Basket making requires different things: patients, skills, and the right tools. Just like any hobby or work, the right tools will help make it easier. Also, the right tools promote safety. If you choose to invest in durable and effective tools, you can save effort and time.
These tools will last longer as long as you take good care of them.
The basket making supplies you need are mostly found in your toolbox already. Some stores offer a complete set of baskets making supplies. It’s convenient, and you won’t have to go around stores to get what you want. You can also invest in these products. They also offer guides and instructions to help you with your first attempt on basket making.
Take a look at the following important basket making supplies to help you get the needed tools to finally start and get weaving.
Basket Making Supplies and Tools
Check out the following basket making supplies and tools you will need as you start your basket making the journey.
Basket Weaving Shears
The most helpful tool is basket shears. They are good easy cutting wood easily, and they have pointed and sharp tips. Regular shears will work, but there are also shears specifically made for basket making you can check out.
Angle or Side cutters
The side cutters will help you cut the edges of the materials you use for basket making. These are specifically made to get the edges easy to weave around.
Dishpan or Bucket
This is used to carry water since baskets are woven while they are wet. Thus, you need a container for your reed while they are soaking in water. This is also easier for a continuous weaving and work.
Weave Tip packer
This is also a tool specifically made for basket weaving. You can pack down the rows of the basket, so they are tight and secure and not loose. You can just press the reed down, so it stays tight even when it gets dry.
Towel
You can use an old and used towel. There’s no need to buy new ones since they are still going to be colored, washed, and dirtied after every use.
Spray bottle
Since you need to weave the reed while it’s wet, there’s a chance that it may dry out while doing the work, the spray bottle filled with water will help you do keep the reed supple and moist.
Clothespin
This is also extremely useful when it comes to basket making. Clothespins allow you to hold the stakes firmly to prevent it from distracting your work.
Reed Gage
This will help you know the sizes of the reeds you have. Some of the reeds don’t have marks and labels. Reed is also numbered and sized; thus, it is easier to determine when you have the reed gage.
Carpenter’s Pencil
A carpenter’s pencil will allow you to put marks and any other measurements you need. This is to help you remember the sizes and cuts you need to do.
Sandpaper
A fined sandpaper is also helpful. It gives a smooth finish for the basket’s handle and base before weaving them. The smooth finish is safer to avoid any accidents.
Needle Nose pliers
This could already be in your toolbox. These are effective when you want to touch on the cores of the basket for any detached pieces of reeds and for tucking them under. This is likewise helpful when you want to bend over the reeds.
Awl
Another tool to get you into the tight places in the basket is the awl. This is a sharp tool that can get you over the rows when you want to insert something.
Band-Aid
This is also one of the most important tools you need to have every time. Accidents may occur, especially when using these different sharp tools. A Band-Aid will help you and the ultimate life-saver.
Tape Measure
The sewing tape measure will also come in handy when it comes to measurements. Get the ones in plastic so it won’t get damaged by the water.
Sponge
Cut out small sponges will also help you moistened the smaller reeds to keep them from drying out while you are weaving.
Storing your Basket Making Supplies
The basket making supplies discussed are the basic tools you need for basket making. There is a lot to discover once you get to experience basket making. Keeping those tools in order when you always use them seems to be tedious. The thought of getting them out again soon for another basket making session can wear you out.
Thus, you need to also have a toolbox or basket to keep your tools ready and kept well. You can use the usual toolbox and have a smaller container for the small pieces of supplies. The best idea is to put them ins specific places, so it will be easier for you to store and get when you need them.
Check your tools regularly and keep them clean all the time. Taking good care of your tools will help them last longer.
Conclusion
There might be a lot needed for basket making, but most of these tools are easy to find. If not, they might already be in your toolbox. Thus, these tools are also easy to find, and you can get them at lower prices too. Your local hardware store may have them all.
List the things you need and start finding these tools. Make sure to ask for any bits of advice from the store attendant if you don’t have any idea about them at all. Once you get everything ready, you are good to start and do some weaving.
These tools are sharp and dangerous. So, be careful when handling them, particularly for the first time. Practice being mindful to avoid any accidents. It won’t be easy on the first try, so precautions should be done. Additionally, make sure a first aid kit is ready and complete just in case accidents may happen.
And the most important thing when making a basket: don’t forget to enjoy the experience.