Collection: Pine Needle Baskets

Basket coiling with pine needles has a long history in America history dating back at least to the 1700's. For this technique. I start with a tiny circle or oval and from there sew consecutive rows on to the previous one, moving outward in a continuous spiral. Although this type of basket craft can be created using any type of pine needle or sweetgrass, I use Long Leaf Pine (Pinus palustris), which has needles that can reach 17 inches in length.

Sown with artificial waxed sinew or waxed cord, I use many different base materials depending on the use or aesthetic desired. Bases include black walnut slices, clay, copper, wood, glass, agate and antlers.