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    Basket Weaving Tools: What You Will Need to Get Started

    You are here: Home / Basket Weaving / Basket Weaving Tools: What You Will Need to Get Started

    Basket weaving tools.

    Every art or craft form has its own set of unique tools that assist the artist in creating their pieces.

    Basket weaving is no different.

    However, when starting out you don’t have to go out immediately and get all the special tools before being able to weave a basket.

    I’m going to share some of the tools I use when weaving baskets, and some alternatives for those who just want to test out basket weaving before taking the full plunge.

    collection of basket weaving tools.
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    Tools for basket weaving

    Here are the basic tools needed to get started in basket weaving. I have included a few alternatives for those who want to start building their tool box slowly.

    • Cloth measuring tape
    • Reed cutters
    • Pencil
    • Stake weight
    • Straight tipped packer
    • Box cutter
    • Metal clamps
    • Plastic clamps
    • Spray bottle
    • Water tub

    Basket making tools kit

    Check out my Etsy shop Textile Indie Supplies for a tool kit that includes reed cutters, stake weight, 4 metal clamps and 4 plastic clamps.

    Buy Basket Making Tool Kit
    basket tool kit.
    Basket tool kit includes: Stake weight, reed cutters, 4 metal spring clamps, 4 plastic spring clamps.

    Cloth measuring tape

    A tape measure is used to measure out the stakes for basket weaving as well as in establishing size throughout the weaving process.

    Cloth measuring tape

    Reed cutters

    Reed cutters have short, sharp blades that allow good leverage on the reed when cutting it.

    Reed cutters, pencil, measuring tape

    Alternative: kitchen sheers

    Kitchen sheers or craft scissors can work to cut reed, though they are not as sharp as reed cutters and so will be harder to cut with.

    KitchenAid Kitchen Sheers

    Pencil

    A pencil will be used to mark the center of the stakes when beginning a basket, as well as taking notes, or marking reference points throughout the weaving process.

    Stake weight

    A stake weight is a heavy bar used to weigh down the stakes when beginning a basket.

    Tools for basket weaving laid out.

    Alternative: a hammer

    I have in the past used a hammer in place of a stake weight. The weight of the hammer head makes it a handy alternative and the length of the handle reaches the width or length of most of the baskets I make. Its an out-of-the-box concept, but it works.

    Straight tipped packer

    I also call this a flat tipped awl. This is used to pack the layers of weavers down close together so that, as the reed dries and shrinks, there won’t be gaps between weavers.

    Basket Makers Catalog offers a number of different versions of these.

    Alternative: flat head screw driver

    Another option is a flat head screwdriver. Or, in a pinch, a butter knife.

    Box cutter or other knife

    Generally a handy tool to have around, the box cutter is primarily used for trimming down the ends of the reed used on the rim of a basket.

    Small metal clamps

    Used throughout basket making to hold things in place.

    Alternative: binder clips

    A quick, cheap option to substitute metal clamps could be large binder clips.

    Small plastic clamps

    Plastic clamps are used specifically on the basket rim because they are less likely to leave grooves in the rim after they are removed. The opening is the perfect shape for the rim to sit between the clamp arms and maintain its place on the basket.

    Spray bottle

    A spray bottle is used to spray the basket down as you weave to keep everything damp. Maintaining damp reed is important so that it doesn’t become dry and brittle and crack as you work with it.

    Water tub

    The water tub will be filled with warm water at the start of a basket project and used to wet all the reed before you begin weaving with it.

    Tools video

    In the video below I share the tools I use for most basket projects.

    Join my email list for more basket weaving tutorials, courses and resources.

    Resources

    Two great places to look for basket weaving tools are Basket Makers Catalog and BasketWeaving.com.

    More information

    Beginners Guide to Basket Weaving

    Beginners Guide to Basket Weaving Materials

    Beginners Guide to Basket Handles

    How to Cut Reed for Basket Stakes

    Step-by-Step Guide to Weaving a Handled Basket

    Free basket course link button
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