Weaving Techniques for Basket Making

For a complete guide to all Textile Indie’s basket weaving posts and videos, visit the main Basket Weaving Page.

What are the weaves in a basket called?

Plain weave

Also known as a simple weave.

Plain weave is done by following an over one, under one pattern of weaving.

The over one, under one pattern alternates from row to row so that the stakes are also going over one, under one vertically.

Market basket woven in plain weave. — **An example of a plain weave market basket.**

Twill weave

Twill weave is a style of weaving where the weaver goes over a certain number of stakes and under a certain number of stakes in an alternating pattern.

Each row creates a pattern similar to the diagonals in denim jean material.

Twill 2-2

This twill, called a two-to-two-twill, is where the weaver is going over two stakes and then under two stakes. The next row alternates that pattern so that a stair-step pattern forms.

Twill 1-2

This twill is called a one-to-two-twill. This is when the weaver goes under one and over two around the basket and then alternates as you proceed with the rows.

Watch the twill weave technique in action.

Twining

Twining is used to hold the base in place once the base has been woven.

See Twining the Base: Creating a Stable Basket for more on that technique.

Twining can also be used to build the walls of a basket. The cross-over of the two pieces of the twining between each stake creates a twisted look on the sides of the basket.

In this video tutorial, you will use a round reed to twine a small hanging basket, perfect for storing garlic.

Braiding

Braiding is used as a decorative technique. It’s typically more advanced and involves working with multiple weavers simultaneously to create the braid.

Braiding done in the weave of a handmade basket. — **Braiding in a swing-handle market basket.**

Do you want the best resources, tools, and products for fiber artists?

Every other Friday, I send an email chock full of fiber craft inspiration for you to explore.

Each issue focuses on one fiber art skill – spinning, dyeing, basket weaving…

Weave brakes

A weave brake is when you end one row or weaver and begin a new row or weaver.

Start-and-stop weave

This is one row at a time weaving. Weave around the basket, all the way around, and then overlap the ends, so they are tucked away from sight.

Market basket course

To learn the start-and-stop weaving technique, take our Beginner Basket Weaving Market Basket video course; it’s free!

Continuous weave

The continuous weave is often used in a round basket where the weaver is woven around and around until you reach the end of a length of reed, and then you add in a new weaver.

We offer several basket weaving courses, try our Beginner Basket Weaving Bean Pot Basket video course to learn continuous weave.

Chase weave

Chase weave involves two weavers being woven at the same time. The ends of the weavers are trimmed down and woven into the basket on the same side, so as the walls form, they are even. When you get to the end of one or both of the weavers, you add in a new length of reed just like you would for a continuous weave.

Specialty weaving

Wave

Adding a weaver into the sides of a basket that crosses over the working weavers creates an ‘x’ shape, called a wave on the outside of the basket.

French randing

French randing is a technique used to create a diagonal weave in the walls of a basket. Randing is excellent for using up shorter pieces of reed. Weave the base of a basket as usual and then weave the walls up at a forty-five-degree angle.

You can learn all of the basket weaving techniques in our Basket-of-the-Month Club.

Find a complete list of basket weaving terminology:

Basket Weaving Glossary

For a complete guide to all Textile Indie’s basket weaving posts and videos, visit the main Basket Weaving Page.