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