Tag Archives: Basket Crafts

Christmas Basket

. Basket Weaving . , , , ,
2013's Basket

2013’s Basket

Well HO! HO! HO!  Merry Christmas everyone!  Since I didn’t make a Christmas basket this year, I’m posting last year’s.  I guess that means I’ll get some coal in my stocking.  HA! HA! HA!

This is a ‘Williamsburg’ basket (named for the handle).  I used red and green, naturally, but also some tan and spaced-dyed colors.  The handle has a ‘bow’ on both sides and the handle is wrapped in a Japanese knot for some more pizzazz. I think it works.

Maybe I should start next year’s basket right now!

Metal & Cane

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IMG_0938

Unusual Melon Basket

Unusual Melon Basket

Occasionally I like to try unusual weaving materials.  This is a 6″ melon rib basket in which I used black cane and galvanized steel from the hardware store.

Instead of weaving a God’s Eye for the ears, I tied on 2 antique pressed tin medallions.  Weaving with the wire was not necessarily hard, but it was hard to keep from poking and scratching myself with the ends. Ouch!

Weaving rib baskets is not really my ‘thing’.  I find them difficult to shape and also tedious to weave. Using a different weaving material made it more interesting for me.

This little experiment worked out well, but I think once is enough.  Any comments would be appreciated.

Combined Styles Handle

. Basket Crafts, Basket Making, Basket Weaving, Baskets, Crafts, Functional Arts . , , ,
Japanese/Penland Style Basket

Japanese/Penland Style Basket

Handle -Side ViewHandle - Front ViewButterfly Knot - Top ViewButterfly Knot - Side View

I was asked by another blogger to explain how the handle of the basket was made. Foolishly, I only took the one photo and the basket has sold so I cannot show the handle from a better angle.

I took 3 pieces of flat reed and sandwiched them together. It is wrapped with 2 pieces of flat/oval reed in an “x” pattern up the two sides, leaving about 4″ empty at the top. Very simple.

The top Knot is called a “Butterfly” knot or “Japanese” knot. I have given you a top and side view (from another basket) but, please don’t ask me how to make it. Not so simple!

I hope this post helps a little in understanding the handle.

Wicker Basket

. Basket Crafts, Basket Weaving, Baskets, Crafts, Functional Arts . , , ,

Wicker Basket

Wicker Basket


This is my newest endeavor. It is a ‘wicker’ basket made with round reed. Other common materials used for wicker are willow and honeysuckle. I got this pattern from a book “Contemporary Wicker Basketry” by Flo Hoppe. She is one of the best American wicker basket artists.

When I first started making baskets, I was very drawn to wicker style baskets. After trying a very simple design from a friend of mine, I found it was not for me. I found it extremely difficult and frustrating and had no patience for it. I never finished it.

Recently, as I was browsing through my books I found I was, once again, drawn to this type of basket. The pattern is called “Double Diagonals” for the intricate border. Taking my time, and keeping my patience I really enjoyed making this wicker basket. I think I will make this basket again, trying some different techniques and colors. Thank you, Flo!

Knitting Basket

. Basket Weaving . , ,
Knitting Basket

Knitting Basket

Knitting Basket #3

Knitting Basket

Just finished this basket. It’s a pattern from a ‘Lyn Syler’ book by ‘Diane Kennedy’. It’s taken from an Abenaki style knitting basket. The Abenaki Indian people are from the New England/Quebec area.

I really liked making this basket. It stands 11″ tall, sans handle. I drilled the hole in a 2″ slotted wood base for the “donut ring” in the lid through which the yarn is pulled. Nifty! I also made a different handle out of 5/8″ braided seagrass instead of the yarn the pattern called for.

The lid is a new technique for me. It is called “Chase Weave”, which here uses #2 round reed, spaced-dyed. (Spaced-dyed is multiple colors blending the edges together.) The chase weave gives a lovely smooth look as compared to “twining”. It’s also easier and faster to do!

So, now back to my lid for the cat head basket! (But see, I can make a lid if I have someone else’s pattern!)