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Traditional structure

It is important to understand the vocabulary of basket making and the classical structure of a basket, even if not all the objects you create will contain all of these elements.

A basket’s structure starts with a base, often raised off the ground by a foot. The base is made of sticks of a thicker rattan, which serve as the weaving template around which you weave with thinner weavers. The sticks are gradually separated to form spokes (in round baskets) or stakes (in square baskets). You can either bend the spokes upward to become the spokes of the walls of the basket (the vertical pieces upon which you create rows of weaving) or add new spokes to the base and bend those up. The first small section of the basket walls that is woven directly above the base in order to secure the wall spokes is called the upsett. The woven spokes and weavers form the body. The last component of a basket’s structure is the border (also called the rim) along the top. You can also add a handle, a lid, and other closing accessories.

Different types of basket making

These categories will give you ideas about the types of objects you can create, but remember that you can mix techniques to create unique objects!

Objects made primarily with rattan

•Stake and strand basket making: The spokes (or stakes) and the weavers start with a base and comprise a body that is entirely solid. Weaving is dense, and there is no empty space between rows.

•Openwork basket making: This is like stake and strand basket making, but the structure includes empty spaces and areas of visible spokes.

•Rib basket making: The shape of the basket is determined by rigid hoops and spokes, or “ribs,” attached together to create the framework around which weaving is done.

•Other types of basket making: These include coil basket making, interlacing, mixed techniques, and so on.

Objects made with a structure or base of a different material

Projects can also use a preexisting base, structure, or framework to define the object’s shape. This option is perfect for beginners, as it allows you to focus on weaving. An example is a premade wooden base with drilled holes through which you pass your weaving materials in order to get started.