Appalachian Basket Weaving Workshop

8” Melon / Egg Basket

Basketry is one of the oldest human technologies — older than pottery, older than metalwork — a quiet and enduring craft carried across continents and generations.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create an 8” melon or egg basket rooted in Appalachian basket-making traditions. This style originated in Scotland and made its way into the Appalachian region of the United States, where it continues to be practiced and passed down.

This basket is constructed using round reed ribs, which give it its distinctive shape. You’ll weave over and under the ribs using jute and flat reed, building structure and pattern as you go. A variety of colored reed will be available, allowing you to add your own variation and character to the finished piece.

The two wooden handles are lashed together at the top, with a diamond pattern prepared in advance by the instructor using natural reed.

Together, we’ll explore:

Basket structure and form using rib construction
Over-under weaving techniques with jute and flat reed
Working with natural materials
Shaping and finishing a functional basket

This class is designed for beginners, though experienced makers are welcome. You’ll leave with a finished basket and the foundational skills to continue weaving on your own.

Class Details

Saturday, July 11
2:00pm–8:00pm
Clatskanie Food Hub

Registration Deadline: June 27
Space is limited. Advance registration required.

What’s Included

Registration is $125 and includes:

Six hours of instruction
All materials
A farm-to-table meal
A finished basket to take home

We’ll be providing a locally sourced meal made with ingredients from farms using organic and regenerative practices. If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know ahead of time and we’ll do our best to incorporate them into the meal. We do ask that you don’t bring outside food or drink into the Food Hub. Water, tea, and coffee will be available throughout the class.

What to Bring

Small bucket (for wetting reed)
Scissors
Reed lifter (or small flathead screwdriver)
Spray bottle
Hand towel
Soft tape measure

We acknowledge the land we now call Clatskanie as the traditional territory of the Siletz, Grande Ronde, Clatsop, and Chinook Tribal nations. We also acknowledge the Tribal governments and their roles today in taking care of these lands.

Appalachian Melon Basket Weaving Workshop

Build an 8” melon basket using traditional rib construction and weaving techniques