Pine Needle Basket Weaving--Making Baskets From Needles

Pine needle basket weaving is a centuries-old craft. It is inexpensive, uses natural materials, and can be utilized to make unique-looking baskets.

My mother learned the craft of pine needle basket weaving and made a number of pine needle baskets and I was captivated them. I hoped to make my own one day.

Recently, I decided that I would try my hand at pine needle basket making and attempt my first basket. I've chronicled my efforts here so that others who are interested in trying to make their own pine needle baskets can follow along and see the process.

Gathering Pine Needles for Basket Making

If they are available, gather needles from Ponderosa Pine or, if you are fortunate to live in the States, from Long Needle Pine trees. Needles are anywhere from 6"-15," depending on the kind you use. And at this impressive length, they are perfect for basket making.

If you don't have access to longer pine needles, you may can use shorter needles, depending on what is available in your local area. Some trees offer pine needles 4-6" in length.

Gather your needles in the fall or in the early spring, as they become available. You'll should gather needles in undisturbed areas, so that these aren't broken from having been walked on.

Preparing Your Pine Needles for Basket Weaving

Soak your needles in a pail of hot, soapy water. If you choose to do so, you may add some bleach to kill any black spots or mold. Bleach also helps to lighten needles. Let your needles sit. Rinse well and then drain. Add more water and stir gently to dislodge any remaining dirt. Spread needles out to dry on a tea towel. Store your needles until you are ready to start on a basket.

• Some basket makers sort their needles ahead of time, discarding thin or broken needles

• You can tie them in bundles or store them in a flat, rectangular container.

Softening Your Pine Needles

When you are ready to start on a basket, gather 2-3 handfuls of pine needles and place them in a pail. Pour hot water over them. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes. This is necessary so that needles soften and will bend (instead of breaking) when you coil and sew them.

The needles have a knob (fascicle) on the end and you can remove it or leave it on, depending on your preference. (I leave it on and have it on the inside of the basket wall. I find the knob helps when sewing, to hold the needles in place.

You will have to decide what type of thread or raffia you will use and whether you want to go with natural or colored. I decided to use light green mercerized crochet cotton because it is stiff and sturdy and I thought the color was in tune with the pine needles.

Your needle should have a good-sized eye for easy threading. And of course you'll need scissors.

• There are different methods you can use to form your basket bottom and sides and instructional guides (pictured below) include instructions on how to do this so that your basket is sturdy.
• You will also have to decide on a stitch pattern, or, as I've done with this basket, use a number of stitch patterns to get a feel for things. It doesn't hurt to experiment so that you pick a stitch to your liking. Instructional books offer step-by-step instructions, which makes the whole process much easier.
• It's a good idea to have at least one of these books for future reference because once you've made one basket with pine needles, you will likely want to create another and you may want to experiment with the stitches because these form interesting-looking patterns on the outside of your basket. A distinctive stitch pattern can improve the look of your basket because as you weave in your pine needles the stitches form into a spiral.

Your first pine needle basket is basically a hands-on trial run, a learning curve that allows you to develop a feel for basket weaving by actually doing it.

Experiment with different stitches and different widths of gathered needles and try either cotton thread or raffia to stitch your basket together.

• Your needles won't go moldy if you leave them in water for a couple of days.

• Each time you plan on weaving in needles, soak them first so they are pliable.

• If you knot your thread (instead of carrying it along and weaving it in), make sure the knots are tied on the inside of the basket.

• Sew into the row underneath your current row. My basket side was slightly crooked (as can be seen from the pictures) and somewhat wobbly.
• When I created the basket lid, I sewed my thread into the row underneath and it looked much nicer and was more sturdy.

• Beads can be easily added when making pine needle baskets. Work until you reach the part on your basket where you want beads to appear. Simply slip a bead over your needle and work a small stitch to secure it in place. Continue adding beads as desired.

Now, while I added beads to the basket as I went, I stitched beaded hearts later onto the finished lid. I found it difficult to get my beaded hearts even so I plan on sewing on a darker thread to outline the hearts.

• Feathers could also be added for a Native American style basket.

• Acorns or small pine cones make cute lid "handles."

I've included pictures of my first attempt at making a pine needle basket so that others can see the results that can be achieved.

I hope you've enjoyed this sojourn into the world of pine needle basket weaving and, if this is something that interests you, hopefully you will now be inspired to make your own pine needle baskets.

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