Basketry—also known as basket weaving or basket making—is the art of shaping flexible materials into three-dimensional forms. It is one of the most widely practiced techniques in the world and also one of the oldest, predating even pottery. Baskets were historically made from perishable materials, though, so few have survived; the oldest known complete basket is about 10,500 years old. Earlier evidence of basketry includes impressions in cave floors and on clay fragments.

Materials and Tools:

  • Natural materials include reed, cane, rattan, grasses, pine needles, bamboo, palm leaves, vines, tree roots, tree bark, and corn husks - materials that are flexible, hold form, and available in the local environment.
  • Manmade materials include paper, plastic, metal, yarn, and fabric.
  • Wooden bases are used for some types of baskets.
  • Molds are used to shape repeatable forms.
  • Scissors, shears, pruners, and knives are used to cut and shape materials.
  • Awls and packers are used to make holes, space and pack fibers, and guide materials.
  • Clamps are used to hold materials in place. 

Terminology:

  • Spokes, stakes, ribs, or warp are the foundation structural elements of a basket.
  • Splits or splints are thin, narrow strips of wood typically made from the wood of trees like white oak or ash and sometimes from other materials like hazel or poplar bark. 
  • Weavers or weft are the active elements that bind the basket together, generally  horizontal or spiral elements that are woven over and under the spokes.
  • The base is the starting point for a form and can be open, closed, or solid.
  • The rim is the upper edge of a basket, often finished with a special binding technique.
  • The sides or walls are built up from the base.

Process:

  1. Create or start with a base.
  2. Weave, pack, and shape the sides.
  3. Finish the top by adding a rim and, if desired, a handle.

Variations:

  • Coiled baskets are formed from a continuous element wound in a spiral with the rows bound together with stitches. Variations are defined by the type of stitch used and the foundation material.
  • Plaited or braided baskets have flexible warp and weft elements interlaced in an over/under fashion, often creating a checkerboard pattern. Variations in the weaving interval produce different types of plaiting.
  • Twined baskets have a passive, generally rigid, warp and two flexible weft strands. The wefts are twisted over each other at every intersection, locking the warp elements in place.
  • Rib or frame baskets have a skeleton of ribs that define the basket’s shape and provide support for the flexible weavers interlacing between them.
  • Wickerwork involves weaving pliable materials into intricate patterns. It is the oldest furniture making method, dating to ancient Egypt.

FAQ's:

  • What is the difference between rattan, cane, and reed? All three materials come from rattan palms (climbing palms). Rattan is the entire vine, cane is the outer skin of the vine, and the inner part of the vine is processed into various shapes and sizes of reed.
  • What is wicker? Wicker is a method of interlacing strands to create a woven patterns for furniture and decorative items, It is made from a range of flexible materials.
  • What are most baskets made of? American baskets have historically been woven from hardwoods like ash, oak, and hickory. Today, most baskets are made from reed and cane which are less expensive and easier to work with than hardwoods. In the UK, willow remains a common basketry material.
  • How long does it take to make a basket? Anywhere from a few hours to weeks depending on the size and complexity of the basket and the construction technique.
  • Why are basket materials used wet? Because they are too brittle to be woven in their dry state. Soaking for as little as 15-30 minutes ensures reed and cane is flexible and easy to manipulate without breaking.
  • How do I get the right tension? Pack as you go and relax and enjoy the process.
  • How do I care for a basket?  Keep it out of direct sunlight to minimize fading and gently wipe or dust. You can also hose off a basket or submerge it in a bathtub. Just make sure to dry completly to prevent mildew.