Coiled Basket Weaving Workshop for Beginners

Learn the timeless art of basketry with our weaving short courses in Sydney!

Slow down, work with your hands, and discover the calming art of coiled basket weaving in this mindful and creative beginners workshop.

Used by cultures around the world for generations, coil weaving is an ancient basketry technique that transforms simple natural fibres into beautiful and functional handmade objects. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to shape, stitch, and build your own coiled basket while exploring sustainable making practices and the tactile pleasure of working with fibre and yarn.

Guided step-by-step by your experienced tutor, you’ll explore foundational basketry techniques including how to begin a basket, add and change materials, create structure and walls, and finish your piece neatly. Using raffia, yarn, and natural materials, you’ll create either a small completed basket or begin a larger sculptural vessel to continue at home.

Relaxing, creative, and deeply rewarding, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to unplug from screens, slow your pace, and reconnect with traditional handcraft practices in a warm and supportive environment.

Whether you’re completely new to weaving or simply curious to try a new tactile craft, this workshop is a welcoming introduction to the world of coiled basketry.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Coiled Basket Weaving workshop, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Understanding sustainable basket-making practices
• Identifying basketry materials and where to source them
• Beginning, shaping, and finishing a coiled basket
• Adding and changing materials during the weaving process
• Developing foundational coiled basketry techniques for future projects
• Exploring online resources and inspiration for basket weaving

Course content

What will be covered in this Coiled Basket Weaving workshop?

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

• Introduction to coiled basket weaving techniques
• Understanding basketry materials and sustainable making practices
• Learning how to begin and shape a coiled basket
• Adding and changing weaving materials
• Developing structure and creating walls within a woven form
• Finishing techniques for woven baskets and vessels
• Exploring online basket-making resources and inspiration

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Coiled Basket Weaving workshop for?

This workshop is ideal for complete beginners and anyone interested in basketry, weaving, sustainable craft, mindful making, or learning a new hands-on creative skill.

No prior weaving experience is required.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class:

• Scissors
• Chenille needle size 18/22 or a needle with a large eye and sharp point
• 50g raffia
• A ball of 4, 5 or 8 ply yarn (you may like to bring multiple colours for a multi-coloured basket)

Discounts for Sydney Community College students are available with the following retailers:

• Art On King, Newtown - 10% discount
• Eckersley's Art & Craft, York Street - 10% discount