can create a facsimile of a Native American coiled basket using a wooden basket base and recycled fabric.
Things You'll Need
- Small wooden basket base
- 1 yard of fabric
- 2 small rubber bands
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- One hot glue stick
- Staple gun
Instructions
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1
Cut your fabric lengthwise into 2-inch wide strips. Bundle three strips together and secure them at the top using a small rubber band.
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2
Braid the material together using a three-strand braiding pattern. Make sure the braid is tight and uniform throughout the entire coil. Fasten the other end with the second rubber band.
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3
Apply a layer of hot glue around the outside edge of the wooden basket base. Wrap the cord around the outside of the base one time. Secure the end of the cord by stapling it to the top of the wooden base. (The end will be hidden once you've coiled the basket on top of it.)
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4
Coil the basket by applying a thin layer of hot glue around the existing coil layer and then winding another layer of the coil on top of the glue. Continue to wind and glue until the sides of your basket are as high as you would like them to be.
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5
Tuck the top end through the last coil so that the tail is on the inside of the basket. Use extra glue to secure it so that it is as neatly tucked into one of the inside crevices of the coil as you can make it.
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6
Allow the basket to dry overnight. Once it is dry, place a few staples on the inside of the basket to further secure the coil to the base.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are making a particularly deep basket, you may need to repeat Steps 1 and 2 to create additional coil material.
Wooden basket bases can be purchased already cut in most sewing and craft stores.
Coil baskets can also be made using braided rags, rope, raffia and yarn.
Be careful using a hot glue gun, as both the heated tip and the glue itself can cause moderate to severe burns on your hands and arms if used improperly.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
