Fibre to Form: Basketry Coiling

Overview

Coil basketry is a satisfying but very time- consuming method of making containers. To make a basket one stitches over a ‘core’ and coils this round to make a basket. It sounds so simple! It’s a method used in parts of the world where there’s an abundance of ‘soft’, short materials such as grasses and experienced weavers can create very complex patterns with the stitching.

Programme

The techniques you will learn can be applied to a wide variety of different materials, including those that are ‘up-cycled’, so this course may interest those of you who would like to use recycled ‘stuff’.

The coiling classes begin to explore the wider range of options that are available in basketry and you can have fun experimenting with your creative ideas and also teach you practical and traditional stitching techniques.

This course complements the Living Willow sculpture module that will also be offered this academic year.

Assessments

1. Complete a vessel using coiled raffia exploring the elements of shape, texture, colour and form 80%
2. A short 500 word illustrated essay on a contemporary artist using this technique 20%

Reading Suggestions

• Deighan. H (2014) Textile Coil Posts and Baskets  Crossways
• Board. R (2002) Handmade Basket Book  New Holland
• Harding S (2018) Practical Basketry Techniques  Herbert press

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.