How to Find Wicker for Basket Making

Wicker baskets have been popular for a long time. We use them for holding bread, chips or plants, as storage containers and even to hold our babies. Some people are such basket enthusiast that they make their baskets. For those persons finding the wicker to do their basket making can sometimes take a little time. Use the suggestions listed to help find the wicker to keep making those baskets.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine the type of basket you are going to make. This decision would need to include the size of the basket and the type of wicker material that you need to make the style basket you have chosen.

2. Pick a rattan-type wicker if you are looking for a material with a thicker consistency. This is more often used to make the heavy larger baskets or even some types of furniture seating. The color of the rattan wicker is usually dark.

3. Select a raffia-type wicker for use in basket making where the baskets will be a little less heavy than the rattan styles. This is also more pale in color, almost yellowish, than the rattan. The raffia wicker is easier to work with than the rattan wicker.

4. Choose a reed type of wicker to use for making baskets for are softer and more flexible. It is much easier to handle and work with than the rattan wicker.

5. Purchase the various types of wicker at "feed and seed" type stores. These are usually in more agricultural areas and have supplies for farming and ranching. These will usually come packaged in 5 lb. lots or bundles. The size of the bundles of wicker may come in various weights or sizes such as size 1 through size 15, depending upon the thickness and weight you want for a basket.

6. Shop in your local hobby and craft stores. These stores most often carry kits for basket making, and should carry supplies to make your own baskets. If they do not have what you are looking for, ask a manager or buyer of those supplies to order what you are going to need for your basket making. These special orders may take a little longer, so plan in advance when planning to start a new basket.

7. Check online or Internet sites for basket making or basket weaving. Many of these sites provide information on suppliers from whom you can order your supplies directly. In addition, there are groups and classes in many cities teaching basket making and basket weaving. These are great groups to join even if you are an experienced basket maker. You can have fun meeting people with a mutual love of basket making.