Crafts from willow twigs with your own hands. Weaving baskets from newspaper tubes: master classes by experienced craftswomen

Weaving from a vine is probably the oldest of the crafts. It appeared even before pottery and related, to a greater extent, to the everyday needs of a person. Houses, outbuildings, fences, cradles and toys for children, cart and sleigh bodies, boxes and kitchen utensils were built from tree branches. But the ideal material from which to weave a basket was willow twigs. They are very flexible and great for this kind of creativity.

History of the craft

Willow weaving in Russia was commonplace. There was no peasant who could weave baskets. There were also masters - basket makers who were professionally engaged in weaving. They wove a wide variety of products: round and oval, rectangular and conical, with complex - simple weaving, large and small. In those days, baskets were simply indispensable. Women in them wore linen to rinse on the river, took food on the road, harvested, went for mushrooms and berries.

In the modern world, wicker baskets are also popular. It is difficult to imagine a mushroom picker without a basket. Weeping willow branches contain tannins, thanks to which the mushrooms do not deteriorate longer, and the gaps between the rods help to ventilate the air.

If you have even the slightest idea and a little skill, then easy to learn to weave from willow. For beginners, step-by-step study and independent repetition of all stages of weaving products will bring a lot of positive emotions.

The choice of materials for weaving

The main advantage of basket weaving is the availability of consumables. Willow is a common unpretentious tree found in many regions of Russia. Usually craftsmen prepare raw materials on their own. Some grow willow in their backyard. And in single stores you can even buy materials ready for weaving.

Willow twigs growing on sandy and loamy soil are best suited for weaving. Shoots are cut with a pruner or a sharp knife, choosing the longest ones without branches. Cut at a slight angle, while leaving a few buds so as not to harm the plant.

Shoots with a wide and loose core are not suitable for weaving, it should be small in size. Usually young shoots are used.

To check whether the plant is suitable for work, it is necessary to cut the branch and bend it 180 degrees in the butt - if it cracked, it does not fit (it means it will break during weaving), if not, then you can safely proceed to further processing.

Season for harvesting and processing rods

Willow weaving rods are harvested all year round, but preferably in early spring and late autumn. The bark of spring shoots is removed very easily without additional processing. Rods harvested in another season need to be soaked or evaporated.

For soaking, the shoots are lowered into running waters - a river or stream, having previously secured it to the shore with a rope so that it does not carry away with the current. It is possible in a trough or a barrel, but in this case a daily change of water is required. Tied bundles with shoots are immersed to the bottom, and a load is placed on top (stone or any other heavy object, except iron) and leave for 1-2 weeks.

To reduce processing times from weeks to hours instead of soaking rods are evaporated in any of two ways:

The shoots are placed in a tank, rolled around the perimeter, filled with water and put on fire. After boiling, cook for 1-2 hours. Then they are taken out, allowed to cool and proceed to the removal of the bark.
The vine is no longer poured with cold water, but with boiling water, brought to a boil and boiled for 20-30 minutes. Take out, cool and remove the bark.

It is better to clean the rods raw, starting from the butt (root part). During cleaning, so that the material does not dry out, it is better to leave it in water and take it out in small bunches. After the willow is debarked, in order to finish the job, it must be laid out in the sun until it dries completely. For ease of use, the rods are sorted out and folded into bundles of the same size.

Barked rods are divided into two types - harvested in the spring and obtained by digestion. Boiled during operation, they acquire a bright glossy appearance, are easy to clean, getting better each time. Not boiled, on the contrary, darken over time, acquiring a nondescript look.

Weaving tools

Making a basket from willow is more difficult than from newspaper tubes, but the principle of operation is the same. Natural material is more brittle and less malleable. It is not so difficult to weave willow for beginners. By repeating all the steps step by step and assembling a set of tools, you can achieve good results. The work will need:

secateurs;
sharp knife;
large scissors;
dishes for soaking or boiling rods;
pliers;
clothespins;
tweezers;
Ruler and pencil;
drill;
jigsaw;
stain and water-based varnish;
brushes.

These tools are useful not only in the manufacture of baskets, but also more massive products - such as a rocking chair, table, flowerpot, hedge, and so on.

Basket making method

To understand how to weave a willow basket for beginners, you first need to delve into and study the lessons, patterns and techniques for making them. After the preparation of tools and materials, when the rods are soaked or evaporated, debarked and dried, the most interesting stage begins - weaving. First of all, weave the bottom, then the sides, and lastly, the handle.

bottom formation

For the correct weaving of the bottom with your own hands, it is necessary to prepare 8 twigs (knitting needles) of medium thickness (Fig. 1). They are divided in half - four are left untouched, and in the other four a gap is made in the middle of each (Fig. 2). Then rods are inserted into the slots in the form of a cross (Fig. 3). Further, two more thin rods are inserted into the same slots and the base is wrapped around in two rows (Fig. 4 and 5). Then the knitting needles are spread apart and wrapped around each individually (Fig. 6).

Each time the rod comes to an end, it must be increased by others. It is not necessary to increase both rods at once, it is better to do it one at a time. To do this, the end of the rod is sharpened and inserted into the hole between the last two rows, it is bent and weaving continues, and the end of the old rod is cut off.

Weaving continues with two more rows (Fig. 7). This is where the twisted weaving method ends and continues with the usual one - bypassing the knitting needle inside and out (Fig. 8). In this case, an odd number of knitting needles is needed; for this, an additional rod must be inserted into the weaving.

Wall manufacturing

Having reached the desired diameter of the bottom, you finish the first stage, the next one comes - the transition to the walls. To do this, you will need willow shoots of medium diameter, which are called racks. Each of them must be pointed at the end and inserted between the knitting needles (Fig. 9). Old rods are cut with a knife at the base. Now they take one rack and wind it up behind the other two, after which they bend it up (Fig. 10). Do the same with all the other racks (Fig. 11). Racks are braided in several rows with a twist, then in the usual way (Fig. 12 and 13).

When the height of the basket has reached the desired size, you need to take one rack and bend it down, placing it behind the other two (Fig. 14). The same must be done with the following racks, removing the ends inward and sticking outward (Fig. 15). Then the protruding ends are cut with scissors at the base (Fig. 16).

Handle weaving

The last step remains - to make a pen. This will require thick shoot of willow which is cut to size. The ends are pointed and stuck into opposite sides of the product (Fig. 17 and 18). Next, they take 4–5 rods and stick them into the weave at the end of the handle (Fig. 19). They are braided several times and threaded into weaving from the other end. Then they take a few more shoots and do the same (Fig. 20 and 21). Another rod is stuck nearby and braided around the handle at the base, tightening it with a knot (Fig. 22 and 23). The end is cut with a knife (Fig. 24). The basket is ready!

Over time, you can learn to braid pigtails and ropes in two or three rows with more complex weaving, for example, openwork. Sometimes, for the convenience of making wickerwork, wooden templates are made in a round or square shape, which greatly facilitate the work.

Willow baskets are ideal for picking and storing mushrooms and berries, fruits and vegetables, and other household items. In addition to a wonderful addition to the interior, willow baskets can be used as an additional source of income. If you want to have such a basket in your home, but you have never done basket weaving before, read this master class on weaving large or small baskets from natural willow, which is just right for beginners.

First we need to learn some words that are used in weaving. First, the rods that radiate from the center of the bottom of the basket are called spokes. Further, when you bend these rods up to start weaving the walls, they are called racks. Actually, only these two terms should be known in order to understand what is being said in our master class.

Weaving a willow basket with a description for beginners

Collection and preparation

Willow twigs can be found in the countryside, but if it is not possible to visit a village or village, you can order wicker through special online stores. If you still decide to collect willow branches yourself, then you need to know a few secrets so as not to be mistaken. First, the willow branch must bend 90° without breaking. Secondly, the best willow branches most often have red or orange bark.

After we have collected the rods, we need to dry them thoroughly. If this is not done, the basket will lose its shape very quickly. Before weaving, soak the willow branches well, this contributes to greater flexibility, which is undoubtedly a huge plus when weaving baskets and other gizmos from willow branches.

To create baskets from willow branches, we need:

Secateurs
Ready-made willow branches

As you can see, there are very few materials, and besides, they can be found in almost any home.

In our master class, the classic technology of weaving willow baskets will be used. Almost all masters weave using this technology, sometimes adding their own elements that do not differ much from the data.

First we will learn how to weave the bottom of the basket. To do this, we need eight rods, in four of which we make holes. Insert the other four twigs into these holes.

Now we need to select the two thinnest willow twigs to start weaving the bottom. We insert their ends into the slots of the slot so that one rod is on top of the four rods of the cross, and the second is on the bottom.

Next, with two thin rods, we begin to braid four knitting needles. Weave so that they change places, i.e. the twig that was originally on top, after braiding the second four of the knitting needles, will be on the bottom. And the one that was below, therefore, will be on top. We continue to weave two rows.

Now we braid with the same thin rods on one spoke, bending them evenly to make it look like a wheel. We continue to weave.

If you notice that your thin twigs are running out, they will need to be increased. In order to grow a rod, you need to take another, equally thin one, sharpen the end and stick it between the twigs of the last two rows. Then carefully cut the old rod and continue weaving. We advise you not to build up two rods at once, it is better to build up the first one first, and after a row of weaving - the second one.

After weaving a few more rows, we move on to a simple weaving method, i.e. you just go around the outside and inside the spokes with a twig. But in order to start weaving like this, we need to add one more knitting needle. There is nothing complicated about this, just place it between the twigs of the last two rows with an awl or a thick nail. Continue weaving in this way until you get the desired bottom size.

If the bottom suddenly becomes concave, do not be alarmed, this is even good, as it will give the basket stability. To get a concave bottom, just press on the knitting needles while weaving.

Now we begin to weave the walls of the basket. We take 17 willow shoots and insert them into weaving along each knitting needle. Please note that it is best to insert so that the concave side of the branch looks down.

Carefully cut off the ends of the old twigs and take a new rack. We bend it to the left, then down under two adjacent twigs. Then turn it up. We do the same with the subsequent rods.

Just twist the last two rods around the first racks and tie the racks from above so that it is more convenient to weave and the bars do not fall out.

Now we take three more rods and put them along three adjacent racks.

We bend the leftmost rod to the right in front of two racks and behind one third, then we return forward again. We do the same with the other two twigs. We weave two rows like this, now our racks are firmly fixed and will not fall apart if we untie them.

Next, we weave the walls of the basket. First, you need to add one thin twig to each rack. We put the rod behind the counter, then we pass it forward, hold it behind the third counter and again bring it forward. Now you need to add the next rod and do the same steps. Add rods until you braid the entire basket. Please note that at this stage it is necessary to weave to the left side.

The ancient art of wicker weaving has become fashionable in this age of plastic and metal, although there is an alternative to natural material - artificial rattan. Things twisted from natural shoots evoke positive emotions in people. A person, engaged in weaving from willow twigs, maintains a connection with nature, retains knowledge about a useful craft. Making wicker products from a vine with your own hands is both an exciting hobby and a good material help.

Weaving includes several stages. The first point of the step-by-step instructions for weaving from a vine for beginners is the collection and processing of raw materials.

Weave products from any flexible branches. Grapes, turf, bird cherry stalks are suitable for work. However, out of competition - young willow twigs, strong and elastic. Before the inhabitant of the middle lane, the problem of where to get the vine is not worth it. Her bushes grow near large and small reservoirs. All species are suitable for production, except for brittle willow and other fragile varieties. Three patterns are best for weaving , widespread in Russia, Belarus and other countries of the former Soviet Union:

In nature, there are at least 160 varieties of willows. For braiding, cultivated species are grown - purple, rod-shaped. They work with cleaned (barked) and uncleaned (non-barked) raw materials. The peeled branches are used to make fine things - kitchen utensils, decorative items. Unpeeled ones are suitable for household items - baskets, boxes, fences.

cutting branches

Harvesting of vines for weaving baskets and other things is carried out throughout the year, except for June - July, when there is a rapid growth of shoots. The material collected in different periods differs in technological properties.

Before cutting, the branch is checked for flexibility - wrapped around the finger. A suitable twig will stand the test, it will not break. Cut the stems with a knife obliquely in one fell swoop, leaving no notches at the end. Choose annual and biennial twigs growing at the base of a tree or from the ground - they are long, less overgrown with foliage. The vine is sorted during collection into three types:

large - length more than 2 m, cut diameter from 10 to 15 mm, tied in armfuls of 25 pieces;
medium - from 1 to 2 meters, cross section from 6 to 10 mm, collected in bundles of 50 pieces;
small - up to 1 m, in diameter from 2 to 6 mm, bundles of 100 pcs.

Pay attention to the quality of the trunk - take an even, intact, uniform color. Spots, wormholes are not allowed. If the stem smells of rot, does not shine, it is thrown away. Going for a vine, they take a bag, a rope, gloves, a knife, in spring and summer - a pinch.

The rods collected in May or at the end of summer are called juice. They are herbaceous, the bark is easily removed, white. They clean such a vine immediately so that it does not dry out. If the procedure is delayed, then the willow is moistened before sanding. Cleaning technique:

cut the bark - take a sharp knife, lead the blade along from the warp (butt) to the top;
do not press hard so as not to damage the wood layer;
gently peel the white rod, moving to the top, and then towards the butt.

A special tool for debarking is a pinch. The device is made of wire, metal, wood. The simplest pattern is in the form of a slingshot. Two large nails are driven in side by side into a stable place, twisted from below with wire, and the top is pushed apart. Insert the vine into the pinch with the base, hold it with your left hand, and pull it towards you with your right hand. The bark is removed from one side or from two at once.

Features of the autumn vine

Autumn rods are distinguished by a variety of shades, they are used unrooted, colored patterns are woven. They are poorly cleaned, in order to obtain debarked stems, the vine must be prepared - boiled or revived.

The raw materials are boiled for 0.5-1.5 hours, then they are taken out in small batches, cooled under cold water, and cleaned. The capacity for boiling is taken in a larger size. The longer the raw material boils, the darker it becomes. Masters make special boilers from a ventilation duct or HDPE pipe. The design is obtained with a length of about two meters, this option is suitable for those living in the private sector. To get a dark vine, caustic is added, but not more than 2%, from a larger amount the stems become brittle.

Another way to prepare the autumn vine for barking is to revive, turning dormant branches into sap. The rods are tied in an armful, put in a barrel with cuts down. Pour up to 20 cm of clean water at room temperature. Leave in a warm place, add water as needed. After two weeks, the buds swell, the weavers try to clean the shoots. If it is difficult to clean, leave for a few more days. If this does not help, then the plant is boiled. Autumn-winter vine is more elastic, stronger than harvested in spring or summer.

Drying and storage of rods

Harvested rods require drying. Prepare a wooden flooring, lay out the vine in a thin layer. In hot weather, the branches are placed under a canopy so that they do not crack, then they are taken out into the sun. Under the hot rays, the tree is bleached, the layer is periodically turned over for uniform lightening.

In wet weather, the material is dried in a ventilated room and under an awning for no more than a week, but only under the influence of the sun does the raw material acquire a unique white tint. For drying in the sun, two to three days are enough. Then the branches are collected in armfuls and left in the open air for three days. Overdrying is undesirable - the branches become brittle.

In a dry room, willow bundles last 3-4 years. If the rods are put in a hole, covered with straw, they will safely overwinter. The main rule is to protect raw materials from moisture and frost. Stems are stored in bundles, tied twice - 30 cm from the butt and in the middle of the bundle. Before starting work, the vine is soaked in warm water for one to two hours to restore flexibility, then wrapped in polyethylene and left for 2-3 hours. The exact time of these manipulations depends on the size and quality of the rods.

Weaving types

There are several basic types of weaving, on the basis of which complicated interesting options were invented. Simple weaving is an alternate rounding of the main rod with one branch behind and in front. The next row is laid in a checkerboard pattern. To make the pattern, take an odd number of risers.

Twisted rope - braiding is carried out with two rods, crossing them with each other with a figure eight and braiding the riser. The three-rod method is used to transition from the bottom to the sides and to increase strength. With three lozenges they braid the riser like a pigtail.

For layered weaving, several branches are taken instead of one. The technique is similar to the simple version, but the rows are arranged diagonally, the angle of inclination is about 15 degrees.

An interesting weaving method is knotted, popular in China. The vine is tied in a knot at the base after a certain distance. The method is suitable for creating decorative plates, rugs.

If the rod is split into several parts and cut, you will get a willow ribbon, which is used to weave patterns and fine details. The branch is selected long, of the same width, with a diameter of up to 10 mm. Before splitting, the material is soaked, planed dry. To work, you need a metal or ebonite cleaver and a sharp knife. Skillful craftsmen get several strips from one stem.

DIY basket

The most popular wicker craft is a basket. The product is hygroscopic. Products in such a container are not covered with mold. More than one option for weaving wicker baskets for beginners has been developed. The master weaves first of all the bottom or walls, the sequence depends on the craft traditions of the area.

In order to weave a basket correctly, inexperienced weavers attend master classes, study video courses posted on the Internet. In the process of work, the raw material is moistened. Starting weaving from the bottom, follow the scheme step by step:

For the walls, 17 medium even rods are selected with a length not less than the height of the future basket. Insert next to the main branches with a cut into the weave. Old branches are cut at the base, new ones are picked up and tied in a bundle. For a beautiful transition from the bottom to the walls, they are woven into three twigs. Continue with a simple pattern. After a few rows, the top is untied, the sides are braided.

The final stage is edge processing. The branches of the base are alternately pulled through the next two divisions and pulled out in front of the next riser. This is the usual way to finish the walls of the basket. Round baskets are made by braiding a specially prepared frame.

For the handle, a thick elastic trunk is chosen, its ends are sharpened and inserted into the weave. Wrap the base with thinner lozenges, twist to secure. Wrap the handle to the end, similarly fix on the other side.

The finished basket of unrooted vines is left to dry for several days. The branches dry out, the distance between the rows increases. Then lay additional rows along the walls and add twigs to the handle. After a few days, the craft is ready for use.

On the festive table, a drink looks original in a vessel braided with willow ribbons. The capacity is measured, a cross is made of six branches, the bottom is woven larger than on the bottle. Side risers are added as on a basket, fixed at the top. For the lower part, double weaving is used, then they switch to a simple option. Starting from the middle, the number of racks is reduced to narrow the work along the neck. The top is finished with a rope, varnished.

grape fantasies

For weaving, grape branches are used - long and strong. The only drawback of raw materials is noticeable kidney thickening. Small elegant objects made of such material do not look very harmonious. But flower beds, garden figures, wattle fences are durable and impressive. Popular Christmas wreaths are woven from vine stems, the uneven surface gives the product a zest. Wreaths are decorated with cones, toys, ribbons.

Collect material in early autumn, before creating small gizmos, the vine is treated with a pinch. Weaving techniques are the same as for wicker.

A fence made of grapes is used as a wattle fence, decoration for a flower bed, protection from animals. First, the height of the partition is determined, given that the stakes are driven into the ground. Cut columns of the same length, arrange in place of the future fence. Braid from bottom to top. The wood sheet is tied to the risers with a rope so that the rows do not fall when they dry. To complement the composition, decorative wicker crafts are placed around the site.

The work of a weaver is laborious and painstaking. Starting with simple vases and baskets, the master succeeds in creating complex furniture and openwork arbors. The work is addictive and it is impossible to refuse this useful hobby.

Basket weaving is a popular activity that can not only be fun, but also provide good income. With a neat and original basket made with your own hands, you can go to the forest, shop, or market.

It is also a great accessory for decorative decoration of the apartment. And how to make it yourself, without much effort, you can learn from our instructions.

Preparing for weaving

To properly make a beautiful basket with your own hands, you need to carefully prepare for the weaving process. It is important not only to choose the right tool, but also to stock up on the necessary material.

A willow or blackberry vine is suitable, which must be cut off during the activation of sap flow. It occurs in early spring or autumn. Although many craftswomen cut willow twigs in winter, choosing branches with orange or red bark.

Pay attention to the fact that the vine is mature and bends well at 90 degrees or more. It is necessary to cut with a margin, because for beginners, twigs can break. The cut is made with a pruner or a sharp knife, leaving 2-3 buds for further growth of the bush.

But the harvested vine cannot be used immediately, as the products will be deformed. The material must first be prepared.

They do this in two ways:

By soaking in running water or in a container with a constantly changing liquid. The twigs must be placed under water, pressing with a non-metallic load. Keep up to 2 weeks.
By digestion. This is a faster method, taking no more than 2-3 hours. The twigs are poured with boiling water and boiled for 1-2 hours. Then you need to let the material cool and remove the bark from them.

For work, you should prepare an awl, side cutters, secateurs, pliers, material for the press in a timely manner.

Weaving methods

Many housewives would not refuse, for example, a laundry basket made of wicker, and an original bread box or vase will decorate even a modern cafe or bar. Having set to work, the master can choose one of several well-known weaving methods:

A continuous method, when the basis of the product is a continuous connection of twigs with gaps of different sizes. There is no need to create patterns, and therefore this method should be learned from the very beginning.
Openwork weaving is a more complex option, where there are more gaps, openwork patterns are created on the surface of the product. It is required to harvest more flexible twigs.
Twisted weaving, which involves twisting branches together, which is especially popular in the manufacture of furniture.
Figured processing of the material - the master himself determines the future shape of the pattern, the number of patterns and the entire appearance of the product.

Weaving technology

You can make a basket for the house from willow vines at home. After you have stocked up on material and tools, you can begin work.

Bottom weaving

Weaving the product must begin from the bottom. We take 8 twigs of the same length. We separate four pieces and make a small hole in the center. Then split them and insert the 4 remaining branches. You get an impromptu 4x4 cross. If you place the curved side up, you will get a more stable bottom.

You can fix the bottom with twisted weaving. For this, two softer twigs are selected. They twist with each other. With their help, it is necessary to wrap 4 sides of the created bottom in 2 rows.

In the process of weaving, it is necessary to wrap the twigs. Each wrapped twig should be located in the gaps between the branches of the winding. The sequential process is visible in the photo of making a basket from a vine.

If the twig is over, then you need to insert the pointed tip of the new branch into the final 2 rows between the twigs. It must be carefully bent and cut off the excess of the old shoot. Weaving continues until the desired bottom size is reached.

Going to the walls

It is necessary to choose a vine of medium thickness. The new twig turns with a pointed end and is applied along the twigs of the base. In this case, the old tips should be carefully trimmed. New branches are clamped and bent 90 degrees vertically upwards. Weaving will be carried out with a new vine.

The twigs are bent up in two steps - to the left, then down and at the end we bring them to a vertical position. The two remaining rods cannot be bent. Therefore, they are twisted around the first. All other elements of the future basket are processed similarly.

The rods must not fall out. Therefore, they are connected. 3 more twigs are taken. The last left one must be bent to the right in front of the rest and lead it behind the third. Then he returns to his original position. Similar manipulations must be performed with the remaining two branches.

A twig is brought to each branch going vertically upwards from the bottom side. He winds up behind this branch around the circumference. Then it should be carried out on the left side of the rack in front of it and lead behind the third branch, bringing it to the fore.

The next rod is braided in the same way. It can be seen that the contours of, for example, the oval basket become more and more distinct.

New twigs must be introduced into the structure constantly until they are completely braided to the desired height. Each branch on the wall should be braided with a vine. In this case, it is necessary to constantly compact the structure. For greater stability, a load is laid out at the bottom.

Don't forget, if you have already figured out what the height of the basket should be, you need to set the contours of the rim. One rod is bent behind two neighboring ones, goes around the third and fourth in a row, and then winds up before the fifth. The end must be cut off.

Handle weaving

Products from willow twigs can have a wide variety of shapes. For example, the original rectangular wicker basket is popular.

Many models are equipped with a comfortable handle. It's not difficult to make it. Bending a thick shoot, specify what the length of the handle should be. The excess length is cut off. But don't overdo it. An error in the calculations is fraught with failure of the whole process.

The ends of the branches should be carefully sharpened with a knife. And then insert them between the bars. This must be done from opposite sides. Five elongated branches are pushed near the handle. With their help, it will be necessary to wrap the handle. The excess ends are brought under the edges on both sides of the basket.

A willow twig is drawn along the surface and around the ends of the braided structure. The ends are hidden and neatly trimmed. The product is completely ready.

A basket of vines in the interior occupies a fairly significant place. It has utilitarian properties and, due to its decorative merits, is able to decorate any apartment.

Photo baskets from the vine

Wicker furniture creates a special sunny mood in the house. It is not only beautiful and elegant, but also durable and comfortable. Despite the apparent complexity, you can make such furniture yourself. The main thing is to know some features of weaving.

The most popular material for weaving furniture is willow.

Preparation of raw materials for work

Branches of many plants are used for weaving, but willow is the most popular. The thinner the core of the rod, the better the raw material will be. Rods with a thick core are also suitable for work. They make the basis for large products. But for openwork and airy creations, it is best to choose a material with a thin “heart”. When harvesting, you should pay attention to the width of the willow leaf. The narrower it is, the more elastic the vine will be and the more openwork weaving.

It is possible to harvest raw materials from October until the onset of severe frosts, as well as in spring. During this period, the rods are well cleaned.

Tools for weaving from willow: A - a knife, B - a chipper, C, D - a chip and work with it, D - a planar plow, E - an edge plow.

Before you start making furniture from willow, you should decide how it will be made. Two types of wicker furniture are known: frameless and stick. The peculiarity of the first type is that ordinary sticks are used in the manufacturing process. In the finished structure, they play the role of stiffeners. In products made by the second method, a supporting structure is constructed from sticks.

You can weave furniture in different ways. The main types are single, openwork and combined weaving. They allow you to create both integral surfaces and make patterns.

To fasten parts of wickerwork, two types of connections are used: detachable and one-piece. The first method will be convenient when it is planned to disassemble the furniture, for example, for transportation. However, it should be noted that it is rarely used. The second type of connection is more popular. In this case, conventional fasteners (nails, glue) are used, which makes the finished structure more durable. In addition, this method is much easier to use, especially for a beginner braider.

Back to index

Frame manufacturing

You can make any thing from willow branches with your own hands. A small wicker sofa will always be appropriate both in the country yard and on the balcony in a city apartment. To do such a necessary thing, you need to prepare. For work you will need:

Willow rods.
Strong sticks with a diameter of 25-30 mm.
Sandpaper.
A hammer.
Sharp knife.
Secateurs or scissors for trimming rods.
Roulette.
Self-tapping screws and small nails for fastening.
Hacksaw.
Glue.
Screwdriver.
Stain.
Foam rubber and fabric for seat drapery.

First you need to prepare the material. Remove the bark from the sticks and rods and leave to dry. Before starting work, lightly sand the raw materials with sandpaper to protect your hands from splinters.

Elements of wicker furniture frames: 1 - shooters, 2 - substrings, 3 - cross, 4 - horseshoe-shaped prong, 5 - U-shaped prog, 6 - I-beam, 7 - I-beam with two longitudinal rods.

Making a sofa begins with the creation of a frame. For the future seat, 4 blanks are cut from prepared sticks: 2 by 600 mm and 2 by 400 mm. You need to fasten them together with screws to make a rectangle.

In order for the sofa to be more stable, it is better to install 3 legs in front and behind. For the front legs, cut blanks of a length that corresponds to the distance from the seat to the floor, for example, 400 mm. They should be attached with self-tapping screws to one of the sides of the seat frame at an equal distance, in this case every 200 mm.

As for the rear legs, here it is necessary to add the height of the back to the height from the seat to the floor. For example, a height of 250 mm is selected. Then you should prepare 2 legs of 650 mm each, which will be fixed on the sides. The leg, which will be installed in the middle, is better to be made higher, for example, 750 mm. This will make the back with a beautiful bend. Attach the legs to the seat frame.

To decorate the back, you need to cut a blank that will be longer than the seat. Using self-tapping screws, fix it on the upper ends of the rear legs. The result is a back in the form of an arc.

The frame needs to be reinforced. The same sticks that were used for the frame itself will act as stiffeners. Be sure to mount them at the same height. First, the side and middle legs are fastened together. To secure these stiffeners, it is necessary to attach 2 blanks along the length of the seat. The next step is to connect the extreme legs with the middle back. The blanks are attached diagonally. The edge that will be attached to the extreme legs should be placed at the level of the rib that fastens the rear and front legs, and the other slightly below the seat.