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You can make a small woven basket with a printable paper template, scissors, yarn or raffia, and tape—no basketry kit required. This ten-step method creates a paper-spoke basket with a circular base and upright strips. Follow the alternating weave loosely, pack each row gently, and finish by folding and taping the spokes over the rim.
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- Printable basket template with a central circle and marked triangular spaces
- Scissors
- Yarn or raffia
- Clear or decorative tape
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston presents this activity as workable with an art kit or materials gathered at home; a purchased beginner basket-weaving kit is optional, not necessary. See the MFA basket-weaving instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
How to weave a basket in 10 steps
1. Gather and print your supplies
Print the template at the size you want, then set out scissors, yarn or raffia, and tape. If you are using raffia, separate any tangled strands before starting.
2. Cut out the outside shape
Cut around the template’s outside edge. Leave the central circle intact; it becomes the basket’s base.
3. Create and raise the spokes
Cut away the marked triangular spaces. The remaining sections become upright paper spokes. Gently bend them upward around the circular base to form a shallow bowl.
4. Anchor the first strand
Tape one end of the yarn or raffia to the inside of the base. Keep the taped end where it will be covered by later rows.
Rank #2
- 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.
5. Start the alternating weave
Bring the working strand from inside to outside. Pass it around one upright strip and behind the next, continuing the alternating pattern. The basic rhythm is “under, over, around, and through,” as described in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “How to Weave a Basket” tutorial (June 19, 2020).
6. Complete two circuits around the base
Continue around the entire base, then make a second circuit. These first rounds stabilize the spokes before the sides rise.
7. Build the sides row by row
Keep the same alternating sequence as you work upward. After each round, push the new row gently toward the previous one so gaps do not grow. Do not pull hard: too much tension can tear the paper spokes.
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When the yarn or raffia is nearly finished, tie on another piece. Position the knot inside the basket, where the woven rows will conceal it, and continue the pattern.
Rank #3
- 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.
9. Prepare the top edge
Near the desired height, secure the working strand to a woven section. Trim the paper spokes to an even length, taking care not to cut the yarn or raffia.
10. Fold and tape the rim
Fold each remaining spoke over the top edge and tape it down on the inside. Press the rim gently so the folded ends lie flat and the basket keeps its shape.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Two accessible beginner methods
The paper-template project is not the only way to make a small basket. The Metropolitan Museum of Art also shows a recycled-cardboard approach. The construction is different, so choose the method that matches the materials and finish you want.
| Feature | Circular paper-template method | Recycled-box strip method |
|---|---|---|
| Base structure | Cut circular template with a connected central base | Flattened cereal box with parallel strips left connected to the base |
| Weaving material | Yarn or raffia | A separate cardboard strip woven under and over the upright strips |
| Shaping | Triangular spaces are removed; paper spokes bend upward | Cardboard strips are bent upright from the connected box base |
| Finish | Trim, fold, and tape the spokes over the rim | Fold the strips over the edge and glue or tape them |
For the box version, flatten a cereal box, use a ruler and pencil to mark parallel cuts, cut while leaving the base connected, bend the strips upright, and weave a separate strip to the top before folding and gluing or taping the edge. The Met’s tutorial provides the illustrated sequence.
Rank #4
- 【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.
What makes the weave hold together
- Alternation: Passing the strand around one spoke and behind the next creates the structure of the sides.
- Row packing: Gently nudging each completed row downward keeps the weave compact.
- Controlled tension: A snug strand is useful, but force can split or crease the paper spokes.
- Hidden joins: Knots and the starting tape are strongest when placed on the inside.
- Even trimming: Uniform spoke lengths make a cleaner folded rim.
How this starter craft differs from traditional basketry
This project is a paper-spoke exercise, not a complete description of Indigenous or regional basketmaking. Traditional basketry uses locally available fibers, specialized preparation, and techniques shaped by community knowledge and purpose.
The National Museum of the Philippines documents bamboo, rattan, buri palm, pandan, sedges, and reeds in Philippine basket traditions, with baskets used for activities including agricultural transport and storage, food preparation, and fishing. Its Mats and Baskets collection page also connects material choice to regional resources, trade, and ecological sustainability.
The MFA identifies a historic basket made by the Indigenous Pomo people of Northern California in which willow rods serve as warp, carex roots as weft, and redbud splints provide added support. That culturally specific example should not be treated as equivalent to this paper craft.
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If you want to try a reed basket next
A traditional reed project requires different preparation and tools. California State Parks lists reed, cutters, an awl, a measuring tool, needle-nosed pliers, and a bucket; soaking the reed makes it pliable. In its terminology, spokes form the upright frame and flexible weavers fill the spaces between them. Its guide describes twining with two alternating weavers. Read the full California State Parks basketry guide before attempting that method.
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