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Weave your first basket

A pre-drilled wooden base makes the first basket much easier: the stakes go in the holes, and you weave the sides with soaked reed.

Time
An afternoon for a small basket
Level
Beginner

What you needBasket weaving for beginners

What you need

Everything in one box

Basket Weaving Kit for Beginners with Wooden Base and ReedThis kit has the main materials and tools for this project.
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Materials
Wooden Basket Bases with Holes, Round, Sets of 5 or 12Round 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.
Round Reed for Basket Weaving, 1 lb Coil, #2 to #6Natural 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.
Flat Reed for Basket and Seat Weaving, 1 lb Coil, 1/4 to 7/8 inNatural 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.
Smoked Flat Reed, 1 lb Coil, 1/4 or 1/2 in, Dark BrownFlat 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.
Tools
Basket Weaving Tool Kit, 20 Pieces, with Zip PouchA 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.
Spring Clamps for Caning and Weaving, 3.5 in Plastic or 6 in MetalSpring clamps with padded tips hold cane, reed, cord and webbing while you weave, and small glue-ups while they set. 3.5 in plastic or 6 in metal.
Optional
Basket Weaving Kit, Set of 4 Small Baskets, Round and SquareMaterials 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.
Paper Rattan Weaving Strip, 0.6 in x 82 ft, KhakiFlat 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.
Cotton Rope for Coiled Baskets, Braided, 3/8 in x 100 ftSoft 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.

How it is done

  1. Soak the reed for a few minutes until it bends without cracking.
  2. Push the stakes up through the holes of the base and make a foot border under it.
  3. Weave the sides over and under, keeping the stakes upright.
  4. Pack each row down as you go.
  5. Finish the rim by tucking the stakes into the weave.

Tip: Count the holes in your base: an odd number lets you weave with one weaver; even needs two.

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