Member-only story

How to Make a Birch Bark Basket: A Step-by-Step Guide

Patrick Hayes

·19.2k Followers· Follow

Published in HOW TO MAKE BIRCH BARK BASKET: Definite Steps And Guide On How To Make Birch Bark Basket For Beginners

5 min read

1k View Claps

61 Respond

Save

Listen

Birch bark baskets are beautiful and functional pieces that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are relatively easy to make, and the process can be very rewarding. In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make a birch bark basket. We will also provide pictures to help you visualize each step.

HOW TO MAKE BIRCH BARK BASKET: Definite Steps And Guide On How To Make Birch Bark Basket For Beginners

by Abbie H. Brown

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	372 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	8 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Materials

To make a birch bark basket, you will need the following materials:

* Birch bark * Scissors * Awl or needle * Thread * Ruler or measuring tape * Pencil or pen

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Harvest the Birch Bark

The first step is to harvest the birch bark. Birch bark can be harvested from birch trees that are at least 10 years old. To harvest the bark, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut around the circumference of the tree. Then, carefully peel the bark away from the tree.

Step 2: Prepare the Birch Bark

Once you have harvested the birch bark, you need to prepare it for weaving. To do this, you will need to remove the outer layer of bark. This layer is called the "rhytidome" and it is the rough, outer layer of the bark. Use a sharp knife to carefully peel away the rhytidome.

Once you have removed the rhytidome, you will need to flatten the birch bark. To do this, place the bark between two pieces of wood and weigh it down with something heavy. Leave the bark to flatten for several days.

Step 3: Weave the Birch Bark

Now you are ready to weave the birch bark. To do this, you will need to cut the bark into strips. The strips should be about 1/2 inch wide and 12 inches long.

Once you have cut the strips, you can start weaving. To do this, take two strips of bark and cross them over each other. Then, take another two strips of bark and cross them over the first two strips. Continue weaving in this manner until you have created a square or rectangle.

Step 4: Finish the Basket

Once you have woven the birch bark, you need to finish the basket. To do this, you will need to fold the edges of the basket over and sew them together. You can also add a handle to the basket by weaving a strip of bark through the top of the basket.

Congratulations! You have now made a birch bark basket. We hope you enjoy using it for many years to come.

Tips

Here are a few tips for making a birch bark basket:

* Use fresh birch bark. Fresh bark is more pliable and easier to work with. * Be patient. Weaving a birch bark basket can take some time. * Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they are first learning how to weave. * Have fun! Making a birch bark basket is a rewarding experience.