Two empty woven baskets with wooden handles sit on the grass among white wildflowers in a field. The sun casts a warm glow on the scene, highlighting the intricate patterns of the baskets.
Experience / Events / Crafting the Knutkorg “Knot Basket”

Crafting the Knutkorg “Knot Basket”

This class runs Saturday and Sunday, September 6-7, from 9 am-5 pm both days and six Tuesday evenings, September 9-October 14, from 6-9 pm each week.

Unravel the knutkorg or Scandinavian knot basket in this multi-week course. Originating in Hedesunda, Sweden, near Gävle, the Telemark region, and the west coast of Norway, these baskets feature a bent willow frame with carved “knot” corners and woven splint sides to create a charming square basket. Students start by examining baskets made or collected by instructors Fred Livesay and Phil Moody before making their own 10” x 10” x 6” basket. Over the first weekend, students will lay out and construct their willow frames. Students will return over six following Tuesday evening sessions to prepare the corner, upright, and weaver sections and assemble their baskets.

Prerequisites:

Physical ability: Good hand strength and dexterity are required to complete this project (e.g. opening a sealed jar).

Skill level: This project is suitable for intermediate-advanced green wood carvers (e.g. who have previously carved six or more spoons or other green wood items with curves) who want to explore making a basket using common wood carving techniques.

Ages: Suitable for ages 18+. Students should bring a Mora 106 or 120 carving knife (or similar) and any note taking materials.

Tools & Materials:

A $80 materials fee is payable to the instructors in class and covers all other tool use and materials. Students are welcome to bring a light dinner or snacks to the Tuesday evening sessions if needed and can eat during class.