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Turn an old road map into a small plaited basket by folding it into sturdy strips, weaving a square base, then raising and weaving the sides. Jane Patrick’s Make: tutorial estimates about 3 hours for the project; that is her estimate, not a measured completion time. The method also works with other printed papers, so you can choose a design that suits the keepsake you want to make.
What you’ll need
- A road map or other printed paper
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat, or scissors for cutting strips
- Awl
- Clothespins
- Lightweight string or thread
- Tweezers
- White craft glue, optional
Patrick’s example uses 20 weavers, each 2 inches wide and 37 inches long. The 37-inch length reflects the longest usable sections of the map in her example; longer strips can make a larger basket. Choose paper for its appearance and available length. The sources do not establish that one kind of paper makes a stronger basket than another.
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- Cut 20 strips from the map, each 2 inches wide. Use the longest practical sections; Patrick’s example uses 37-inch strips.
- Fold each strip lengthwise in half, open it, and fold both long edges toward the center crease.
- Fold the strip in half again along the original crease and press firmly. Repeat with all the strips to make compact, layered weavers.
A rotary cutter and cutting mat can help make long, even cuts; scissors are also listed among the tutorial’s tools. Comics and small-print pages are alternatives named in Patrick’s tutorial. Related Make: coverage also suggests magazines and yearbooks. A separate scrap-paper basket approach uses gift wrap or newspaper, though it is a different weaving method.
#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.
Weave the square base
- Separate 10 prepared weavers for each direction of the base.
- Lay one set side by side. Weave the second set through it, alternating over and under, to form a square plain-weave base.
- Adjust the strips so the weave is close and the base is square. Keep the projecting ends as even as possible; they will become the sides.
Raise and weave the sides
- Measure lightweight string equal to 10 times the base circumference, then fold it in half, as Patrick’s tutorial directs.
- Twine the doubled string around the base perimeter.
- Raise one side at a time. Divide and cross the projecting weavers, working them outward to form diamond-shaped sections. Use a clothespin to hold a side in place if needed.
- Repeat the raising and crossing on the other sides, then weave the sections together. Continue until the basket reaches the height you want or the strips run out.
Patrick describes the idea simply: “Think of basketry as three-dimensional weaving. If you ever wove paper as a child, that’s the basis for this plaited basket.”
Finish and shape the basket
- Fold the remaining weaver ends down into the basket, tucking them to the inside in pairs.
- If holes or loose areas remain, tighten the weave by drawing slack from the bottom toward the top. Tweezers can help maneuver ends in tight spaces.
- Check that the rim is even, then trim excess ends on the inside with scissors.
- To encourage a flat base, set the basket over a container, weight its bottom, and leave it for a few hours. Crease the bottom edges afterward.
- If you want a stiffer finish, brush diluted white craft glue over the inside and outside and let it dry. Glue is optional; the tutorial does not report a durability comparison between glued and untreated baskets.
Choose paper and finish for the keepsake
Use the map’s printed colors and labels as part of the design, or choose another paper with a pattern you want to preserve. Strip length affects the possible basket size: Patrick notes that longer weavers can make a larger basket. Leave the paper untreated for a more natural finish, or use diluted white craft glue when you want the basket to hold its shape more firmly. These are appearance and handling choices, not evidence that a particular paper or finish will last longer.
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.
Source: Jane Patrick, “Woven Map Basket,” Make:, December 18, 2012. Related paper-basket ideas: Make: scrap-paper basket project and Make: weaving a basket from old maps.
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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.
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.
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