How To Make a Birch Bark Basket

Example of running stitch.

Knot

The Wendat (Hurons) used birchbark to make this style of basket. Cut out the basket on page 2

make the basket out of . Simply paint both sides of white Bristol

board light brown with dark brown streaks. To construct, cut out an oval piece of newspaper and use it as a pattern. Trace pattern and cut out.

, and follow the steps below to make your own. Or Bristol board

Stitching: Punch holes in the seams with a large needle or nail. Use either cord or wool (be sureto tie a knot at one end it). Start on the inside of the basket at the bottom and pass the cord or wool through the two pieces to be joined together in a running stitch as shown.

Bend the four sides upwards and stitch the seams with brown cord or wool.

Cut slots at each quarter as shown. The width and depth of these slots determine the size of the bottom and shape of the sides.Don't makethe slots too WIDE or you won'thave enough material for overlapping the seams.

Step 1:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 2:

Reinforce the top of the basket withcord or wool and use a whip stitch to hold in place.