How to Fix a Stretched out Wicker Basket

Repair stretching in wicker baskets.

Wicker baskets can be a timeless accessory that can augment many different decorative themes in living spaces, formal dining areas and kitchens. However, over time, these baskets can stretch, either through damage from being dropped or from having excessively heavy items carried in them. While patching a basket is just about impossible, adding a new wicker weave can make your keepsake as good as new.

Things You'll Need

• Wicker cane weave
• Chisel
• Utility knife
• Shears
• Hammer
• 4 wood wedges

Instructions

1. Use the utility knife to slide up the wooden strand that runs the circumference of the basket. This strand holds your wicker in position. Slide the chisel in the groove that the knife created to pull the strand up further.

2. Take the original wicker out of the basket area. Cut the wicker cane weave to insert it, making sure that its circumference is about an inch further than what the wicker is replacing.

3. Put the newly cut piece of wicker and the strand in a large bowl of water for about half an hour. This will loosen both the strand and the wicker, but both need to be loose so that you can work with them more effectively.

4. Apply some glue along the strand, and then add the edge of the wicker. Where necessary, use a hammer quite gently to give the wicker some incentive to fit inside the strand. Cut off any wicker that sticks out of the stiffer.

References

• Wicker Woman: How to Care for Wicker Baskets
• The Internet Antiques Guide: Chair Caning, Wicker Repair
• Balloon Life; Care and Feeding of your Wicker basket; Glen Moyer