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Over the next few weeks I will explore the world of coiled pine needle basketry. This time we will tap into the many online resources to begin an introduction to the craft. The pine needle has a history of being used in basketry for generations. Most pine needle baskets are created using a coiling technique. The pine needle forms the core of the coil and is stitched in place with various fibers such as raffia, split roots, birch paper, basswood inner bark strips, dracaena, yucca, sinew, embroidery thread, yarn and waxed linen thread.

The needles of a variety of species of pine trees can be used for the bundle or core. Jeffrey Pine, Long Needle Pine, Monterey Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Bull Pine and Gray Pine are among the varieties used. Flexibility and length are important features of needles chosen for this work. The needles are gathered from the newly fallen top layer on the forest floor or picked from a fallen tree or limb, carefully washed, cured and stored until use.

The natural tones of the needles can be used or color can be incorporated to either the stitching or the needles themselves can be dyed. Embellishments such as cones, nut slices, buttons and stone or bone fetishes, are often used to enhance the finished piece. Pine needles can be used alone as a core material or can be combined with other materials such as sweetgrass.

The baskets made with this technique can be a multitude of shapes and forms. You will find coiled bowls, lidded jars, trays, pine needles in combination with gourds, animal or figural shapes, or contemporary abstract or sculptural forms.

Numerous starts or beginnings can be used such as wrapped loop, knotted, figure eight, wrapped oval, doughnut, four hand plaited, pierced base, nut slice, teneriffe, femo clay and others add a distinct quality to each piece.

Different types of stitches include the buttonhole, plain, separate, interlocking, fern, crows foot, chain, split, open V, diamond, wheat stitch, invisible stitch and the Indian wrap. This type of basketry has its own vocabulary as do many other distinct basketry types.

Pine needle baskets are fragrant and, depending on use and care, will last years. Some are given a finish of denatured alcohol and shellac or beeswax to add a protective sheen.

Many talented basketmakers specialize in this type of basketry. Among them you will find individuals who are award winning, exhibiting studio artists, teachers and hobbyists.

Over the next few weeks I will be adding a series of articles covering pine needles as a basketry material, pine needle baskets, basketmakers, books, online instructions, workshops, chat rooms, organizations and supply sources. Join me as we delve deeper into this wonderful medium. If you have information to add, please post your comment to the bulletin board or contact me.

Pine Needle Basketry

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