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Turn a road map or other printed paper into a small keepsake basket by folding it into sturdy strips, weaving a square base, then raising and plaiting the sides. Jane Patrick’s Make: tutorial estimates about three hours for the project; that is the tutorial’s estimate, not a measured completion time.
Materials and tools
Patrick’s example uses 20 map strips, called weavers, each 2 inches wide and 37 inches long. The 37-inch length is specific to her example and the longest available sections of her map; longer strips can produce a larger basket.
- A road map or another printed paper
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Awl
- Clothespins
- Scissors
- Lightweight string or thread
- Tweezers
- White glue, if you want a stiffer finish
Other printed papers can work too: Patrick mentions Sunday comics and small-print pages, while related Make: coverage includes comics, yearbooks, magazines, newspapers, and gift wrap. Paper choice affects the look and the lengths you can cut; the instructions do not establish that one type is stronger or more durable than another.
Prepare the paper weavers
- Cut 20 strips from the map, each 2 inches wide. For the size in Patrick’s example, make them 37 inches long where the map allows. A rotary cutter and mat are listed tools for preparing these strips.
- Fold each strip lengthwise. Fold both long edges toward the center, then fold the strip together again and crease it firmly. The resulting folded strips form the basket’s weaving material.
Weave the base
Arrange 10 weavers in one direction and 10 in the other. Plain-weave them over and under one another to form a square base, keeping the crossings orderly and the sides as even as possible.
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#1 Best Overall
Traditional Craft Kits Beginner Basket Weaving Kit Set of 6
- Comprehensive 6-Basket Starter Set: Master the four fundamental methods of basketry with this all-in-one collection. This set includes all the necessary materials and guidance to create six distinct projects: three varieties of coiled baskets, plus plaited, twined, and wicker designs ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches.
- Complete Artisan Supply Kit: Each bulk set comes neatly packed in a storage bag with high-quality paper fiber rush, palm raffia, hemp twine, pine needles, clothespins, and tapestry needles. You only need to provide basic household scissors and a bowl of water to begin your weaving journey.
- Step-by-Step Education & Video Support: No prior experience is required! Every project features its own full-color instructional booklet with clear photos. For additional help, we provide access to instructional videos that demonstrate the tactile techniques for each unique basket style.
- Rewarding Multi-Session Hobby: Ideal for those seeking a mindful and creative outlet, these projects range from 1 to 2 hours each to complete. This set offers over 9 hours of engaging hands-on crafting, perfect for developing patience and perseverance through heritage fiber arts.
- Versatile Crafting for All Levels: While specifically curated for adults and beginners, this kit is also suitable for younger ages with adult assistance. It serves as an excellent group activity or a foundational course in basket making, teaching skills that can be expanded to larger custom projects.
Raise and weave the sides
- Measure lightweight string equal to 10 times the base circumference, then fold the string in half. Twine it around the perimeter of the base.
- Raise the sides one at a time by dividing and crossing the weavers, working them outward to form diamond-shaped sections. Use a clothespin to hold a section while you work if needed.
- Repeat for the remaining sides, then weave the sections together. Continue until the basket reaches your preferred height or the paper strips run out.
Finish and shape the basket
- Fold the remaining weaver ends down into the inside of the basket in pairs.
- If the weave has holes or loose areas, draw slack from the bottom toward the top to tighten it. Check that the rim is even, then trim the ends on the inside.
- To help flatten the base, set the basket over a container, weight the bottom, and leave it for a few hours. Crease the bottom edges afterward.
- For a stiffer basket, brush diluted white craft glue over the inside and outside. This treatment is optional.
What the construction involves
Patrick describes basketry as “three-dimensional weaving”: the project begins with a flat, over-under weave and becomes a basket when the paper is turned upward and plaited into sides. The sequence is useful to keep in mind when troubleshooting: an uneven base can carry into the walls, while loose areas can be tightened by shifting slack upward before trimming the rim.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
AOUXSEEM 8 Sets Basket Weaving Craft Kit for Beginners,DIY Burlap Style Desk Storage Small Parts Candy Cookies Bowls,8 inches Plastic Base and 109yd Jute Twine and Cork Linings & Lace
- 【Package Contents】❖ 8 pcs plastic base❖ 8 pcs cork lining❖ 109yd jute twine❖ 6.5yd lace❖ 4 hot glue sticks
- 【All in One Kit】The set includes all the materials needed to make this basket style. And the materials are enough to make 8 baskets.
- 【Easy to Follow】step ❶ stand up the wings of the plastic base; step ❷ staggered weaving the jute twine onto the wings; step ❸ the last two loops are glued and woven together; step ❹ on the top inner side of the basket, paste lace on the flat side,the serrated side of the lace are flipped over to the outside of the basket, and the end is fixed with glue; step ❺ glue the cork lining to the inner bottom
- 【Versatile】This is a beginner weaving kit that anyone can complete in their spare time. It will play an important role in these projects:❶ parent child activities ❷ family gatherings ❸ personal time passing ❹ making gifts ❺ making desk or picnic storage boxes
- 【Note】You need to prepare the glue gun.
Rank #3
Traditional Craft Kits Wicker Basket Weaving Kit for Beginners
- Complete Starter Basket Kit: This all-in-one kit is designed specifically for those new to the craft. You will learn the traditional technique of wicker weaving by creating a small, beautiful basket (approximately 4” wide by 2” tall) using a classic over-and-under pattern.
- Full Set of Supplies Included: Each bag comes packed with essential basket-making supplies, including fiber split, fiber rush, and a clothespin to hold your work. Simply provide a few household items like scissors, and a pencil to get started immediately.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: No experience is necessary! Our kit includes detailed color photo instructional booklets that guide you through every step. For added support, a video tutorial is also available to help beginners master the rhythmic art of wicker weaving.
- Engaging Creative Hobby: This is an excellent basket-weaving kit for adults looking for a mindful, tactile hobby. It provides a rewarding hands-on experience that is perfect for solo relaxation, craft nights, or as a unique group activity for makers of all levels, including youth with adult assistance.
- Teaches Patience and Skill: More than just a craft, this kit teaches manual dexterity and continues the history of traditional basketry. Most beginners can complete their first project in about an hour, leaving them with a functional piece of art and a proud sense of accomplishment.
Rank #2
Traditional Craft Kits Twined Basket Weaving Kit, Gathering Style
- Master the Ancient Art of Twining: Discover one of the earliest methods of basketry with this gathering-style project. You will learn the "open twining" technique—a method used by cultures worldwide—to create a beautiful, functional woven basket approximately 7 inches wide.
- Complete Artisan Supply Set: This kit comes ready for use in a convenient storage bag containing high-quality fiber rush and durable hemp twine. To begin your project, you only need to provide basic household tools: a pair of scissors and a standard kitchen fork.
- Step-by-Step Educational Support: No prior experience is required to succeed. Each kit includes a detailed color photo instructional booklet that guides you through every step. For additional help, we also provide access to a helpful video tutorial for a more dynamic learning experience.
- Engaging Multi-Hour Project: Designed for adults and those seeking a mindful creative outlet, this kit provides approximately 3 to 4 hours of focused, hands-on crafting. It is an excellent way to unplug and develop manual dexterity while producing a custom piece of home decor.
- Versatile Crafting for Ages 12+: While ideal for adults, this kit is suitable for ages 12 and up (with adult assistance recommended for younger participants). It makes a rewarding solo activity or an engaging group project for craft nights, teaching patience and traditional fiber art skills.
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