2025 Basketmaking Workshops
I offer basketmaking workshops throughout the Northeast and in my own studio.
Footed Yarn Basket
This workshop will introduce students to basketmaking on a bit larger scale with added wooden feet to lift the basket off the floor. Holding yarn/fiber above the floor was helpful to keep them away from possible insects as well as extra ventilation for the fiber within. This workshop is appropriate for all levels. Hand strength is helpful with the heavier rims.
This rattan basket will begin with a plaited base from longer stakes. The sides are woven with a start/stop technique to add color accents near the top if desired. Shaping over a taller side will be discussed. The basket is finished with a heavy rim with double lashing. Scarfing rims with a draw knife will be taught.
Approx. basket dimensions: 13” H (w/o feet) x 14” D.
Learn more and register on the Sanborn Mills Farm website.
Hexagonal Base Basket
This rattan basket uses a technique known as the hexagonal or cheese weave. The Shakers would make baskets using the cheese weave to line with cheesecloth and strain their cheese curds. The openwork of the weave structure lent itself to this process. This workshop will teach the hexagonal weave for the base of the basket and then transition to a solid woven side. This rattan basket will begin with learning the hexagonal weave and the techniques needed to transition to a plain weave up the sides. The basket is finished with an interesting folded and lashed rim.
Approximate dimensions are 4” H x 12” D.
All levels of weavers are welcome.
Learn more and register on the Sanborn Mills Farm website.
Twilled Muffin Basket
Students will lay out a “spoked” base using flat stakes. A continuous weave will be used to start this basket. The stakes are split and the weave will continue up the sides of the basket with a 2/2 twill pattern. Shaping techniques will be taught as the sides are woven. Rim fitting, scarfing and a decorative “braided” lash will be taught. Great basket for your sock project.
Some work will be done standing but mostly sitting. Please note that your hands will be in and out of water. Workshop is appropriate for all levels.
Basket dimensions: 10”D x 4”H
Learn more and register on the NY Sheep & Wool website.
Shoulder Pack
Weave a useful over the shoulder carrying and foraging basket using rattan. This basket’s shape was designed to mimic the much larger Adirondack style pack baskets but simply has a single long leather strap to wear over the shoulder. As a great exercise in shaping, students will start by learning to weave a filled base and then work to shape their basket to create the desired result. The basket will be finished with a long leather strap, rims and lashing.
This basket is approximately 11” high at the back and about 6” across at the top.
Some experience is helpful but not necessary.
Learn more and register on the NY Sheep & Wool website.
Shoulder Pack
Weave a useful over the shoulder carrying and foraging basket using rattan. This basket’s shape was designed to mimic the much larger Adirondack style pack baskets but simply has a single long leather strap to wear over the shoulder. As a great exercise in shaping, students will start by learning to weave a filled base and then work to shape their basket to create the desired result. The basket will be finished with a long leather strap, rims and lashing.
This basket is approximately 11” high at the back and about 6” across at the top.
Some experience is helpful but not necessary.
Learn more and register on the Sanborn Mills Farm website.
Shoulder Pack
Weave a useful over the shoulder carrying and foraging basket using rattan. This basket’s shape was designed to mimic the much larger Adirondack style pack baskets but simply has a single long leather strap to wear over the shoulder. As a great exercise in shaping, students will start by learning to weave a filled base and then work to shape their basket to create the desired result. The basket will be finished with a long leather strap, rims and lashing.
This basket is approximately 11” high at the back and about 6” across at the top.
Some experience is helpful but not necessary.
Learn more and register on the Vävstuga Weaving School website.
Melon Basket woven with Seagrass
Ribbed basketry techniques came to the US from the British Isles and were often made in Appalachia using local oak trees. In this workshop, learn to weave a rib style basket using pre-made oak hoops, rattan ribs and seagrass/cane weavers. Students will learn how to lash oak hoops together with a rattan 4 point lashing, also known as the God’s eye. Rattan ribs will be formed and tapered for the desired shape. The basket weaving will begin with fine cane weavers and then switch to seagrass to finish the basket.
Basket dimensions are approximately 10” wide x 10” high.
Appropriate for all levels of weavers, beginner to more experience. All materials and tools will be provided.
Learn more and register on the Sanborn Mills Farm website.
Shoulder Pack Workshop
Students will create a shoulder pack with leather strap.
Learn more and register on the NY Sheep & Wool website.
Williamsburg Handbasket Workshop
This project is appropriate for all levels of weavers, from beginner to more experienced.
A perfect utilitarian basket. Students will learn how to weave a basket base around a sturdy, preformed wooden handle. The basket walls are woven with a chase weave with an emphasis on shaping. Rim fitting, scarfing, and lashing will also be taught. If time allows, students can decorate the handle in a variety of weaves.
Basket dimensions: 13″ high × 12″ deep
Learn more and register on the NY Sheep & Wool website.
Carry-All Basket Workshop
Using rattan, this useful rectangular basket is woven with a “filled” plaited base. Students will weave and shape the sides of their basket with a start and stop weaving technique. Varying sizes of material will be used to create a woven pattern. Rim fitting, scarfing, and lashing will also be taught. The basket will be finished with two leather handles long enough to be over the shoulder.
Approximate size: 16” long X 10” high x 6” wide
Appropriate for all levels of weavers, beginner to more experience. All materials and tools will be provided.
Learn more and register on the Sanborn Mills Farm website.
Field Basket Workshop
Using rattan, this basket begins with a double-spoked base with tapered secondary stakes. Students will learn to weave and shape the sides of this handsome, utilitarian round basket. The basket is finished with a sturdy rim and leather side handles. Shaping, rimming, scarfing, and lashing will all be taught.
Approximate dimensions: 13”D x 8”H
Learn more and register on the Catskill Mountain Foundation website.
Williamsburg Handbasket Workshop
This project is appropriate for all levels of weavers, from beginner to more experienced.
A perfect utilitarian basket. Students will learn how to weave a basket base around a sturdy, preformed wooden handle. The basket walls are woven with a chase weave with an emphasis on shaping. Rim fitting, scarfing, and lashing will also be taught. If time allows, students can decorate the handle in a variety of weaves.
Basket dimensions: 13″ high × 12″ deep
Learn more and register on the Vävstuga Weaving School website.
Harvest Basket Workshop
Learn to weave a useful rectangular Garden Harvest basket from rattan/reed and a hickory handle. Starting with a pre-made hickory handle, students will learn to set up a base, shape their basket, and weave the sides around a “D” shaped handle. Rim fitting, scarfing, and lashing will finish the basket. Participants will have a choice of dyed accent weavers to personalize their baskets.
Learn more and register on the Sanborn Mills Farm website.
Carry-All Basket Workshop
Learn more and register online on the Yarn Farm Kingston website.
Carry-All Basket with Leather Handles
Using rattan, this useful rectangular basket is woven with a “filled” plaited base. Students will weave and shape the sides of their basket with a start and stop weaving technique. Varying sizes of material will be used to create a woven pattern. Rim fitting, scarfing, and lashing will also be taught. The basket will be finished with two leather handles long enough to be over the shoulder.
Approximate size: 16” long X 10” high x 6” wide
Appropriate for all levels of weavers, beginner to more experience. All materials and tools will be provided.