How Do You Make Pine Needle Baskets?
Native Americans fashioned intricate baskets from pine needles. These tightly woven baskets are both decorative and utilitarian and can be made in almost any shape. Combinations of green and brown needles and different colored threads make the design of each basket unique. The coiling technique takes a little practice to master, but once learned, you can make your own beautiful baskets. Put the needles in a pan or casserole dish and cover with boiling water for 30 minutes. You will need about a pound of needles for a small basket. Remove the cap from the end of each needle bundle. Scrape this off with a blunt knife or rake it off with your thumbnail. Cut 1 1/2 yards of thread. Choose four to six needles and tie them together at one end with the thread. Thread the other end of the thread through the embroidery or tapestry needle. Wrap the thread around the end of the pine needle bundle about a dozen times. Fold this wrapped end over onto the rest of the pine needle bundle. Don’t force i
