Pine Needle Basketry
History
Use of pine needles to create both practical and artistic baskets is an old enough skill that its origins pre-date written records. Examples of pine needle baskets can be found in just about any part of the world where pine trees grow, especially long-leaf varieties. Seminole Indians are thought to be the first pine needle basket makers in America. In South Florida, where long-leaf pine needles are found in abundance, they wrapped needles together using a variety of natural materials. This is sometimes called coiled pine needle basketry.
Display
By definition, baskets are defined as “receptacles” or “containers,” so they are meant to hold things. However, they can also be displayed as works of art in and of themselves, which you can see in the carousel examples below.
What You See On This Site
Baskets you see on this site consist of multiple long-leaf pine needles bound together with imported waxed linen thread in a continuous spiral that results in baskets that are light-weight and very strong. In my case I have chosen to create wood slice centers I cut myself. By adding beads, colored threads, and other materials, a variety of designs can be created. Each of my baskets is unique. I never create two that are exactly alike.
How I Make Pine Needle Baskets
Baskets I make typically begin with a wood slice center, with holes drilled abound the edge. The center is wrapped with Kodiak leather lace, which is bound to the center through small holes drilled in the wood slice, using waxed linen thread.
Pine needles are then coiled and bound with linen thread, carefully placing stitches so they create a spiral pattern. Thread lacing is done with a steel needle.
Coiling continues until the basket is finished.
Completing a six to eight-inch basket can take ten to twelve hours or more, depending on design choices. Each basket can take as many as a thousand needles, each individually placed.
See the image carousel on the Home page for examples.
Caring for Pine Needle Baskets
Properly cared for, pine needle baskets will last indefinitely. Avoid moisture, physical damage, and exposure to direct sunlight. Cleaning is best done by lightly vacuuming as needed with a soft brush attachment.