Need a simple handmade storage or decor solution? A small hanging basket could be just what you’re looking for. Whether you use it for onions, or garlic, or as a stylish succulent holder, these baskets are both versatile and charming. Plus, making one yourself isn’t as complicated as you might think.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you weave your handmade basket. Let’s get started!

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you have the following supplies ready:

• A tub of water
• A towel for drips
• Spray bottle of water
• Craft scissors or reed cutters
• Measuring tape
• Metal clamps (optional, but helpful)
• Round reed (Size 3 for stakes, Size 1 for weavers)

Setting Up

Lay out a towel as your workspace to protect from water drips. Fill a tub with water to soak your reed and have your tools within arm’s reach.

Preparing the Stakes

Start by cutting your stakes, which will form the skeleton of the basket.

1. Measure and Cut: Cut 12 stakes from the Number 3 round reed, each 20 inches long. Use your measuring tape to ensure accuracy.
2. Soak in Water: Place the stakes in the water tub and let them soak until soft and pliable.

This soaking step is crucial—the reed needs to bend without cracking.

Preparing the Weavers

While the stakes soak, prep your Number 1 reed (the weavers).

1. Unwind Reed: Carefully pull out a length of the Number 1 reed from its bundle.
2. Soak One Piece: Place one piece in the water tub to soften. Keep the rest nearby for later use.

Once both your stakes and weaver are ready, it’s time to structure the base.

Building the Basket Base

Step 1: Arrange the Stakes

1. Split Stakes into Groups: Pull out your 12 soaked stakes and divide them into three groups of four.
2. Create an X: Lay one group flat, then overlap another group diagonally across it to form an X. Finally, place the last group diagonally across the other two, forming a six-spoked base.
3. Clamp or Hold Everything in Place: Use a stake weight, clamp, or simply your hands to keep the center steady.

Step 2: Start Twining

1. Crimp the Reed: Fold the soaked Number 1 reed in half and pinch the fold to create a small crease.
2. Loop Around Stakes: Begin by wrapping the reed’s middle loop around one set of four stakes.
3. Weave: Use a twining pattern, alternating the top and bottom weaver under and over the stakes. This step secures the stakes in place, forming a strong basket foundation.

The first few weaves will feel tricky since everything is still loose, but it’ll get easier as you go.

Shaping the Basket Walls

After securing the base, it’s time to build the walls of your basket.

Step 1: Splitting the Stakes

1. Separate Each Stake: Split the original four-stake groups into individual stakes.
2. Continue Twining: Use the same over-under twining pattern, now weaving around single stakes instead of groups.

Step 2: Bending the Stakes

1. From the Walls: Gently bend each individual stake upward to create the basket’s walls. Do this slowly to avoid cracking the reed.
2. Spray Frequently: Keep the reed damp with your spray bottle to maintain flexibility.

Step 3: Weave the Walls

1. Tension Is Key: Pull the weavers tightly as you work to shape the basket. For taller, straighter sides, keep rows close together. For flared edges, widen the gaps between rows slightly.
2. Switch Directions: Once you’re comfortable, try weaving from the outside. This offers more control over the shape.

Adding the Handle and Finishing Touches

If you want a hanging basket, a sturdy handle is the final step.

Step 1: Creating the Handle

1. Choose Two Stakes: Select two stakes opposite each other to form the handle. Get them damp for flexibility.
2. Curve and Tuck: Bend the two stakes toward each other, looping each through the basket’s upper rows and tucking the ends securely inside.

For extra stability, loop each stake around twice before tucking. Adjust the length and thickness of the handle to suit your needs.

Step 2: Finishing the Edges

1. Trim Ends: Clip any excess reed at the base of the weaving so no loose ends stick out.
2. Adjust Angles: Shape the basket while it’s still wet. You can tilt the base for a slanted design or keep it flat.

At this point, your basket is ready for drying.

Let It Dry and Optional Sealing

Allow your basket to dry completely—this can take 24 hours or more depending on humidity levels. Once it’s dry, you can leave the natural finish or apply a sealer for added protection.

Sealers come in clear options to preserve the natural red color or stains for a custom look. This step extends the life of your basket, especially if you’re using it in a kitchen or outdoor area.

Basket Weaving Materials

The materials you choose—from natural fibers to recycled elements—will impact not just the aesthetics but also the technique and longevity of your basket.

Reeds and Grasses

Among the most commonly used materials, reeds and grasses offer a wide range of options for basket makers. Rattan, willow, cane, and bamboo are favored for their diverse properties. Willow is highly prized for its flexibility, allowing for intricate patterns, while bamboo and rattan are valued for their strength and resilience, making them ideal for functional, durable baskets.

These materials can be purchased from specialty suppliers or, in some cases, gathered directly from nature. However, when harvesting materials from the wild, it’s important to adhere to ethical and sustainable practices. Many weavers enjoy the process of foraging for materials, as it connects them more deeply to the craft.

Vines

For an alternative, organic feel, vines such as wisteria, honeysuckle, and grapevine provide a highly flexible weaving medium. While they tend to require soaking or preparation to achieve the desired pliability, vines offer incredible versatility in crafting delicate and sculptural designs.

Bark

The bark of trees like willow, elm, poplar, and hickory also lends itself beautifully to basket weaving. Mimosa and other thin-barked trees are perfect for whole-weaving, while thicker barks can be split and shaved to suit finer projects. Bark brings a natural, rustic texture that adds both visual interest and durability to woven creations.

Some materials are better suited for decorative, sculptural baskets, while others are perfect for sturdy, everyday items. For baskets that need to remain stable under daily use, materials like rattan and bamboo are excellent choices due to their strength and durability.

If your goal is to create intricate, artistic designs, you may be inclined to use the flexibility of willow or rattan, which allows for more detailed and curved patterns.

The texture and natural color of materials like bark or rattan can add a unique, organic look to your basket while also helping to improve its functionality and longevity.

What Can Hand Woven Baskets Hold?

The versatile design of hand-woven baskets means they can hold anything from everyday essentials to seasonal items while adding a touch of rustic or bohemian charm to your space.

1. Decorative storage

Hand-woven baskets are perfect for grouping and storing decorative items such as candles, small plants, or decorative stones. By neatly arranging decorative items in baskets, you can keep your space tidy while creating a stylish focal point.

2. Textile organization

Baskets are a practical storage solution for linens such as towels, blankets or pillows. Their breathable material keeps fabrics fresh, while their natural look adds warmth to any room. A set of matching baskets can be used to store guest towels in the bathroom or seasonal bedding in the bedroom, ensuring that everything is neatly tucked away but easily accessible.

3. Children's toy storage

Hand-woven baskets are an elegant way to organize toys in a playroom or children's bedroom. Their sturdy construction can hold a variety of items, including stuffed animals, books, and blocks, while helping to keep the space neat and organized.

4. Kitchen and pantry organization

These baskets also work well in the kitchen for storing fruit, bread, or snacks. They feature an open structure for easy access to kitchen staples while adding a natural element to your cooking space. They're a sustainable alternative to plastic containers, and their beauty makes them suitable for countertop displays.

5. Home Office Essentials

For a home office, hand-woven baskets can store supplies like pens, pape,r and office tools. A set of baskets can help organize clutter while providing a visual alternative to metal or plastic organizers. The warmth of natural materials creates a soothing environment and makes the space feel welcoming and efficient.

6. Laundry Room

Hand-woven baskets are perfect for storing clothes, whether you're organizing dirty laundry or neatly storing laundry products like detergent and fabric softener. The breathable material helps keep clothes fresh, and their sturdy construction makes them perfect for regular use in the laundry room. Larger baskets can be used to store seasonal linens or items that need to be folded or ironed.

7. Seasonal and Holiday Decorations

Store your seasonal and holiday decorations in hand-woven baskets to keep items organized and easily accessible. Whether you're storing Halloween decorations, Christmas lights, or extra wrapping paper, these baskets are a stylish and practical solution. They are perfect for grouping decorations that are only used a few times a year, ensuring they are protected and easily accessible.

Conclusion

Congratulations - you've just made your own hanging basket! Whether you use it to store kitchen essentials or as a plant stand, this small basket is both practical and stylish. Now you have a handmade piece of jewelry to show off or give to a loved one. Or you can just buy handmade storage baskets at Ownkoti. These storage baskets are more beautiful than ordinary baskets with beautiful woven patterns, whether you want to store things or decorate them, you will love them!

Read more: