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Basket weaving supplies: reed, bases, kits and tools
Everything here is for weaving baskets by hand, from a first small basket to a set for a class.
The core material is reed: the inner core of the rattan palm, made into smooth strands that bend after a short soak. Round reed from #2 (1.75 mm) to #6 (3.75 mm) makes stakes and weavers; use a heavier size for the stakes than for the weavers. Flat reed from 1/4 to 7/8 in weaves basket sides and woven seats, smooth side out. Flat oval and smoked reed finish rims and add dark bands, and 4 or 5 mm rattan core suits thick stakes and frames. Reed is sold in 1 lb coils, so thinner sizes give more length per pound.
The easiest start is a wooden basket base: a plywood bottom with a ring of pre-drilled holes. Push the stakes up through the holes, tie them off underneath with a simple border, then weave the sides. Round sets run from 4 to 12 in, and an oval base suits bread and storage baskets. The beginner kit has a base, reed and a step-by-step card for one basket about 7 in across.
Paper rattan strip and cotton rope for coiled baskets are worked dry. Bamboo strips need a few minutes' soak and do not take tight bends. The basket weaving tool kit has the packing tool, awls, side cutters and clips. New to weaving? Start with basket weaving for beginners.
- Use a heavier size for stakes than for weavers.
- Soak round reed 5 to 10 minutes; flat reed and bamboo need only a few.
- Weave flat reed with the smooth side out.
- Paper strip and cotton rope are worked dry, with no soaking.
- Let leftover reed dry fully before you coil it away.
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Round Reed for Basket Weaving, 1 lb Coil, #2 to #6
Natural round reed from the rattan core, 1 lb coils in #2 (1.75 mm) to #6 (3.75 mm), for basket stakes and weavers, wicker repair and spokes.
$25.99 · 5 options
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Flat Reed for Basket and Seat Weaving, 1 lb Coil, 1/4 to 7/8 in
Natural flat reed cut from the rattan core, in 1 lb coils from 1/4 to 7/8 in wide, for basket stakes and weavers and for woven chair seats.
$26.99 · 6 options
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Flat Oval Reed, 1 lb Coil, 1/8, 3/16 or 1/4 in, Natural
Natural flat oval reed, flat on one side and rounded on the other, in 1 lb coils 1/8, 3/16 or 1/4 in wide, for rim lashing, small rims and accent weavers.
$25.99 · 3 options
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Smoked Flat Reed, 1 lb Coil, 1/4 or 1/2 in, Dark Brown
Flat reed darkened by smoking, not painted, so the brown runs all the way through. 1 lb coils, 1/4 or 1/2 in wide, for two-tone baskets and contrast bands.
$27.99 · 2 options
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Natural Rattan Core, Round, 4 mm or 5 mm, 1 lb Coil
Thick natural round rattan core in 1 lb coils, 4 or 5 mm across, for basket stakes and frames, wrapping, decorative crafts and diffuser sticks.
$25.99 · 2 options
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Wooden Basket Bases with Holes, Round, Sets of 5 or 12
Round plywood basket bases with a ring of pre-drilled stake holes, in sets of 5 (4 to 12 in) or 12 (6 to 12 in), for flat-bottomed reed baskets.
From $9.99 · 2 options
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Oval Wooden Basket Base with Holes, 13.7 x 9.8 or 27.6 x 15.8 in
Oval plywood basket base with pre-drilled stake holes around the edge: 13.7 x 9.8 in for bread baskets or 27.6 x 15.8 in for large oval baskets.
From $8.99 · 2 options
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Bamboo Strips for Weaving, Flat, 0.12 to 7/16 in Wide
Flat split bamboo weaving strips with a smooth glossy skin, in 0.12, 0.16, 0.24 and 7/16 in widths, for small baskets, trays, lamp shades and patches.
From $14.99 · 4 options
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Paper Rattan Weaving Strip, 0.6 in x 82 ft, Khaki
Flat khaki paper rattan strip, 0.6 in wide and 82 ft long, woven dry for baskets, boxes, trays and plaited patterns. Paint or seal it once woven.
$13.99
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Cotton Rope for Coiled Baskets, Braided, 3/8 in x 100 ft
Soft natural white braided cotton rope, 3/8 in thick and 100 ft long, for coiled rope baskets and bowls sewn on a sewing machine or stitched by hand.
$23.99
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Basket Weaving Kit for Beginners with Wooden Base and Reed
Everything for one small round basket about 7 in across: a pre-drilled wooden base, natural round reed and a printed step-by-step card for a first basket.
$21.99
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Basket Weaving Kit, Set of 4 Small Baskets, Round and Square
Materials for four small reed baskets, about 5 to 7 in across: four pre-drilled wooden bases, two round and two square, round reed and instructions.
$29.99
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Basket Weaving Tool Kit, 20 Pieces, with Zip Pouch
A 20-piece basket weaving tool kit: packing tool, two awls, bent-tip bodkin, side cutters, small shears, clips, tape measure and pegs in a zip pouch.
$16.99
Questions
What do I need for my first basket?
A wooden base with holes, round reed for stakes and weavers, scissors, a bowl of warm water and a towel. The beginner kit has the base, the reed and printed steps for one small basket, and a first basket usually takes an afternoon.
Round Reed for Basket Weaving
Wooden Basket Bases with HolesHow much reed is in a 1 lb coil?
It depends on the size, because reed is sold by weight. Round reed gives about 1100 ft of #2, 750 ft of #3 and 500 ft of #4 per pound; thicker sizes give less.
Can I use the paper rattan strip for a chair seat?
No. It is for baskets, boxes, trays and plaited patterns, not for seats that take weight. For a woven seat, use flat reed, Danish cord or fiber rush.
Laced Danish Cord
Flat Reed for Basket and Seat Weaving
Fiber Rush
Paper Rattan Weaving StripIs rattan core the same as round reed?
Both come from the inner core of the rattan palm. Our rattan core is thicker, 4 or 5 mm, for heavy basket stakes, frames, wrapping and crafts such as diffuser sticks.
Natural Rattan Core