Every art form has its own set of unique tools that assist the artist in creating their pieces.
Basket weaving is no different.
However, when starting, you don’t have to get all the special tools before being able to weave a basket.
I will share the tools I use when weaving baskets and some alternatives for those who want to test basket weaving before taking the full plunge.
You can find basket weaving tools and tool kits in my Etsy shop, Textile Indie Supplies.
For a complete guide to all Textile Indie’s basket weaving posts and videos, visit the main Basket Weaving Page.
What tools are needed for basket weaving?
Here are the essential tools needed to get started in basket weaving.
If you want to get started with what you have at home, I’ve added alternatives in the descriptions for each tool – and a handy table at the end for quick reference.
- Cloth measuring tape
- Reed cutters
- Pencil
- Stake weight
- Straight tipped packer
- Box cutter
- Metal clamps
- Plastic clamps
- Spray bottle
- Water tub
Basket weaving tool kit
Check out my Etsy shop Textile Indie Supplies for a tool kit that includes reed cutters, stake weight, straight-tipped packer, 4 metal clamps, and 4 plastic clamps.
Basketry tools and uses
Cloth measuring tape
A tape measures out stakes for basket weaving and establishes the size of the basket throughout the weaving process.
Cloth is ideal for basket weaving because of its flexibility.
Reed cutters
Reed cutters have short, sharp blades that allow good leverage on the reed when cutting it.
Alternative: kitchen shears
Kitchen shears or craft scissors work to cut reed, though they are not as sharp as reed cutters and will be harder to cut with.
Pencil
A pencil marks the center of the stakes when beginning a basket and takes notes or scores reference points throughout the weaving process.
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Stake weight
A stake weight is a heavy bar used to weigh the stakes when beginning a basket.
A stake weight is like another hand – basket weavers often find themselves wishing for a third hand!
Alternative: a hammer
I have 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.
It’s an out-of-the-box solution, but it works.
Straight-tipped packer
I also call this a flat-tipped awl. The packer consolidates the layers of weavers down close together.
As the reed dries, it shrinks; keeping things tight will avoid gaps between weavers.
You will also use a straight-tipped packer to get between layers when setting up the rim and finishing the basket.
Basket Makers Catalog offers several different versions of these.
Alternative: flat head screwdriver
Another option is a flat head screwdriver. Or, in a pinch, a butter knife.
Box cutter or knife
Generally, a box cutter is a handy tool around the house – so I consider it a good investment.
The box cutter trims down the ends of the reed on the rim of a basket (scarfing).
Small metal clamps
You’ll use clamp a lot in basket making to hold things in place.
Metal clamps are powerful, and like the stake weight above, clamps are like extra hands.
Alternative: binder clips
A quick, cheap option to substitute metal clamps could be large binder clips (office style).
Small plastic clamps
Plastic clamps are used specifically on the basket rim because they are less likely to leave grooves in the rim.
The “jaw” of a plastic clamp is the perfect shape to secure the rim.
I like to supply metal and plastic clamps at my workstation. Small clamps are inexpensive and will serve you well.
Spray bottle
A spray bottle wets the basket down as you weave to keep everything damp. Maintaining damp reed is vital so that it doesn’t become dry and brittle and crack as you work with it.
Water tub
The tub is filled with warm water at the start of a basket project and is used to wet the reed before you begin weaving with it.
You can use a sink or bathtub, but that will limit where you work.
| Basketry Tool | Alternative |
| Cloth measuring tape | Ruler |
| Reed cutters | Scissors – kitchen shears |
| Pencil | |
| Stake weight | Hammer |
| Straight-tipped packer | Flat-head screwdriver |
| Box cutter | Knife |
| Metal clamps | Binder clips |
| Plastic clamps | |
| Spray bottle | |
| Water tube | Bathtub or sink |
Basket-weaving tool kit video
In the video below, I share the tools I use for most basket projects:
Setting up your basket weaving workspace
And this is how I set up my basket weaving workspace:
Where to buy basket weaving tools
Three great places to look for basket weaving tools are:
What next?…
For a complete guide to all Textile Indie’s basket weaving posts and videos, visit the main Basket Weaving Page.
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
Basket-of-the Month Club
Check out Textile Indie’s self-paced basket club if you want to learn to weave beautiful baskets. Twelve different basket designs with video and written instructional support to learn foundational basketry techniques. Over the course of twelve months, you will receive one basket pattern with supporting instructional material. Start at basket one and weave all twelve, or stay as long as you want.
