What are the different types of basket weaves?

Basket weaving is a type of fiber art that consists of weaving and sewing a malleable material into a basket shape. You can use woven baskets for storage, toting, potting plants, or as stylish home decor. The four main basket weaving patterns are coiling, plaiting, twining, and wicker. Coiled woven baskets feature material wrapped around a central core—known as the starter circle—using a stitching technique. These baskets typically look like stacked rolls of fabric or natural material that form a basket. They’re often loose and intentionally imperfect in their finished shape, with a slouchy, relaxed look. Plaited baskets are often made using natural, pliable materials. This technique uses two weavers or weaving elements that cross each other as they weave through still radial spokes. It creates a textured surface and durable finished structure reminiscent of a checkerboard pattern. Twined basketry features two horizontal stands called wefts that cross over each other between vertical strands referred to as warps. Twining can follow various patterns: false embroidery, which features alternating slanted rows; cross-warp, which looks like a series of criss-cross patterns; or overlay, where each row slants in the same direction. Many woven baskets with lids are twined. Wicker basket weaving is one of the oldest forms of furniture making, originating in Egypt. This method weaves the basket material around spokes in an alternating pattern that crosses underneath and on top of the supports. Wicker looks wavy and has a distinct texture, working well for both round and rectangular woven basket designs. The weave can be open with space between rows or tight with the rows stacked closely.

What materials can be used for woven baskets?

A basket weaver can use a large variety of materials to create woven baskets, from ropes and strips of fabric to dried grasses and vines. Below are some of the most popular materials for small and large woven baskets you’ll find from shops on Etsy: Bamboo: Made with highly malleable and ultra-durable dried strips, woven bamboo baskets go well with a natural, minimalistic aesthetic. They sometimes feature beautiful hand-painted patterns and detailed edging. Reed: This is the most common material used for basket weaving, and reed baskets are available in various styles, including flat, rounded, half-moon, and oval. They have a light sheen and come in several different natural tones. Seagrass: Constructed of tightly-twisted strands of dried, preserved seagrass formed into a thin rope, seagrass baskets are incredibly flexible, effortlessly fitting in with a beachy, relaxed environment. Wire: The most sturdy option, wire woven storage baskets typically feature a fairly open weave that keeps them light and easy to move while providing the ultimate structure and strength. Willow: This is a common material used in wicker weaving. Willow baskets are made from a fast-growing, abundant natural material that makes a beautiful addition to any home decor, from traditional to farmhouse.

What can you use woven baskets for?

Incorporating large and small woven baskets into your home decor adds stylish storage solutions wherever you need them most, from the living room to the kitchen. As a multipurpose item, woven baskets have numerous uses. Woven laundry baskets give you a place to store clothing that needs to be washed, while complementing the style of your bedroom. Fill a shelving unit with various plants in matching woven plant baskets to bring a touch of cohesion to your collection. Decorative round woven baskets in various sizes look great by the fireplace holding extra blankets and pillows for cold nights. A set of woven baskets with handles keep your open pantry space neat and organized while making it easy to grab the items you need. Celebrate the coming of spring with custom woven Easter baskets for the kids to collect their eggs, candies, and chocolates.