A wicker basket is a decorative and practical way to store things around the house. They are useful for storing vegetables in the kitchen, extra pillows and cushions in the bedroom, toiletries in the bathroom and more. They can also be repurposed into ornaments and accessories for the home, or they can even be used to create a wall display in the living room.
Making a wicker basket is a skill that can be learned at home. It is relatively easy to learn and it does not require any special equipment or tools. However, it is important to know what you are doing and the proper technique before starting the project.
The first step is to make the base of the basket. You will need four slitted pieces of material that are a bit longer than the diameter of the basket. Line up the slitted pieces so that they lie flat and are perpendicular to each other. Then, thread these slitted pieces through the remaining 4 base pieces so that they form a cross shape.
Next, you will need to do a weaving technique called “pairing.” Pairing is when you use two weavers to secure the base of the basket. This will help to keep the basket secure and prevent it from falling over.
You will need two weavers that are approximately the same size and thickness, with a thin edge that is just long enough to wrap around the bottom of the basket. You will need some type of glue to hold the weavers in place, but it is best to use a sparing amount.
After you have secured the base of the basket, you will need to weave in the sides. This can be done by doing a simple ‘wale’. This involves taking one weaver in front of the spoke and another in front of the opposite spoke. Continue this pattern until you have created the desired size of the basket.
The ‘wale’ is the foundation of your basket and it should be as strong as possible without being too stiff. You will need to take your time while weaving this, as it can be difficult to get the right tension. It is also a good idea to use a wide loom for this weaving, as it is easier to weave evenly with a larger loom.
Once the base of your basket is woven, you will need to attach the reeds that will form the sides of the basket. The reeds should be cut to the correct length for the basket’s intended height. The reeds should be soaked before you start to weave them in, as this will soften the reed and make it easier to work with.
You should also try to make the base of your basket ‘crowned’, which means that it will have a rim. This will help to strengthen the basket and will give it a more pleasing look.
Before you begin your wicker basket project, you will need to consider the types of items that you want to store in it. This will allow you to choose a basket that is sized appropriately for the item and the available space in which to store it. It is also a good idea to buy a wicker basket with a handle, as this will make it more convenient to carry. This will save you a lot of work and energy when it comes to transporting your items in the future.