How to Make a Basket

Many of us have used a basket to carry a snack or other items. It has many uses throughout history, from storing seeds to gathering eggs, to carrying babies. Before choosing a basket, it is helpful to consider the purpose for which it is intended. A student could use the basket for personal storage, as a container for class snacks, or to mark special events. Here are some ideas. All of these functions can be incorporated into one beautiful, functional basket.

Traditionally, baskets were made from stiff fibers, such as reeds. Today, baskets are made from a variety of materials, including plant-based materials and metal wire. Generally, baskets are woven by hand, but some are constructed with lids. Here are some common materials for baskets: cereal-bags, picnic baskets, and storage containers. While most baskets are made from plant materials, some are made of metal wire, horsehair, or baleen.

A simple basket can be made out of spokes. After cutting the spokes, soak them in water for a few hours to make them soft. Next, squeeze the base with pliers at the perimeter of the base and bend the spokes upwards. These steps should give you a sturdy base for the basket and can help you to create a beautiful basket. However, remember to check the weaving before you begin. The process of making a basket may take weeks or even months depending on the type of material you are using.

Once the students are comfortable with the materials and techniques, they can begin constructing their baskets. The next step is to clarify the purpose for the baskets. What do they need the baskets for? What are the materials? Will they be used for personal or communal use? How will they be stored? Once the purpose is clear, the students can start the weaving process. This step should be done in a group or individually. For larger projects, it is beneficial to create several different types of baskets and then decide which ones will work best.

After a basket has been completed, the stitches that hold the two ends together should be visible. A pattern will help the basket look neat and elegant. The stitches should repeat every six to eight wraps. For double-strand yarn, the spacing should be between five and seven wraps. For single-strand yarn, it should be between eight and ten. If not, it will give the basket a sloppy appearance. Once the basket is finished, the weaver should use a needle to join the spokes.

When a basket has been created, the materials can be either natural or artificial. Cedar bark and spruce root are common, as are cattail leaves and tule. Other materials include maidenhair fern stems and horsetail root. The materials in a basket may be different in color and texture. Some materials are matte while others are shiny. You can also add some glitter to your basket by using a red-colored thread.