Natural Rattan Core, Round, 4 mm or 5 mm, 1 lb Coil

Rattan core is the inner part of the rattan cane, the same material as round basket reed, in thicker 4 mm and 5 mm strands. The extra thickness makes it stiffer and stronger, so it holds a shape where finer reed would flex.

Common uses:

• Stakes for larger and sturdier baskets
• Frames, hoops and wreath forms, bent while wet and left to dry in shape
• Wrapping and edging on crafts and small furniture
• Decorative work such as spirals, lamp shades and wall hangings
• Diffuser sticks, cut to length; the open grain draws scented oil up the stick

Soak it in warm water before bending. Thick core needs longer than fine reed, so soak, test a bend, and soak more if it still creaks or cracks. To set a curve, bend the wet core around a form, tie or clamp it, and let it dry completely; it keeps the shape.

It is matte and porous, so it takes dye and stain well. Trim any fine hairs once the piece is dry, and store leftover core dry and loosely coiled.

One thing it is not: spline. Round core will not lock pressed cane into a seat groove. Reed spline is shaped to wedge into the groove, so if you are replacing a pressed cane seat, use reed spline sized to your groove instead.

4 mm is a step heavier than our #6 round reed (3.75 mm) and still bends fairly easily. Use it for stakes on medium baskets, small frames and hoops, wrapping, and diffuser sticks for bottles with narrow necks.

5 mm is stiffer and holds a curve better. Basket patterns often call this thickness #7 round reed, and it is used for stakes on large baskets, rim fillers and frames that must keep their shape. If you are matching an existing piece, measure the old strand with calipers and choose the closer size.