Cathead Basket Tutorial

This self-paced basketry course will teach you the skills and techniques to complete a Catshead Basket. Using video, visual, and written instructions, Brittany will walk you through using rattan reed and basketry tools to make a handwoven basket. The name is inspired by how the corners of the basket bottom are formed into points. When the basket is turned upside down, it gives a cathead-like silhouette. This basket looks beautiful on a coffee table, shelf, or dining table centerpiece. It's the perfect shape to hold a potted plant. 

This course is intended for beginners to intermediate basket weavers. Previous basket weaving experience is optional.

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:

• Weaving an open base
• Square to round basket shape
• Catshead base set-up
• Continuous weave with stair-step pattern
• Plain weave
• Tension and ease
• Setting up a rim
• Basic 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: 4-inch square base opens out to an eight-inch diameter round opening.

• 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 marginally smaller or larger.