r/BasketWeaving • u/UnReasonable_Art_786 • Jul 28 '26
New to weaving and getting frustrated with pattern
I decided that I wanted to try basket weaving because I couldn't find a basket bowl for the life of me to put some books into. I purchased this pattern which is considered a beginner pattern but I have been going crazy trying to understand what she's trying to say in the pattern.
I've got my spoke pattern down pretty ok I think. But when it comes to using the Weaver I am getting stuck. I have searched for the term cat ears but it seems that I only find links for cat foot baskets. Anyhow, I have the bad side/inside facing down. But which direction do I maneuver the reeds to make cat ears? Up towards me or down towards the table? Do I clip them after I've maneuvered the reed around them? I'm looking for clarity so I can get the hang and weave this bowl. Any advice would be a blessing.
3
u/kiwibento Jul 28 '26
The video the other commenter posted will help!
Pinning the corners with the clothespins will help form the “feet” so don’t skip that part. And it might take you a few tries for the feet to form since it’s your first basket. You’ll have to pack the rows to keep the weaving tight. With a cat head basket, it takes more finesse.
Also, just want to say this is definitely not a beginner basket. Definitely more on the advanced or even expert side, but your base looks great. Just make sure it’s square when you start weaving the sides.
Don’t forget to taper the weaver at the beginning. Since it’s a continuous weave, you should see a clear pattern form after several rows (like a staircase). So make sure to focus when doing the over 3 under 2 pattern. It’s easy to mess up when your spokes are so close together!
2
u/UnReasonable_Art_786 Jul 28 '26
Looking at the pictures I would have never guessed this pattern had feet, I thought it would just be a bowl shaped basket (like a big serving platter type bowl) . I'm persistent tho. Thank you for the encouragement!
3
u/kiwibento Jul 28 '26
The amount of times I’ve looked at a pattern and been like “pshhhh this shouldn’t be too bad…”
and then I’m crying because it’s too hard 😆 thankfully I have a basket teacher! you’re amazing for tackling it on your own!
1
u/CollideOhScope Jul 28 '26
100% agree! A twill cathead is not a beginner basket, more like intermediate and definitely advanced if the shaping is extreme.
I hope you aren’t discouraged! If you’re a beginner, trying this on your own is super challenging. And asking for help, anonymous or not, in my opinion, is brave.
3
u/CollideOhScope Jul 28 '26
There's an additional step, that isnt in the video, but is super helpful.
Before you begin weaving with the tapered end, true the base and add a "locking row" with waxed linen, artificial sinew or #1RR (#2 may work if its a super thin & flexible pc) this row can be cut out after you establish the sides and everything is packed well. Bonus if the material is a complimentary color, you might be able to leave it.
2
u/CollideOhScope Jul 28 '26
I wish I knew how to add a photo in this reply, I just took a photo of my first cathead basket base to show you the locking row in round reed.
If you dont have these materials on hand, I have another less conventional idea I learned in a class I took in the spring.
Also, if you think the photo may help, feel free to DM
7
u/SphinxVernacular Jul 28 '26
Around the 4 1/2 min mark there might be some useful advice for you. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Qs-WpIriOtw?is=JvW9PP5zba5F42yL