The basics of rattan weaving
Tools to prepare
- Tape measure
This is something you always need to use when measuring dimensions. I recommend a metal tape measure that is at least 2m long. - Mist bottle (spray)
It is used to moisten and re-soften rattan that has dried and become hard. - Scissors
We recommend pruning shears with short, sharp blades. - Meuchi
It is used to widen a hole and create a gap so that an awl can be inserted more easily. - Cutter
Used to sharpen the tip of a cutter round core. - Enma/pliers
Enma pliers are used to create bends or crush fibers. - Alligator clips/clothespins
These are useful for holding together the rattan while you are knitting. We recommend using clips that do not clamp too tightly so as not to leave marks. - Bucket
Use this bucket to moisten dry rattan. First, soak it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Preliminary knowledge before weaving rattan
There are a few points you should know before you start weaving rattan. Keeping these points in mind will make rattan weaving more enjoyable and enrich the variety of weaving techniques, so let's take a look.
- Moisten the rattan thoroughly.
When it arrives at your door, it is dry. If the rattan is dry, it will break easily. Therefore, moistening it will make it easier to bend and weave. Soak it in water for about 5 to 10 minutes, then drain lightly. (*Be careful not to soak it for too long, as this will wash away the oils that give the rattan its natural luster and cause the color to change.)
- How to tell the hardness of rattan
Rattan is a natural material, so each piece of rattan has a slightly different hardness. By knowing the differences in hardness, you can create works that suit your needs.
| situation | Applications |
| Straight, hard and durable | Additional core |
| It is soft and stiff, and does not break easily even when bent. | Hard core, braided core, rolled core |
| Soft like straw, with scratches and stains, and uneven surface | Wreath making |
| It breaks easily | Aroma Stick |
- Tips for places you absolutely do not want to break Rattan is flexible and relatively resistant to breaking even when bent, but that does not mean it will never break. However, there is a way to make it less likely to break. This is by using Enma to slightly crush the rattan fibers. Also, if you do not have Enma, you can make it less likely to break by twisting the rattan while weaving it. Try using this tip in places where you do not want the rattan to break.
Knitting composition
- Vertical core: The part that forms the framework of a basket, etc.
- Additional core: A part added as a vertical core to make the work larger or to reinforce it.
- Knitting core: The part that is woven onto the vertical core to create the surface.
- Hand core: The base for making the handle
- Winding core: The part that is wound around the hand core to give it thickness.
Basically, you start by building the vertical core, which is the framework, and then knitting yarn between them to create the surface. After that, you can add handles and other details as variations.
Preparation for creating art
When you are knitting with rattan, you tend to worry about whether the stitches are perfectly aligned, and you may get frustrated by striving for perfection. At first, don't worry about the stitches and just create your piece with a relaxed attitude. The good thing about rattan knitting is that it still looks cute even if the stitches are a little sparse.
staining
Some rattan is dyed from the start, but you can also dye it yourself to give it the color of your choice. If you want to use multiple colors, we recommend dyeing it before weaving, but if you want a single color, we recommend dyeing it after weaving.
We also sell dyes.
When cleaning up
Be sure to dry any remaining rattan before putting it away. Storing it in a damp, poorly ventilated place can lead to mold and other issues.
