Many of you subscribed to my email list and received access to my Market Basket course. The 6-part series now lives on my YouTube channel. Here you’ll find a detailed description and resources for the materials needed to make the Market Basket.
Materials list
- 8 x 32″ stakes of 1/2″ flat reed: Stakes
- 7 x 30″ stakes of 1/2″ flat reed: Stakes
- 1 x 8″ wide D handle: Handle
- 1 x 11′ length of #1 round reed: Twining
- 2 x 46″ length of 1/2″ flat reed: 1st Weaver
- 18 x 46″ lengths of 1/4″ flat-oval reed: Weavers
- 3 x 46″ lengths of #2 seagrass: Weavers
- 2 x 44″ lengths 5/8″ flat-oval reed: Rim
- 1 x 46″ length of #3 seagrass: Rim insert
- 1 x 10′ length of 1/4″ flat-oval reed: Lashing
The above list may look like a bunch of numbers, words, and symbols that make no sense and are frustrating to navigate. I know; I’ve been there too. Here’s the same list broken down into the specific different types of materials you will need.
Different types of materials needed
Flat reed
- 1/2″ (half an inch)
Flat-oval reed
- 1/4″ (quarter inch)
- 5/8″ (five-eighths inch)
Round reed
- #1 round reed
Seagrass
- #2 seagrass
- #3 seagrass
How much will I need?
For one market basket
To start with just the materials you need for one basket, you can order reed by the foot or purchase the market basket kit.
Ordering by-the-foot
To order reed and the other materials by the foot, follow the links below to the Basket Makers Catalog. Make an account with them, and you will be able to build your cart, come back to it, and track orders.
Basket Makers Catalog
These reed estimations are liberal if you follow the instructions presented in the Market Basket Course.
Flat reed: 1/2″ – 46 ft.
Flat-oval reed: 5/8″ – 9 ft. and 1/4″ – 85 ft
Round reed: #1 – 13 ft
Seagrass: #3 – 17 ft
Handle: 1 x 8″ wide D handle
Market basket kit
An alternative is to buy the market basket kit on my Etsy shop Textile Indie Supplies. The kit contains all the materials you need to complete one market basket.
Kit Includes:
- 8″ wide by 10″ tall wooden handle
- 1/4″ flat oval reed for weavers and for lashing the rim
- 1/2″ flat reed for stakes and first-row
- Seagrass for weavers and rim insert
- 1/2″ flat oval reed for inner and outer rim
- #1 round reed for twining around the base
If you want to start your basket materials stash
If you want to buy in bulk (cheaper) and start building your materials stash, I suggest using the Basket Makers Catalog and ordering bundles of reed.
Materials in bulk
Basket Makers Catalog sells reed, seagrass, and other basket-making materials in one-pound bundles. This is a great way to begin basket weaving while saving a little money.
Basket making tools
The tools you will need
- Cloth measuring tape
- Reed cutters
- Pencil
- Stake weight
- Straight tipped packer
- Box cutter
- Metal clamps
- Plastic clamps
- Spray bottle
- Water tub
Basket-making tool kit
Check out my Etsy shop Textile Indie Supplies for a tool kit that includes reed cutters, a straight-tipped packer, stake weight, 4 metal clamps, and 4 plastic clamps.
More information
Step-by-Step Guide to Weaving a Handled Basket – Article outlining the process of creating the market basket taught in the basket course.
Beginners Guide to Basket Weaving Materials – Learn the different materials used in rattan basket weaving.
Beginners Guide to Basket Handles – All the handles used in rattan basket weaving.
Basket Stains and Sealers: Finishing Your Baskets – After you have completed your basket, you will need to stain or seal it to protect it from the elements. Use this guide to get you started with what to use and how to finish.
Material resources
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 and a video with supporting instructional material. Start at basket one and weave all twelve, or stay as long as you want.
