Willow basketry: zig zag basket

What is the course about?

Willow is a sustainable and natural material that has been used in traditional British basketry for centuries. In this course we will focus on learning and practising the zig zag weave in basketry, a randing technique which adds modern interest to traditional basketry. After making some samples and growing confident in the technique we will apply this to a stake and strand basket with a round base and handle.

What will we cover?

- Selecting and preparing willow for weaving
- Making a traditional round base using the underfoot method.
- Developing different weaving techniques including pairing, 3 and 4 rod wale and the zig zag rand.
- Practising styles of border and handles, dependent on experience.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Be confident with adding the zig zag weave to basketry.
- Select appropriate material, understanding the factors needed in the willow for different elements of the basket
- Identify the use of different basketry tools for willow safely
- Create samples when practising the weave
- Complete a round basket with the zig zag weave

Advanced students will be able to:
- Practice and be guided in different styles of border and handles when making their baskets
- Work on independently directed basketry projects incorporating the zig zag weave.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course welcomes beginners and students with previous basketry experience who would like to practise and refine their skills.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

PLEASE NOTE: Willow basketry involves some physical strength and manual dexterity so should you have any concerns, then please do contact visual arts for advice before committing yourself.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This is a practical course. You will be taught by demonstration, individual and group tuition. There will be examples
and course handouts to support your learning on this course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. Please bring a book for note-taking. If you have your own basketry tools, please ensure they are clearly labelled as yours. If you have one, a camera might be useful for recording your progress on the course.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit runs a selection of Basketry courses for beginners through to experienced learners.
Please browse the City Lit website for upcoming dates.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday
to Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 then 16:00 -18:00.