Different Types of Basket Weaving

Basket weaving is an ancient craft with baskets dating even further back than the time of the Pharaohs having been discovered on Egyptian soil dating back 12,000 years. Today it has become an art form and baskets are woven by hand more as an expression of creativity rather than for a practical need.

However, it can be an addicting hobby as you try to increase your skills and create ever more complex baskets.

Baskets can be made of many different materials, as long as they are flexible enough to be woven but strong enough to retain their shape. However, different types of materials require different weaving methods. There are basically four basket making methods: coiled, twined, woven and plaited.

martin b2005's Basket Making

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Coiled Basket Weaving

Coiled weaving is a method that is usually employed for softer materials such as grasses. Strands of grass are stitched together to form a spiral that is forced into a basket shape. The base material is usually straw, willow, palmetto or yucca, while raffia and horsehair can be used to sew with.

Twined Basket Making

Twined weaving refers to using multiple materials, one that is more rigid for the base and another two that are more flexible for the sides of the basket. Twining is similar to weaving but two strands are used to go under and over the ribs.

These types of baskets can be quite spectacular because three or more materials can be used to twine a basket. However, to do this you need to be quite experienced in twining as the strands have to be woven over and under the ribs in opposite directions. There are also many variations to twining including such as leaving the warp open or twining on the diagonal.

Materials that are used for twining often include day lilies, cedar bark, reeds and rabbit brush.

Woven Basket Weaving

Woven weaving involves two elements, namely the rigid stakes that form the ribs or warp and a more pliable material that is used to weave in and out of the ribs to create the sides of the basket, or the waft. This method allows for the use of a wide range of materials as long as they are flexible enough for the waft and rigid enough for the warp.

Plaited Basket Making

Plaited weaving involves weaving wide materials, similar in shape to ribbons, such as palm, yucca or flax. Both the stakes as well as the weaving materials are identical, which are then woven together at right angles. The plaiting can be either open or closed.

By using variations of the basic plaiting methods as well as the wide range of materials available means that each basket can be a unique masterpiece.

Of course, each of these methods has many variations, but once you master the basic weave, you will find it easier to conquer the variations. When you become proficient in one form of basket making and its variations, you will find your creativity knows no bounds as you create ever more complex baskets.

For those of you that intend to give basket weaving a try, or if you are a past master please post some photos and tips. We would love to see your weaving results, please Share photos of your homemade baskets here!