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Basket weaving reed: round, flat and flat oval
Basket weaving reed is the inner core of the rattan palm, the part left once the glossy outer cane is stripped away. It is made into smooth, even strands that bend easily after a short soak, which is why basket makers, chair restorers and crafters use it for so much. Round reed makes basket stakes and weavers, chair spokes and wicker repairs. Flat reed weaves basket sides and woven seats. Flat oval reed, flat on one side and rounded on the other, finishes rims and lashing.
Choose by shape first, then size. In a basket, the stakes (the upright ribs) are usually a heavier size than the weavers that go around them, so many patterns call for two sizes. Round reed runs from #2 (1.75 mm) to #6 (3.75 mm), and flat reed from 1/4 to 7/8 in wide. Smoked flat reed is darkened all the way through, so a contrast band stays dark even where it is cut. For thick stakes, frames and wrapping, natural rattan core comes in 4 and 5 mm.
Reed is sold by weight in 1 lb coils, so thinner sizes give more length per pound. Soak round reed 5 to 10 minutes and flat reed a few minutes, until it bends without cracking, and weave flat reed smooth side out.
Repairing natural wicker furniture? Measure an unbroken strand with calipers and choose the closest round reed size. The care and repair guide covers the rest.
- Use a heavier size for stakes and a lighter one for weavers.
- Soak round reed 5 to 10 minutes; flat reed needs only a few.
- Weave flat reed with the smooth side out.
- Let leftover reed dry fully before you coil it away.
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Round Reed for Basket Weaving, 1 lb Coil, #2 to #6
Natural round reed from the rattan core, 1 lb coils in #2 (1.75 mm) to #6 (3.75 mm), for basket stakes and weavers, wicker repair and spokes.
$25.99 · 5 options
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Flat Reed for Basket and Seat Weaving, 1 lb Coil, 1/4 to 7/8 in
Natural flat reed cut from the rattan core, in 1 lb coils from 1/4 to 7/8 in wide, for basket stakes and weavers and for woven chair seats.
$26.99 · 6 options
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Flat Oval Reed, 1 lb Coil, 1/8, 3/16 or 1/4 in, Natural
Natural flat oval reed, flat on one side and rounded on the other, in 1 lb coils 1/8, 3/16 or 1/4 in wide, for rim lashing, small rims and accent weavers.
$25.99 · 3 options
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Smoked Flat Reed, 1 lb Coil, 1/4 or 1/2 in, Dark Brown
Flat reed darkened by smoking, not painted, so the brown runs all the way through. 1 lb coils, 1/4 or 1/2 in wide, for two-tone baskets and contrast bands.
$27.99 · 2 options
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Natural Rattan Core, Round, 4 mm or 5 mm, 1 lb Coil
Thick natural round rattan core in 1 lb coils, 4 or 5 mm across, for basket stakes and frames, wrapping, decorative crafts and diffuser sticks.
$25.99 · 2 options
Questions
How much reed is in a 1 lb coil?
It depends on the size, because reed is sold by weight. Round reed gives about 1100 ft of #2, 750 ft of #3 and 500 ft of #4 per pound; thicker sizes give less.
How can I tell the smooth side of flat reed?
Run a finger along both faces; one is smoother. You can also bend a soaked piece: the rough side tends to splinter on the outside of the bend. Weave with the smooth side facing out.
Is rattan core the same as round reed?
Both come from the inner core of the rattan palm. Our rattan core is thicker, 4 or 5 mm, for basket stakes, frames, wrapping and crafts such as diffuser sticks.
Can I dye basket reed?
Yes. Reed takes dye and stain well, which is why basket makers dye it for patterns. For a dark contrast without dyeing, smoked flat reed is colored all the way through.