Basket weaving: a craft worth rediscovering
If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be spending my free time weaving baskets, I probably would have laughed. There’s something about basket weaving that sounds, well… a bit old-fashioned. Maybe even a little bit embarrassing to admit. But here I am, absolutely hooked, and wondering why more people aren’t doing it!
My husband always jokes that since I gave up my corporate job, I’ve been busier than ever. He’s not wrong. But I’m always conscious that, at some stage, I may have to return to paid employment, so I don’t want to waste a minute of the time I have now.
I also love learning. Over the years, I’ve done countless courses and workshops—flower arranging, jewellery making, massage therapy, Italian cooking. But my latest discovery, and by far the one I’ve enjoyed the most, is basket weaving.
First, a bit of a rant
Basket weaving in the UK is a traditional craft with deep historical roots, dating back thousands of years. It was once an essential skill for making everything from fishing traps to furniture. But today, it’s a dying art.
Here’s something that might surprise you: no one, anywhere in the world, has figured out how to mass-produce willow baskets by machine. Every single one is made by hand. So when you see a willow basket for a fiver in a big retailer or online, someone - probably in a developing country - has been paid next to nothing to make it.
Meanwhile, here in the UK, we have incredibly skilled basket makers struggling to sell their beautifully handcrafted pieces because many people won’t pay what they’re actually worth. It would be wonderful to see more people supporting these artisans, choosing to buy from small producers rather than mass-market retailers.
Why I love it
Basket weaving has been in decline for decades - finding a certificated course is near impossible - but it’s experiencing a bit of a revival. I can’t speak for everyone who takes it up, but here’s why I’m loving it.
1. It quiets the mind
There’s something incredibly soothing about the slow, repetitive process of weaving. It forces you to focus, to be present, and to let everything else fade into the background. It’s a great way to unwind and just be in the moment.
2. The connection to tradition and heritage
This is an ancient skill, passed down through generations. Learning it feels like tapping into something timeless, a craft that has shaped communities for centuries. There’s something really special about keeping those traditions alive.
3. Sustainable and natural
Basket weaving is about working with nature rather than against it. You’re working with renewable resources and creating functional items without relying on plastic or mass production.
4. Practical and creative
Weaving offers the perfect mix of structure and creativity. You can master the techniques needed to make traditional, sturdy baskets, but there’s also plenty of room to experiment—different types of willow, various weaves, new shapes and patterns.
5. The sense of accomplishment
Few things are as satisfying as making something by hand, especially when it’s useful and built to last. Every time I look at a basket I’ve made, I feel that little rush of pride knowing it started as just a bundle of sticks. Admittedly, it’s closely followed by disappointment when I see how much I still need to practise to get any good.
How to learn basket weaving
If you’re curious about trying it yourself, a great place to start is the Basketmakers’ Association where you can find makers and workshops near you.
I did a workshop with the lovely Louise Brown, who actually chairs the association. She’s an incredible teacher—clear, patient, and hands-on. She makes sure you understand each step and guides you so you don’t go wrong.
Most of her courses are designed so you’ll finish a piece in just one day, with prices starting at around £85. And it’s worth noting—before you even arrive, Louise will have bought, soaked, and mellowed all your willow, so she’s been working long before the class even begins!
You can check out her courses here: louisebrownbasketmaker.co.uk
If you’ve ever thought about learning a traditional craft, I can’t recommend basket weaving enough. It’s mindful, creative, and deeply satisfying. And who knows? You might just find yourself hooked, like I did.
Grounded | A space for slowing down and embracing life’s simple pleasures | Katie Shapland