Exploring Side-Weave Patterns in Willow

Rands! Slews! Zig Zags! In this three day class intensive, advanced beginner to intermediate level willow weavers have a chance to explore and learn as many side weave patterns as they dare. From a simple English rand to a double Irish wale/open weave and anything in between is fair game. Having a variety of side weave patterns to choose from can greatly diversify and enhance what you can weave from a simple round basket. Because the focus of this class is side weaves, students will have the option to start with pre-made round bases and prepared stakes, but making a basket from the start with minimal instruction is also encouraged. We will also refine our border-laying knowledge to finish the baskets. Willow is a stronger more tension-y material than many other basketry materials, strong hands are recommended for this course. Care and use of finished pieces will be discussed in class.

Skills and Techniques:

• A review of the baskets weaving process in willow stake and strand
• Learning a plethora of “side weaves” – weaving patterns used to build up the sides of a basket after the upset wale and before the top wale
• Learning what weaves should/could be used in what context, e.g. to use up cut-offs, to create movement in the piece, to create a make to measure piece, etc.
• Learning the use of willow weaving specific tools:
• Bodkin
• Rapping Iron
• Fid
• Shaping ties and hoops
• Clippers in a willow context

Materials Fee: $50 – $100 paid directly to the instructor.

Special Tools or Equipment to bring: Instructor will bring all tools required. Students may bring these tools if they already have: bodkin, high-quality sharp pruners (Felco or similar), rapping iron, fid, conditioning tool (I call it the “Very Important Tool”, a perfect cylinder with no seams, appx 3” in diameter, usually a reusable water bottle/thermos or spray can), 2-4lb weights

Workshop Policies: Please be sure to read our 2026 policies before you register for a workshop https://www.sanbornmills.org/workshop-policies/