Vietnam Handicraft

DIY - Making Bamboo Baskets

Website: http://vinhcuongcraft.net 
Bamboo comes from the stem of a woody tropical plant that grows in Vietnam, China, Japan, and Indonesia. It is used for multiple purposes, such as building houses, making furniture, and even making baskets. Baskets made from bamboo are considered works of art in many cultures and are quite functional. Making bamboo baskets is no easy task and takes a high level of patience, however, when finished, these baskets are very durable and long lasting.





Instructions
Things you'll need:

• Bamboo
• Knife
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• String

o 1. Cut a three foot piece of bamboo into four planks by using a large knife to cut vertically down through the bamboo. Cut each plank in half using a knife. Cut the plank halves into long strips by using a knife to cut them into layers. Start cutting the strips from the back side of the bamboo first.
o 2. Use scissors to cut the ends of the bamboo strips so that they are all equal in length. Peel apart each bamboo strip so that you have multiple miniature strips of bamboo.
o 3. Cut a five foot long piece of string and thread it into a tapestry needle. Grab a small bundle of two to three pieces of bamboo and coil the loose end of your string around the end of the bamboo bundle for approximately three quarters of an inch.


o 4. Bend your wrapped section of bamboo into the shape of a U and bind both sides of the "U" together by wrapping it with the string six times, this will create a small loop. Wrap the string around the loose bamboo pieces and run it through the small loop. Continue wrapping the string around the bamboo and through the small loop with the tapestry needle until you make a complete circle, this should take anywhere from ten to twenty stitches.
o 5 . Add another bundle of bamboo to your basket by adding it underneath the loose bamboo from your ring and wrap the string around the combined bundle six times. Start coiling the new section by wrapping the string around the bamboo and through the coil of the previous row, using the tapestry needle. Continue adding bamboo in this manner until you are satisfied with the size of your basket.
o 6. Finish off the basket by simply wrapping string around the top coil of the basket, all the way around. Cut the string and tie a knot at the end of it. Tuck the knot into the coiled string.

Tips & Warnings
• If you run out of string while coiling the basket you can add string. Start by weaving the string that is running out down and through the previous coils. Use the tapestry needle to insert the new string three coils below the one you are working on. Run the string straight up to where you left off and continue wrapping and coiling the bamboo.