Coiled Basket Weaving Workshop for Beginners

What you'll learn

Learn the timeless art of basketry with our weaving short courses in Sydney!

Slow down, work with your hands, and discover the calming art of coiled basket weaving in this mindful and creative beginners workshop.

Used by cultures around the world for generations, coil weaving is an ancient basketry technique that transforms simple natural fibres into beautiful and functional handmade objects. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to shape, stitch, and build your own coiled basket while exploring sustainable making practices and the tactile pleasure of working with fibre and yarn.

Guided step-by-step by your experienced tutor, you’ll explore foundational basketry techniques including how to begin a basket, add and change materials, create structure and walls, and finish your piece neatly. Using raffia, yarn, and natural materials, you’ll create either a small completed basket or begin a larger sculptural vessel to continue at home.

Relaxing, creative, and deeply rewarding, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to unplug from screens, slow your pace, and reconnect with traditional handcraft practices in a warm and supportive environment.

Whether you’re completely new to weaving or simply curious to try a new tactile craft, this workshop is a welcoming introduction to the world of coiled basketry.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Coiled Basket Weaving workshop, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

Understanding sustainable basket-making practices
Identifying basketry materials and where to source them
Beginning, shaping, and finishing a coiled basket
Adding and changing materials during the weaving process
Developing foundational coiled basketry techniques for future projects
Exploring online resources and inspiration for basket weaving

Course content

What will be covered in this Coiled Basket Weaving workshop?

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

Introduction to coiled basket weaving techniques
Understanding basketry materials and sustainable making practices
Learning how to begin and shape a coiled basket
Adding and changing weaving materials
Developing structure and creating walls within a woven form
Finishing techniques for woven baskets and vessels
Exploring online basket-making resources and inspiration

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Coiled Basket Weaving workshop for?

This workshop is ideal for complete beginners and anyone interested in basketry, weaving, sustainable craft, mindful making, or learning a new hands-on creative skill.

No prior weaving experience is required.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class:

Scissors
Chenille needle size 18/22 or a needle with a large eye and sharp point
50g raffia
A ball of 4, 5 or 8 ply yarn (you may like to bring multiple colours for a multi-coloured basket)

Discounts for Sydney Community College students are available with the following retailers:

Art On King, Newtown - 10% discount
Eckersley's Art & Craft, York Street - 10% discount

Course testimonials

Helen said: There is nothing like turning up to a workshop with no knowledge and experience and ending the morning with a new skill for a lifetime (and the beginnings of a nice little basket)
Ann-Margret said: Gave me what I wanted which were the basics of coil basket weaving. The tutorial was lovely with very inspiring work
Monique said: I have wanted to do this for so long, so excited to finish off my basket :)
Sue said: Student gave 5 stars
Fiona said: The teacher was very informative and helpful.

Course tutors

Judith Macrae

Judith Macrae is a visual artist, textile maker, and experienced arts facilitator with a Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) from the National Art School in Sydney. Her contemporary art practice...

View Judith Macrae's profile

Classes Online Courses

Coiled Basket Weaving Workshop for Beginners

Sat 13 Jun 2026

1 session, 3.5 hours total

9:30am - 1pm (UTC+10:00)

2A Gordon St, Rozelle

Judith Macrae

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 13 Jun 2026	9:30am - 1pm	C1-2: Training Room - 2A Gordon St, Rozelle

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Coiled Basket Weaving Workshop for Beginners