How to Weave a Traditional Basket
Basket weaving is an art that has been around for thousands of years. Weaving a traditional basket consists of using flat reeds or wicker to create a basket with four corners. When you are a weaving a basket, you are interlocking the reeds together until it forms an object. It may seem difficult to weave a basket but it can be done, once you know the basics. In addition to hardwood reeds, you can use willow to create a basket.
Instructions
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Create the base for the basket. Lay five reeds horizontally, spaced out. Continue by weaving five more flat reads vertically into the horizontal reeds. Basket Weaving 101 states that the base should be loosely weaved together with spaces of 3/8th of an inch between each reed. The middle should look like a grid.
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Curve the edges of the horizontal reeds. Continue by splitting the center reed that is located at either edge of the vertical reeds. Basket Weaving 101 states that the split should now be in front of you, at the top of the base. Place a reed into the split and weave one half of the split around the edge of the basket. That half of the split should go in and out of the other reeds, around the edge.
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Use clothes pins to secure the weave, to make sure that it stays close to the edge as possible. Pull the corner reed on the left side that is now standing erect. Continue by tugging at the reed next to the corner one. Tugging these reeds will create a defined shape to the basket. You should do this when you're finished weaving the third or fourth row.
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Weave the other half of the split around the basket, when the first half has finished. Tuck in the excess of the first half. As you are weaving, make sure that each row is close to one another; there shouldn't be any gaps between rows.
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Complete the basket after 12 rows of weaving. Tuck in the excess second half of the split into the basket. Trim the top of the basket while leaving ½ inch of it at the top of the basket.
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Tuck the top reeds into the third row, which is directly under each one. After you have tucked the top, you can now decide to create a handle with excess reeds you may have. Insert the handle into the sides of the basket and use excess reeds to tie it down, to secure it. The Website Bush Craft suggests that you sharpen the ends of the handle, so it can easily be pushed through the basket.
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References
Resources
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