Which Willow is best for weaving?
- Salix triandra, also known as almond willow or almond-leaved willow.
- Salix viminalis, often known as common willow.
- Salix purpurea, a popular willow known by a number of alternate names, including purple osier willow and blue arctic willow.
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Accordingly, can you use weeping willow for weaving?
No. Many of the varieties are used across the world for weaving but the most common used for basketry and sculptures are Salix purpurea, Salix viminalis and Salix triandra.
Additionally, how long soak willow branches? The rule of thumb is you need to soak your willow a day per foot. A3 ft bundle will be in the water, fully submerged, for 3 days, a 5 ft bundle for 5 days etc. Any barrel, bath, stream, pond will do as long as the willow is fully submerged in the water. The soaking times will vary by varieties and time of year.
In this way, how do you harvest willow for weaving?
Always use clean, sharp pruning shears when harvesting willow rods. Cut the rod at the base of each rod, without cutting into the hard willow stool. Gather the willow rods and bundle them with the cut end together. Allow willow rods to dry before weaving them into a basket.
Can you over soak Willow?
If you are in a hurry you could try soaking in hot water to shorten the soaking time. You could soak the willow in a soaking bag, in the bath or in an outdoor pond or pool. You will have to weigh down the willow to keep it submerged.
Soaking times for buff willow.
Length | Soaking Time |
---|---|
7ft | 2-2½ hrs |
8ft | 3 hrs |
9ft | 3½ hrs |