Yucca leaves, with their pliable and strong nature, are the material of choice for this garlic basket, but wheat or oat straw or any long grass soaked in warm water and kept damp in a towel while weaving will be suitable. The twining method for this garlic basket is one of the earliest forms of weaving. These materials work quickly into a twined basket with a braided topknot.
The garlic basket pictured measures 4 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall.
Tools
Materials
- 15 to 16 yucca leaves, approximately 28 inches long, wilted for 2 weeks
Assembly
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Step 1: Trim points and tough ends of the yucca leaves. Take eight leaves of equal length, and create a plain weave (over one, under one) in the middle of the leaves to create a square base with four spokes on each side. |
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Step 2: Fold another leaf about 10 inches from one end to create two weavers. (The ends are unequal so you will not need to splice, or layer, them in the same place.) Slip the folded end over one of the corner spokes. With the first spoke encased in the fold, twist the weavers, and then place one on top and the other on the bottom of the next spoke. Twist again and engage the next spoke in the same manner. Twist the weavers in the same direction throughout the basket.
When you get to the last 2 inches of a weaver, layer another leaf on top and weave the two as one, continuing to twist and weave the spokes. (A clothespin will hold the leaves in place while you splice or if you need to stop mid-weave.) Make rounds on the base until it’s the size you want. I did two rounds of twining, making the base 4 inches square.
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About the Author: Patricia Lehnhardt is a merchant, cook, artisan and writer in Galena, Ill., who focuses on all things natural.
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2012 issue of Hobby Farm Home.