Benefits of woven baskets

Basketry is a time-tested craft that has been passed down from generation to generation through a multitude of cultures. The process of creating woven storage baskets involves weaving unspun plant fibers into a basket shape. It is not limited to plant fibers, as a woven basket can be constructed from any flexible material that can be bent and manipulated to form the desired shape.

Woven baskets consist of two elements, the stakes or spokes and the more collapsible elements that are woven between and over the stakes.

o The stakes or spokes are the elements that build the “walls” of the basket and the frame to form the basket.

o Collapsible elements are wrapped above and below the stakes as the designer sees fit. The tighter the woven strands are together, the stronger the basket will be.

Depending on the style of the interlocking strands will have a lot to do with the strength, durability, and longevity of your basket. For example, by using the “over one, under one” pattern, you are wrapping the body weave material in a way that increases the density of the reeds, which creates a stronger basket.

Reed weaving is one of the most popular techniques used and produces the wicker baskets used today for a variety of purposes. The reed material, or rattan core, is flexible. If woven correctly, the baskets created are very strong. The basket weaving process makes it a strong basket that is used for multiple purposes and can be shaped into a variety of shapes.

There are many styles and materials that can be used to weave everything from storage baskets to wicker shopping baskets. Some materials are better able to absorb dyes and others are more flexible. Before beginning any basketry project, it is recommended that you take a class or seek the advice of someone with experience in the trade.

By properly preparing for the project, with good tools, quality products, and a working knowledge of the trade, you can be sure you’re building a functional basket that will last.