Where Creativity Grows
Northwest Willow grows and sells dry willow rods, tools, books & supplies for willow basket weaving & heritage crafts
Get everything a beginning basket weaver needs in one convenient, discounted package. This starter bundle includes one of each essential tool to help you learn traditional willow weaving techniques and progress with confidence.
What’s included:
3/8" Bodkin — A versatile size for most basketry.
3/8" Curved Bodkin — Curved tip for reaching and tucking in tight places. Great for border work.
Wood and Steel Rapping Iron (Whomper) — Solid, durable tool for compacting weavers and tightening rows.
Fid — Smooth, tapered tool for easing weavers into place.
Modified Clippers - Secateurs — Shaved to more easily trim in tight places.
Why choose this bundle:
All the foundational tools a beginner needs to weave baskets and craft willow projects.
Quality materials built to last through practice and projects.
Reduced bundle price — get a discount compared to buying each tool separately.
Perfect for new weavers, class kits, or gifting to someone starting their basketry journey. If you have questions about the tools or want recommendations for getting started, contact Northwest Willow for guidance.
Discover the artistry and precision of our handcrafted Bodkin. Our slim, pointed weaving tool is used to thread, separate, and adjust rods in basketry. Lightweight and precise, a bodkin is essential for all basketry and weaving work.
Size: 1/2″ or 3/8” spike diameter
Construction: Individually hand made and machined with care — not mass-produced
Roll-Stop Handle: Notched flange on the handle helps keep it from rolling off your workspace.
Variation: Each bodkin will differ slightly in overall length and handle shape, reflecting its handmade nature
Why choose this bodkin:
A balanced handle offers tactile feedback and comfortable control during detailed work.
Every piece is unique — small variations mean your tool has its own character and a direct connection to the maker.
Previous Review:
As a basket maker I enjoy using this beautifully designed “Easy grip bodkin” due to the special shape of the handle. The unique grip helps when opening spaces in your work and provides an extra anchor to assist pulling the bodkin out. It is ergonomically designed to fit nicely in your hand, as well as being elegant and super durable. A bodkin is an important tool for willow basketry and I recommend this version for extra hand comfort.
-Sandra
12" diameter heavy-duty soaking bag in a variety of lengths. Reusable and durable. Speeds up winter soaking times and lets you soak indoors without taking over your bathtub. Purchase the size about 1 foot longer than the willow you plan to soak in it.
Ulla Misser’s Book Zarzo, Baskets and Trays
A practical guide for basketmakers of all levels, Zarzo Baskets and Trays by Ulla Misser presents clear instruction, traditional designs, and step by step photography focused on creating elegant, functional baskets and serving trays. Rooted in traditional techniques and adapted for contemporary use, this volume emphasizes clean forms, purposeful structure, and material efficiency—ideal for both handweavers seeking new projects and craft makers refining their skills.
What’s inside
Detailed step-by-step instructions for a variety of basket and tray styles.
Precise material lists and measurements for each project, including reed, willow, and alternative natural fibers.
Clear photographic sequences that demonstrate core techniques such as base construction.
Guidance on selecting and preparing materials, with notes on fiber behavior, tension control, and finishing for durability and everyday use.
Design variations and troubleshooting tips to adapt projects for different sizes, uses, and aesthetic preferences.
Product details
Format: Hardback
Pages: 96
Language: English
Includes: Illustrated step-by-step instructions, pattern measurements, and technique diagrams
Add Baskets and Trays to your collection for clear instruction, dependable patterns, and elegantly simple designs that elevate both craft and function.
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