Our Traditional Bamboo Basket Weaving

🌾 I would like to say that the way of life of the community in Nong Chim subdistrict still maintains a simple, nature-based livelihood as always.

The handicrafts that the community has and preserves have not faded away, and we continue to pass them on as much as possible.

Today we would like to present another handicraft of our community that we still preserve and have been making all along, which is.. bamboo baskets, which are something used in daily life in every household, truly. They have many uses and are products made entirely from nature. We have used them since childhood until old age. I think every household in our village must have this in their home. It is a must-have item that everyone simply must have 😁.

"Bamboo Basket Weaving"

Materials and equipment needed

1. White bamboo

2. Cleaving knife

3. Splitting knife for bamboo

4. Saw for cutting bamboo

5. Plane

6. Round/flat strip rolling machine

7. Drill

8. Jigsaw for cutting base supports

9. Sanding pig for smoothing

10. Plastic strips for base lining

Let's look at the steps and weaving method

1. Select bamboo of appropriate size, not too old and not too young, approximately 1.5 years old.

2. Cut into 3-meter lengths, then trim the bamboo nodes beautifully without cutting too deep into the surface which would leave scars. Scrape the bamboo surface slightly.

3. Split into quarters, cleave along the thick parts of the wood pieces, and plane to round and flat shapes, using a strip rolling machine for fineness.

4. Cleave flat strips to make basket rims, thin according to the desired basket size, such as small size 1 meter long, 28 cm wide; medium size 1.40 meters long, 30 cm wide.

5. Cleave to make basket hoops, large size 1 meter, medium size 80 cm, small size 60 cm.

6. Start weaving the basket base first, using plastic strips as a base lining, weaving in a cross pattern moderately. Take round bamboo strips to weave in a cross pattern to build up the basket body. When halfway up the basket, stop and insert decorative patterns of dok phak waen flowers mixed in for beauty. Continue weaving with round strips to the desired height. Take the prepared rim bamboo to bend around the basket and tie with plastic strips proportionally according to the basket rim, not too tight yet. Bring the basket hoop to assemble and tie temporarily. When the proportions are as desired, tie tightly with plastic strips, spacing beautifully.

7. Take wood scraps to make the basket base, 24 cm size, decorate patterns using a jigsaw to cut to fit the basket base / use a drill to make holes, bring the sanding pig to smooth the wood beautifully. Assemble to make the basket base, tie firmly to the basket.

8. Apply wood paint all over for beauty and to protect against termites and insects. Dry in the wind thoroughly. Can be stored for sale for a long time without spoiling.

Prepared by
Pho Phan Sinchai
Si Yaek Sok Khor, Moo 15
House No. 25, Sok Khor Phatthana, Nong Chim Subdistrict
Noen Sa-nga District, Chaiyaphum Province

If anyone passes through Nong Chim subdistrict, don't forget to stop by and take some home as souvenirs.

Thank you very much 🙏🍀