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Exploring the Fundamental Weaving Techniques
While there are many variations and regional styles, most basketry techniques fall into three main families: coiling, plaiting, and twining. Understanding these basics opens the door to creating almost any type of basket imaginable. Each method has its own rhythm, its own look, and works best with particular kinds of materials. Let’s delve into what makes each technique distinct.Coiling: Building from the Center Out
Imagine building a pot, but instead of clay, you’re using flexible fibers. That’s the essence of coiling. This technique starts with a central point – often a small knot or a flat spiral – and builds outwards and upwards in continuous rounds. You have two main elements: the core (or foundation) and the binder (or stitcher). The core is the bulkier material that forms the structure of the coil, like bundled grasses, pine needles, or thick rushes. The binder is a thinner, more flexible element (like raffia, finer grass strands, or even thread) that wraps around the core and stitches each new coil to the one below it. The process involves carefully guiding the core material around in a spiral while using an awl or needle to pierce the previous coil and pull the binder through, securing the new layer. The tightness of the stitches and the thickness of the core determine the basket’s density and rigidity. Coiling allows for incredible control over shape; you can create perfectly round bowls, tall cylindrical vessels, or gently flaring forms. It naturally lends itself to incorporating decorative elements, as different colored binders can be introduced to create intricate patterns that spiral along the basket’s surface. Baskets made using coiling are often very strong and dense, making them excellent for storage or even holding water if the materials and weave are tight enough. Think of the classic Native American pine needle baskets or African grass baskets – many utilize this fundamental, patient technique.Plaiting: Weaving with Flat Elements
If coiling is like pottery, plaiting is more akin to weaving fabric on a loom, but usually without the loom! Plaiting involves interlacing flat, wide elements – often called splints or strips – over and under each other. Unlike coiling or twining, the elements in plaiting are typically of equal width and flexibility, acting as both warp and weft simultaneously. Think of weaving a simple potholder or the checkerboard pattern on a picnic basket. The weaving usually starts at the base. Strips are laid out perpendicular to each other and interlaced to form a square or rectangular bottom. Once the base reaches the desired size, the strips are bent upwards to form the sides, and the plaiting continues vertically. The angle of the weave can vary. Simple plaiting involves a basic over-one, under-one pattern at right angles, creating a checkerboard effect. Twill plaiting involves passing elements over two or more strips and under one or more, creating diagonal patterns which can be quite complex and visually interesting. Materials best suited for plaiting are those that can be easily prepared into flat strips: palm leaves, river cane, ash or oak splints, birch bark, and even heavy paper or plastic strapping. The resulting baskets are often angular – square or rectangular – although shaping is possible. The weave can range from tight and dense to relatively open, depending on the width of the strips and how closely they are packed. Plaiting is common for market baskets, hampers, and functional containers where flat sides are useful.Twining: Twisting Around a Framework
Twining introduces a distinct structure: relatively rigid vertical elements (the stakes or warps) and flexible horizontal elements (the weavers or wefts). The defining action in twining is that two or more weavers encircle each stake. Typically, two weavers are used: they cross over each other in the space between the stakes, enclosing one stake at a time before moving to the next. One weaver passes in front of the stake, the other passes behind, they twist, and then repeat the process on the next stake. This twisting action locks the stakes firmly in place, creating a strong and stable fabric. There are several variations: simple twining uses two weavers as described. Three-strand twining adds an extra weaver for increased strength and texture, often used as a decorative or reinforcing band. Wrapped twining (or Wickerwork, though wicker often includes plaiting too) involves a flexible weaver wrapping around passive stakes without the overt twist between stakes seen in basic twining. Twining can create both very tight, closed weaves (useful for containing small items) or very open, lacy weaves (like traditional fishing traps or decorative pieces), depending on how far apart the stakes are set and how tightly the weavers are pulled. Materials for twining need to reflect the two roles. Stakes are often made from sturdier materials like willow rods, sections of hardwood, or thick reeds. Weavers need to be much more flexible: soaked willow shoots, long grasses, rushes, jute twine, or even processed bark fibers work well. Twining is incredibly versatile for shaping, allowing for curves, tapering, and complex forms. Many traditional eel traps, burden baskets, and finely woven hats utilize twining techniques.A World of Weaving Materials
The soul of a basket lies as much in its material as its technique. Basket weavers have traditionally used whatever was readily available in their local environment, leading to a stunning diversity of styles. Today, while traditional materials are still prized, the possibilities have expanded even further.Gifts from the Plant Kingdom
Nature provides an abundance of materials perfect for weaving:- Willow: A classic choice, especially in Europe. Harvested as long, flexible rods (osiers), willow needs careful sorting by size and thorough soaking before use. It’s excellent for stakes in twining and wickerwork.
- Rattan and Cane: Primarily from tropical climbing palms. Rattan is the whole vine, while cane is the processed outer bark (shiny, smooth) or the inner core (reed, more porous). Hugely popular commercially, it’s flexible, strong, and takes stain well. Used in all techniques.
- Reeds and Rushes: These water-loving plants offer long, pliable stems. Cattail leaves, bulrushes, and sedges can be used whole or split. They are often used in coiling and twining. Preparation usually involves drying, then mellowing or soaking before weaving.
- Grasses: Sweetgrass, seagrass, rye straw, bear grass – the variety is immense. Often used dried and then lightly dampened. They are favorites for coiling, providing both core and binder material, and sometimes used in fine twining.
- Bamboo: Can be split into fine, strong strips ideal for plaiting intricate patterns, common in Asian basketry. Requires skill to prepare correctly.
- Bark: Inner bark from trees like cedar and elm, or the paper-like outer bark of birch. Cedar bark is processed into soft, flexible strips great for plaiting and twining. Birch bark can be plaited or used decoratively.
- Pine Needles: Longleaf pine needles are particularly popular for coiling, often stitched with raffia or thread. They offer a wonderful texture and aroma.
- Leaves and Husks: Corn husks, iris leaves, daylily leaves, and various palm leaves can be dried and prepared for plaiting or used as weavers in twining.
Material Preparation is Key! Most natural plant fibers need some preparation before weaving. This usually involves drying them thoroughly after harvest, and then rehydrating or “mellowing” them just before use by soaking or spritzing with water. Weaving with overly dry material will cause it to crack and break. Conversely, material that is too wet can lead to mold or shrinkage as the basket dries. Finding the right moisture level is a crucial skill learned through practice.
Beyond the Garden Path
Basketry isn’t limited to plants. Modern weavers and artists experiment with all sorts of materials:- Paper: Rolled newspaper tubes or flat paper strips can be surprisingly sturdy when woven and sealed.
- Wire: Creates sculptural, often industrial-looking forms. Can be challenging to work with but offers unique possibilities.
- Plastic: Recycled plastic bags cut into strips (‘plarn’), plastic strapping, or even vinyl tubing can be woven, often creating durable and colorful items.
- Fabric: Strips of fabric (‘rag rug’ style) can be coiled or plaited into soft, textured containers.
