Braided Swing Handle Market Basket: Basketry Tutorial

This self-paced basketry course will teach you the skills and techniques to complete a Braided Market Basket. Using video, visual, and written instructions, Brittany will walk you through using rattan reed and basketry tools to make a handwoven basket. The market basket is a traditional basket shape used for shopping for groceries. This basket features a six-strand braid woven into the walls. The swing handle allows for ease of use and storability. This basket is gorgeous on display, but it's also practical.

This is intended for intermediate basket weavers. If you are new to basket weaving, consider taking Brittany’s Cross-Stitch Napkin Basket Course to learn foundational basketry techniques before attempting this basket. 

What’s included:

• Step-by-step video tutorial of the entire basket-weaving process
  • Brittany will show and explain how to do each technique. The video presents multiple angles to give the best instructional experience
• Illustrated instruction manual
  • Clear photo instructions
  • Materials and tools list
  • Cut list - lengths of stakes and spokes
  • Suggested resources for materials and tools
  • Additional basket weaving resources and inspiration
• Rattan Basket Weaving Guidebook by Brittany Stanton
  • Glossary
  • Explanation of different reed types
  • Tools used in rattan basket weaving
  • Resources

Basketry skills and techniques learned in this course:

• Closed base
• Working with a handle
• Twining
• Plain weave
• Working in a pattern
• Weaving a six–strand braid
• Setting up a rim
• X-lashing

This basket course covers rattan basket weaving techniques. The material we use is called rattan reed and is processed from a tropical vine. The vine is turned into different sizes and shapes and imported as a basket weaving material. Resources for this material are included in the instruction manual. 

The approximate completed size of this basket: 

Dimensions: 14-inch x 12-inch base, 10-inch walls, 16-inch handle when standing upright

• Please note that every basket will turn out slightly different depending on the person weaving. No two baskets are identical, as this is a handcrafted piece, and each weaver will approach the process slightly differently. The dimensions included here are the intended outcome but may be altered or turn out slightly smaller or larger.