Contemporary Plaiting: The Plaited Basket

Plaiting, which is in-and-out weaving, is so simple you can see why they call basketmakers “Basket Cases”! You’ll discover the benefit of plaiting as you weave up the sides of your basket, for this is the technique that causes you to focus on your hands, your basket, your mind, it’s like a meditation. Ed Rossbach calls it a “trancelike reverie”. You will continue weaving up the sides until a basket is built, in just the materials, size and shape you directed your hands to make.

There are many types of plaited baskets…the pillow basket, heart basket, elbow, market, many more. Shape and design can be creatively varied. I have even made a shrine basket!

Supply List: clippers, open mind.

Materials Fee: $15.

Syllabus: The technique of plaiting, as one of three main basketry techniques, will be demonstrated. Students will make decisions as to size of their basket and then measure and prepare the materials. They will weave and finish the basket according to instructions on the handouts. After this first basket is completed, there will be talk about embellishment, painting, etc. Then the second basket, the bias plaited basket, will be introduced and taught. If time is limited, the basket can be started and instructions will be provided for finishing. Handouts will include resource list of books and materials, instructions.

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