The inner bark of trees, also known as bast, has been used for millenia by people worldwide for textiles, cordage, and basketry, and is one of the earliest and most important human technologies. Many types of inner bark are flexible and strong enough to use for basketry. In this class, students will weave a small, finely woven basket using both plaiting and twining techniques. We’ll spend time discussing what tree species can be used in both the North Woods as well as in more southerly latitudes, their various properties, when and how to harvest, and how to prepare them into weaving material. Our primary focus will be basswood bark–its name deriving from “bast-wood.” Basswood is an excellent basket material and has been used for weaving and ropemaking across great swathes of the northern hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and North America, from the neolithic age until modern times. During class we’ll take time to discuss the archeological, historical, and present cultural use of bast fiber in basketmaking.

Additionally, students will learn about various approaches to retting the bark and will have the opportunity to add cordage embellishment to their baskets.

This class is open to both beginner and experienced weavers, with opportunities for students to challenge themselves with increasingly difficult techniques as the class progresses. Due to limited class time, most of the bark will be prepared for students prior to the class.

Required Tools

• All tools and materials will be provided by the instructor.

Optional Tools

• Scissors
• Needle nose pliers
• Snap off utility knife
• Spray bottle