If you are looking for a new interesting hobby that will fill up your time then you might want to consider basket weaving. If you’ve experienced basket weaving back in school then you are probably hesitant about taking it up again as an adult. But basket weaving can actually be a very rewarding craft. Not only does it allow you to practice your creativity, it can also provide you with new decorations for your home that you can also use to organize your belongings. Baskets also make thoughtful gifts to loved ones. If you are ready to learn about the art of basket weaving then the first thing you will need are basket weaving supplies. You can also browse the web or your nearest book store for books about weaving. If you’re interested in buying in bulk, there are also many retailers selling wholesale basket weaving supplies.
Basket Reeds
One of the first basket weaving supplies that you will need are basket reeds. If you are following a weaving instruction book, the pattern will state the required shapes and sizes of reed you need. The next basket making supplies you will need to procure are a binding cane and any type of natural material. To check the natural vine, soak it with water before weaving the material around your hand at least twice. If the vine doesn’t break then it’s a good enough material for your basket. You will also need to choose a basket handle. Basket handles usually come ready-made in stores or you can also find unusual handles that will give your woven basket an edge. For instance, why not use the handle of an old wooden bucket?
Basket Weaving Tools
Naturally, your basket weaving supplies will also include the tools you need for weaving a basket. Prepare two sizes of scissors—a small one for thin vines and reeds and a larger one that you will use for cutting thicker materials. Inserting the ends of the reeds into the holes of the weaver can be quite challenging so you need a tool to help you along. Awls or ice picks usually make the job easier. You will also need to measure the weaving reed you will use. For this part, use a dressmaker’s measuring tape. You will also need to soak the weaving reed and other vines in a small tub of water before you start weaving, so be sure to keep a basin of water close by.
Other Minor Accessories
The basket weaving supplies in your weaving kit should also include other extra accessories such as a pencil that you can use to mark your measurements and a small notebook to write down the figures. Some band-aids and antiseptic might also come useful as supplementary basking weaving tools in case you cut yourself with scissors or the rough edges of the weaving vines.
Coloring The Basket
Basket weaving will also require you to dye the pieces of reed so you can achieve the desired color of your basket. For this process, you will need a new set of basket weaving supplies that will include a pair of tongs and a non-aluminum pot. You will also need a wooden spoon to stir the color mixture and some rubber gloves that will protect your hands.