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.
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.
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.
Braiding
Braiding is used as a decorative technique. It’s typically more advanced and involves working with multiple weavers simultaneously to create the braid.
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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:
For a complete guide to all Textile Indie’s basket weaving posts and videos, visit the main Basket Weaving Page.
More basket weaving techniques:
How to Cut Reed for Basket Stakes
How to Weave an Open Basket Base
How to Weave a Closed Basket Base
Twining a Basket Base: Creating a Stable Basket
How to Set Up the Rim of a Basket
How to do Basic Lashing on a Basket Rim
How to do Cross-Stitch or X-Lashing on a Basket Rim
Signing Your Handwoven Baskets: Leaving a Legacy
How to Protect Your Handwoven Baskets from Mold
Basket Stains and Sealers: Finishing Your 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.
