Best Willow Basket weaving books

Here at Joy Farms, we currently offer workshops to make 3 different types of baskets using willow & a few willow sculpture workshops. We offer a “Berry Basket”, a “Frame Basket” and an “Asymmetric Basket” making workshop experiences. For those that have been on a workshop and want a refresher on techniques. Here are a few books our teacher Ellie recommends to students.

Complete Book Of Basketry Techniques by Sue Gabriel and Sally Goymer

Our teacher Ellie swears by this book. It includes step-by-step illustrations & how-tos from bases, staking up, weaving a base, French Oval, Engligh oval. Certain weaves - from Shaping, pairing, waling, slewing, randing, packing fitching and trimming ends. How to do borders including Trac, rod, plait and twisted rope borders. Handles including rope, twisted and wrapped.
It may be old, but we think it’s one of the best books on traditional basketry and basket-making techniques, a great for beginners and an essential reference manual for more experienced basket makers. Widely recognised as the 'go-to' resource for traditional basketry techniques. It is recommended by the Basketry Association and by basketry tutors across the world. Written by world-leading basket making experts Sally Goymer and Sue Gabriel. In addition to illustrated step by step techniques, the book includes an inventory of materials and specialist tools, design possibilities and practical advice. The book mainly covers willow, but the can be applied to other materials.

Search for second hand copies (as out of print) Link to Google search results of this book’s availability

Willow By Jenny Crisp

An inspiring book - stunning photos that you will want to make from waste paper bin to tray. The Book includes 20 exciting projects to tackle and create & a guide to growing and harvesting. "Jenny hopes the information and advice included in this book, along with the range of products chosen, will enable you to share the essence of making an object from a natural material, and that you will have the opportunity to experience the fulfilment that growing willow and basket making can bring.

Available new and used - here is a link to Google Results

Complete Book of Baskets and BasketryBy Dorothy Wright

By Dorothy Wright

"The Complete Book of Baskets and Basketry" . It explores the history and various regional and national styles and materials, and provides detailed advice and instruction on design, materials, techniques and care and repair. Dorothy Wright is an expert and she provides instructions for a number of items made from materials ranging from willow and cane to straw and grasses, using methods such as stake-and-strand, coiling, plaiting and twining. For those who want to read further, would appeal to professionals as well as the beginner basketmaker.

Available on other sites, but here is a link to one on Amazon

See our upcoming basket weaving courses

Rib baskets - Jean turner Finley 

Rib Baskets book

Step-by-step instructions for making 14 different types of willow rib baskets with suggestions for variations. For both beginner and experienced basketmakers. 231 images and 107 diagrams. A how-to guide with general techniques and tips for willow weaving. Includes basketry tools, materials, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Search for available stockist - here is one on Abe Books

Basket Making by Olivia Elton Barratt

Basketmaking by Olivia Elton Barratt

Functional, decorative, and in a range of styles, there's nothing quite like a basket -- and you can make your own, using this guide to materials, tools, and techniques. Whether you're interested in something simple, like a rush box in a diagonal weave, or an intricate spiraling cane bowl, there's a project to suit your skills and design sense. Choose from an egg basket in colored willow; a rustic tray; a rush boater, a brown-and-white dog basket, and other great designs.
Available on many sites - here is a link to one on Amazon

A Basketful: Willow Growing and Basket Making by Rodney Cousins

2007 book of willow growing and basket making.

Includes methods of growing and harvesting Willow. Includes illustrations depicting baskets being manufactured, the designs created and the buildings of the businesses that manufactured and sold the products.

Want to try making your own basket using willow on our farm in the Surrey Hills? See our upcoming basket weaving courses.

6 examples of berry baskets made by beginner students at a Joy Farms basket making workshop

Finally, a completely different type of basket weaving

Willow sculpture weaving

Did you know it’s not just baskets that are made out of willow. At Joy Farms we offer a number of willow sculpture weaving workshops. Make organic shapes with a more freestyle approach to weaving.

The sculpture process involves weaving pliable willow into forms to create a contemporary twist on timeless basketry techniques. Students create beautiful nature-inspired sculptures made from English-grown rods of willow to make 4ft hare or deers out of willow.

See our upcoming workshops and photos of examples.