Profession basketmaker

Basketmakers use stiff fibres to manually weave objects such as containers, baskets, mats and furniture. They use various traditional techniques and materials according to the region and the intended use of the object.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Wicker materials

    Wicker is woven fiber forming a stiff structure that is used for wicker furniture such as chairs, tables and couches. Various materials can be used for different purposes and aesthetic effects such as willow branches, rattan, cane or bamboo. Sometimes, plastic fibers are used as well.

  • Wicker weaving techniques

    Techniques to weave materials with various degrees of flexibility and thickness, and producing different patterns such as the hole-to-hole chair caning, the press cane webbing or the natural hand-twisted bulrush.

  • Wood cuts

    Different ways of cutting wood, across the grain or parallel with it, and radial or tangential to the core. The behaviour of cuts of wood under different circumstances and the optimal cut for a given purpose. Influence of special attributes of the wood, like knots or defects.

Skills

  • Perform basket weaving

    Intertwine materials with various degrees of flexibility and thickness to produce a basket or a similar form.

  • Check quality of raw materials

    Check the quality of basic materials used for the production of semi-finished and finished goods by assessing some of its characteristics and, if needed, select samples to be analysed.

  • Apply wood finishes

    Use a variety of techniques to finish wood. Paint, varnish and stain wood to improve its function, durability, or appearance.

  • Prepare wicker material for weaving

    Apply preliminary treatment such as soaking to prepare the chosen materials and cut it to the right dimensions by means of drilling, heating, bending or other techniques.

  • Manipulate wicker material

    Manipulate the properties, shape, and size of different sorts of traditional weaving material, such as various plants and wood materials.

  • Use wood carving knives

    Use specialised and custom made knives, gouges, and chisels to carve out and cut objects from wooden or paper surfaces.

  • Maintain edged hand tools

    Identify and repair defects in a hand tool handle or shaft. Ensure the tool is in safe working condition. Identify defective and dull cutting edges in tools and use appropriate equipment to sharpen them. Store tools correctly to maintain condition and usage safety.

Optional knowledge and skills

identify customer's needs pruning types produce customised products pruning techniques store products negotiate supplier arrangements evaluate restoration procedures apply restoration techniques sell products manage supplies sell services design objects to be crafted estimate restoration costs demonstrate products' features operate wood sawing equipment manufacturing of daily use goods pass on trade techniques

Source: Sisyphus ODB