Working with Reed

• When purchasing reed, look where the coil begins. If the beginning is thick where the coil is banded, the coil has shorter lengths of reed. If the beginning is smaller, it has longer lengths of reed. This is important when looking for long weaving pieces for lashing.

• For better mileage out of a coil of reed, cut the longest spokes first, then the second longest, and the shortest ones last.

• If you’re home alone and need help in pulling some reed, try closing the ends in a drawer, the oven door or the dishwasher door. (Submitted by Mona Hartzler)

• When weaving with dyed Reed, add some white vinegar to cool water and dip the dyed reed into the water. Do not soak dyed reed. This will help to prevent the bleeding. Wrap dipped reed in an old towel while working on your basket. Before weaving with dyed reed pull it though an old towel to remove any excess dye.

• All Wound Up! - How to Coil Reed (Thanks to Jan Oberlag and Cindy Harris, who learned this technique from Sandy McCormick)

These tips and tricks have been passed from weaver to weaver over the years. MBG does NOT claim originality but provides this form for sharing those deemed beneficial to new and experienced weavers.