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Lay Out An Eight Spoke
Spider-Woven Basket Base

When you lay out the spokes of a spider-woven round basket base it is important to do it in a sequence that will lock in each spoke as you do your first round of weaving. This example demonstrates an eight spoke base that has each spoke split as the weaving progresses out from the start.

Begin by preparing all eight spokes and numbering them from one to eight using a pencil. Starting with the spoke labeled #1, lay the spoke down on the table surface in a vertical orientation.

Then lay out the spoke marked #2 at right angles to spoke #1.

Next, layout spoke #3 with the top of the spoke dividing the space between the tops of spoke #1 and #2.

Add spoke #4 at right angles to spoke #3. The top of this spoke will divide the space between #1 and #2 on the left of the vertical.

Continue adding pairs of spokes at right angles to one another. Spoke #5 bisects the space between spoke #1 and #3.

Spoke #6 subdivides the space between spoke #2 and #4.

Spoke #7 subdivides the space between spoke #3 and #2.

Spoke #8 subdivides the space between #4 and #1.

You now have all eight spokes laid out ready for weaving. To stabilize them temporarily, use a piece of light weight waxed linen thread to weave the spokes together. Weave the thread tightly around the spoke assembly and tie into a bow. Use the thread to adjust the spokes so that they are equally distributed and well balanced. This thread is clipped out once your first round of weaving is completed. As you begin weaving, the over one-under one stroke locks in the spoke assembly. The first round of weaving will go over spokes #5, #7, #6 and #8 and under #1, # 3, #4 and #2.

Note: This example has each spoke split beyond the center, but the same sequence of laying down your spokes will work in instances where the spokes are not split. Use a chase weave start, twined start, Indian weave or split one spoke to achieve an odd number of spokes if you plan to do a continuous weave.