Basket Weaving for Kids
Basket weaving can be a super fun way for a mom to spend time with her children, or even for a teacher to engage her younger students in a fun activity. Although it may seem like a daunting task, with the right preparation and enthusiasm, it can be a very easy and enjoyable pastime. The whole process for a basket roughly 4" by 6" in size shouldn't take any longer than an hour and a half. The most commonly used material for basket weaving with kids is flat reed, which can be purchased online or from any home improvement store.
Before you start working with the reeds, they should be soaked in a washtub filled with water for at least twenty minutes. Lay the soaked reeds in a basic perpendicular plait, based on how big you want the base of your basket to be and adjusting the length accordingly. Then start weaving by bending the reeds along the edges of your base, and intertwining more reeds into those that you've just raised. Again, the height of your basket is your choice, and should be adjusted accordingly; make sure along the way that there are no gaps in between adjacent reeds. Once you reach the desired height, you can cut your reeds about two inches above the point at which you stopped weaving.
Lastly, to finish off the top of your basket, you must curve the extra reed over the rim and tuck it into a previously weaved reed. To ensure that the rim remains tucked in, use clothes pins to secure the reeds over the rim, and leave the pins there for a few hours or so. Handles may also be added to the baskets using the same tucking-in method. Congratulations, you've successfully weaved a basket!
