How to Make Crows Feet When Basket Weaving

Create unique patterns in your basket weaving.

Basket weaving is a craft that uses fibers to create baskets and other carrying devices. Weavers can use just about any fiber to create their baskets -- from wood to thread and even animal hair. Experienced basket weavers can include challenging designs -- such as crows feet -- in their baskets. Crow's feet, also known as chicken feet, chicken tracks and hen scratch, is a specific design that is created by splitting fiber spokes in the basket.

Things You'll Need

• 7/8-inch or 3/4-inch flat reed
• 5/8-inch flat stake reed
• Number 2 round twinning reed
• 1/2-inch flat filler reed
• 3/8-inch flat weaver reed
• 1/4-inch flat weavers reed
• 40-inch shaker tape
• Sea grass
• 1/2-inch flat oval rim reed
• 11/64-inch flat oval lasher reed
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

Basket Body Instructions

1. Lay out 5/8-inch by 30-inch long stake reeds horizontally with 1/2-inch wide by 15-inch long filler reeds between each stake reed. Place a 7/8-inch wide by 30-inch long stake reed in the center with the rough side facing up. Lay out as many reeds as you would like depending upon how small or large you want the final basket to be.

2. Weave 5/8-inch wide by 24-inch long stake reeds vertically through the stake and filler reeds laid out in Step 1. You should weave the edge of the 24-inch long stake reed under the center stake reed and over the filler reeds. Weave at least four 24-inch long stake reeds on each side of the center, but you can weave more if you want a larger basket.

3. Create your crows feet pattern by cutting the filler stake ends in half lengthwise. Tuck the ends under two rows of the stake reeds on each side of the filler reed. Trim any excess reed and repeat on each side of the basket. Twine two rows around the base of the basket with the number two round reed and roll the stakes over your finger -- or "upset" them.

Basket Side, Handle and Finishing Instructions

1. Lay out at least 12 rows of 3/8-inch flat reed , three rows of 1/4-inch dyed flat reed, two rows of 3/8-inch flat reed and one row of 7 mm flat reed for the rim row. Reinforce the reed ends with an additional piece of 7 mm flat reed.

2. Start weaving behind the third reed to the left of the 7/8-inch handle stake on your basket body. Stop weaving behind the third reed stake to the right of the handle stack in the basket body. Make sure the top of each side is even when you have finished weaving.

3. Create the handle by placing the handle stake outside the basket and cutting it to the correct size. The handle can be as long or as short as you wish. The stakes on each side of the handle should be on the inside of the basket. Do not cut the handle even with the top; instead fold it and tuck part of the handle under two to three rows of weaving, then cut any excess handle reed. Tuck and cut the handle on the other side of the basket. Loop the shaker tape around the row under the 7/8-inch stake reed and sew the tape securely in place.

4. Create the rim with a 1/2-inch flat oval rim reed. Thread sea grass through the handle loop and lash it with the 11/64-inch flat oval lasher reed.

5. Finish your basket by wetting the rim and shaping the basket. The corners should be square and you can shape them until they are in a pleasing shape.

References

• The Country Seat, Inc.: FAQs- Terms and Definitions
• Georgia Basketry Association: May 2010 Newsletter
• Suzzane Moore's N.C. Baksetworks: Double Rim Storage Basket Pattersn