Basket Weaving Techniques : Randing & French Randing

Randing

Randing is begun by laying the butt of a randing-rod between two stakes so that it rests against the left hand one on the inside, about half-an-inch being left to be cut off later.

The left thumb is now used to hold the rod in position against the front of the right-hand stake.The rod is grasped by the right hand in a manner similar to that used in holding a pencil, and at a point about 2inches from the right-hand stake. 

Now, still retaining the pressure with the left thumb, lift the rod and pass it between the two stakes, pushing it round the back of the next stake with the right thumb, and catching it and bringing it to the front again on the other side of this stake with the forefinger.

When the first rod has been worked to within an inch or so of its top, which is left outside, a second rod is laid in,not where the first finished, but in the next space to that in which the first butt was laid. In other words, the second butt will rest against the next stake to the right of that against which the first butt rests, on the inside of basket as before.

The top of the second rod will finish against the next stake to the right of that, against which the top of the first rod finished, and so with each new rod.

French Randing

French Randing has a more pleasing and regular appearance than ordinary randing, but is more difficult, regarding bringing the basket out to the correct size.

The method of starting the randing rods is entirely different from that used in ordinary randing, all the butts being at the bottom of the rand (it is sometimes started with tops, but the principle employed is the same in both cases).

This is accomplished by laying the first butt behind a stake and carrying it in front of the next and behind the next as in ordinary randing. The second butt is now laid in to the left of the first, worked one stroke, and then dropped like the first, and all the other butts are started in a similar way, each being worked one stroke and then dropped, the first one being lifted to allow the last one to be put in.

The work is now continued by working a rod one (or two) strokes, dropping it, working the one on the left one stroke, dropping that, and so on, randing to the right, but working to the left in picking up each successive rod. This is continued until the tops of the rods have been worked out.

If the depth of the particular basket will allow, a second French rand may be worked, or the remainder of sides completed with ordinary randing. It is more usual, however, not to mix the two kinds.

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  • Methods of cultivation, harvesting and preparation of Willow
  • Work space and tools required for basket weaving
  • Technical terms and essential weaving techniques

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