Pine Needle Baskets

Pine needle basket making is a centuries old craft. My mother made pine needle baskets and I was captivated by their uniqueness.

I decided that I would try my hand at making a pine needle basket. I've chronicled my efforts here so that others can see the process.

Pine Needles for Baskets

You 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.

Gather your needles in the fall, after the trees have shed them, or in the early spring, as they become available.

Preparing your Pine Needles

It's a good idea to soak your needles in a pail of hot, soapy water. Add some bleach to kill any black spots or mold. Bleach also helps to lighten needles. Let sit. Rinse well and then drain. Spread needles out to dry on a tea towel. Store your needles until you are ready to start on a basket.

• You may choose to sort through your needles ahead of time, selecting those that aren't broken.

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

When you are ready to start on a pine needle basket, gather a handful or two of 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 your needles will bend (over 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.

How to Make Pine Needle Baskets

• There are different methods to form your basket bottom and sides and I've included links to different sites below that explain how to do this. Your first basket will be your learning curve.

• 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 the feel of things.

What I've Learned Through Doing:

• Your needles won't go moldy if you leave them in water for a week or two.
• Don't just sew into the stitch below. I tried this and this first basket is too wobbly
• As I show, in this basket lid, by sewing through the needles below your row, you obtain a nicer looking stitch and your basket is much sturdier.

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 making and, if this is something that interests you, hopefully you will now be inspired to make pine needle baskets.

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