Getting started with zero basics! BasketGem teaches you how to knit quickly and easily in 10 steps

1. Material preparation: Hold nature in your hands

. Core materials: Choose high-quality rattan that has been boiled (mainly 3-5mm in diameter, with smooth edges and no burrs), and match it with 50cm long rattan skin for edge trimming;

Tool list: scissors, tweezers (adjust the position of thin rattan), rubber hammer (knock on fixed nodes), pencil (mark weaving track), and novices can prepare a pair of cotton gloves to prevent scratches;

Pretreatment: Soak the rattan in 40℃ warm water for 30 minutes, and after the fibers are softened, take them out and dry them until the surface is slightly damp, at which time the flexibility is the best.

2. 10-step weaving method disassembly: magic from base to shape

Step1: Base positioning (laying the foundation of the structure)

Take 6 long rattans as the "warp", arrange them in parallel with a spacing of 2cm, and then take 4 short rattans as the "weft", vertically interspersed under the warp rattan, and use cotton thread to wrap 3 circles at the intersection to fix it, forming a 20cm×20cm rectangular base (similar to the starting method of weaving bamboo mats).

Step2: Tighten the warp and weft (improve load-bearing strength)

Along the edge of the base, add a warp rattan every 5cm, and use the ancient weaving method of "pick one and press one" to tighten row by row until the spacing between the base rattans is less than 1cm (test: lightly press the surface without obvious depression to pass).

Step3: Vertical wall shaping (transition from plane to three-dimensional)

Bend the warp rattan around the base upward 90 degrees, take a long rattan as the "encircling rattan", and fix it along the outer side of the warp rattan using the "spiral winding method", with each circle 0.5cm apart, and tap it with a rubber hammer to make the rattan fit (key: the encircling rattan must be perpendicular to the base to avoid skew).

Step4: Cross pattern weaving (classic pattern forming)

After the height of the vertical wall reaches 5cm, use the "cross crossing method": the warp rattan and the weft rattan cross at a 45-degree angle, and use the rattan skin to tie a knot on the back to fix each time it crosses, forming a diamond-shaped hollow pattern (beginners can practice straight winding first, and then try twill after proficiency).

Step5: Adjust the arc (shape the curve of the basket body)

When the height is 10cm, gradually tighten the distance between the warp rattans to make the basket body naturally gather inward. You can use rubber bands to temporarily fix the arc and fix it after 3 turns of weaving (this step determines the beauty of the basket and requires patience to adjust).

Step6: Strengthen the basket mouth (to prevent edge wear)

Wrap two rattan strips side by side at the basket mouth, wrap the outer layer with rattan skin to weave into a "braided edge", and use needle and thread to pass through the rattan gap every 5cm to fix it (actual measurement: the load-bearing capacity of the basket mouth after reinforcement is increased by 30%).

Step7: Handle installation (combination of practicality and beauty)

Cut two 25cm long thick rattan strips, bend them into a "U" shape, and use rattan skin to fix the two ends of the handle at 1/3 of the basket body, and wrap the joint at least 10 times (recommendation: keep the angle between the handle and the basket body at 120 degrees, which is more labor-saving when carrying).

Step8: Burr treatment (details determine texture)

Use 200-grit sandpaper to lightly grind the inside and outside of the basket, focusing on the rattan scraps at the nodes, then use a soft cloth dipped in a small amount of olive oil to wipe the surface, and polish with a dry cloth after the rattan absorbs (instantly improve the glossiness).

Step9: Insect prevention and maintenance (extend service life)

Spray the dried basket with diluted peppermint oil (10ml+500ml water) and place it in a ventilated place for 24 hours (natural insect repellent formula, safer than chemical agents).

Step10: Finished product acceptance (enjoy the sense of accomplishment of handwork)

Check whether the basket body is straight and the handle is firm. Shake it gently without looseness and it is done. Place your hand-woven rattan basket on the dining table to hold fruit, or use it as a base for a plant pot to let the natural texture become the finishing touch of your home.