How to Weave a Basket Base: Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

This was another one of our favorite videos when we were first learning basketry. Musgrove Willows put out an entire series on a basket but the base is always the starting point!


This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to begin weaving a basket. It focuses on the crucial first stage: creating the very center and base of the structure. By following the demonstration, you can learn how to establish a solid foundation for your project using a simple, singular color technique.

The tutorial emphasizes the importance of starting from the middle and working outwards. This clear approach helps beginners understand the initial mechanics of basketry before moving on to more complex sections. By mastering this base construction, you will be well-prepared to continue building the walls and completing your handmade basket.

How do I start growing my own basketry willow?

Dried willow rods for weaving can be expensive and difficult to find. Growing your own solves both of these problems. We have over 40 basketry willows to choose from including many of the popular Salix purpurea, Salix triandra, and Salix viminalis species. Here are a few...