Willow weaving courses in the UK
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One of Britain's oldest crafts — basket making with willow rods cut from Somerset's wetland fields. Beginner-friendly, meditative, and you leave with something genuinely useful.
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Willow weaving workshops
Beginner basketry days across the UK — all willow provided.
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Willow Plant Climber Weaving Workshop
Weave your own willow plant climber in a relaxed Brighton workshop — a great first taste of basketry that leaves you with a garden-ready structure.
Willow Weaving Courses UK
CraftCourses lists willow weaving workshops from independent makers across the UK — weave baskets, garden structures and decorative pieces.
Browse All Willow & Basketry Courses UK
The full CraftCourses willow and basketry category — basket making, willow sculpture and traditional weaving from UK willow workers.
Basketry Courses on the Somerset Levels
Learn willow basketry at a working willow grower on the Somerset Levels — the heart of British willow country, using willow grown on site.
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Heritage
Somerset — the heart of British basketry
The Somerset Levels have been growing willow for basket making for over 2,000 years. The flat, waterlogged fields produce the most consistent weaving willow in Britain — particularly around Stoke St Gregory, the historic centre of the trade. At its Victorian peak, Somerset supplied willow for everything from fish crates to laundry baskets to champagne cases. Today, a small number of commercial growers sustain the tradition, supplying both professional basket makers and course participants.
P.H. Coate & Son in Stoke St Gregory is the best-known surviving family grower. Somerset Willow operates a visitor centre and runs regular workshops — one of the most authentic willow weaving experiences available in the UK.
What to expect
The six stages of making a basket
Staking up
Inserting upright rods (stakes) into the base to form the frame of the basket walls.
Upsetting
Bending the stakes upright and securing them — this sets the shape and height of the piece.
Weaving (waling)
Working willow rods in and out of the stakes to build up the sides. The most meditative part of the process.
Foot border
A plaited border at the base that holds the stakes and gives the basket its structural integrity.
Top border
The finishing border at the top — multiple styles (3-rod, 4-rod, rolled) give different finishes.
Handle fitting
Inserting a handle bow and wrapping it in willow — the defining detail of a traditional basket.
Browse willow weaving workshops across the UK — all skill levels, materials provided.
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Willow weaving course costs
All willow and materials included. Prices from CraftCourses listings, May 2025.
What you can make
Willow Weaving
FAQs
Everything you need to know before you book.
What is willow weaving?
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Can I grow my own willow for weaving?
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Find a willow weaving workshop
CraftCourses lists willow weaving and basketry workshops from independent makers across the UK.