Things to do · Arts and crafts
Weave a willow basket
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
A bundle of soaked willow rods becomes a usable bread or fruit basket in two evenings, using techniques called upsett, wale and a trac border. Some beginners' classes provide the willow, and others teach you how to sort and soak it yourself.
Moderate£100 to £500 / $130 to $650An afternoonIndoorsWith othersUK and US
Someone who has done it
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What it's really like
A first basket follows a set order. City Lit's beginners pair a base, insert the stakes, then work the upsett and wale, weave the sides and finish with a simple border, ending up with a small basket for bread or fruit.
Willow has to be prepared before you weave it. The John C. Campbell Folk School's week covers growing, harvesting, sorting and soaking willow as well as weaving, and one UK course asks students to buy and prepare their own willow after guidance.
It takes some strength in the hands. City Lit notes that willow basketry needs some physical strength. Easton College asks students on its five-week course to buy secateurs and a small shop knife.
Ways in and what they cost
| Where | Course/format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| City Lit, London | Make a willow basket in two evenings: two three-hour sessions; materials provided; all levels | £129 (same for full, senior and concession) |
| Easton College, Norwich | Willow Basketry: five Tuesday evenings; a tension tray, a berry basket, a plant support and a basket base and an asymmetric hand basket | Fee to be confirmed |
| John C. Campbell Folk School, North Carolina | Stake & Strand Willow Baskets: a week; two or three baskets depending on skill; all levels | $870 tuition, plus $200 materials |
City Lit's last listed dates were in 2025, so check for new runs. The Basketmakers' Association lists workshops run by its members around the UK, though its listings do not always show level or price.
How to start
- Look for a beginners' willow basketry class at an adult education college, a craft school or through the Basketmakers' Association's listings.
- Check whether the willow is included or whether you must buy and soak your own, and what tools the class asks for.
- Expect some hand and arm work; City Lit advises contacting its Visual Arts department first if you have concerns about the strength needed.
Where to go
- The Basketmakers' Association: what's on (workshops by members) UK
- City Lit: Make a willow basket in two evenings (London) UK
- John C. Campbell Folk School: Stake & Strand Willow Baskets (North Carolina) US
We opened these links on 7 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Projects run over months and stall without a rhythm, so the plan sets milestones you can see.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to make a willow basket?
A small one can be done on a beginners' class. City Lit's course makes a bread or fruit basket in two three-hour evenings.
Do I need to soak willow before weaving?
Willow is soaked to prepare it for weaving. The John C. Campbell Folk School's willow class teaches sorting and soaking alongside weaving.
What tools do I need for willow basket making?
Classes usually provide what you need on the day. Easton College asks students to buy secateurs and a small shop knife for its course.
Is willow basket weaving hard on the hands?
It needs some strength. City Lit says so in its course notes and suggests contacting the department first if you are concerned.
Where this comes from: City Lit, Make a willow basket in two evenings; Easton College, Willow Basketry; John C. Campbell Folk School, Stake & Strand Willow Baskets; National Basketry Organization, Sandra Kehoe: Stake and Strand Willow Baskets; The Basketmakers' Association, What's on; The Basketmakers' Association, Beginners' Basketmaking Course January 2023. Opened 7 November 2026.
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