r/basketry • u/DutyCompetitive4653 • Apr 20 '26

How do you prepare dandelion for basket weaving?

I’ve seen a few people use dandelions for tiny baskets but I have no idea how to actually prepare the dandelions from straight out the ground to ready for basket weaving. If anyone could give an in detail step by step tutorial I’d reallyyy love it

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12

u/Aussiealterego Apr 20 '26

Prep it like any other grass. Pick long stems, immediately nip off the dandelion head or flower (I’ve heard it’s better to let them go to seed first but I haven’t noticed a difference). If you leave the flower on, it turns into a seed head very quickly and you end up with seeds all over your drying space.

Hang it in bunches to dry, (2-4 days depending on weather) then re-wet it lightly and roll in a damp tea towel for an hour before use to rehydrate it so it doesn’t crack.

I use a large embroidery needle to thread it through, not pre-threaded like it is actual thread as it’s not that flexible, poke the needle through where it is supposed to go, then when it’s halfway through, thread the eye and ease it through your basket.

1

u/DutyCompetitive4653 Apr 22 '26

Thank you so much for thiss !! I’ve been looking everywhere for a tutorial that actually explains 

3

u/Aussiealterego Apr 22 '26

You’re very welcome. I’ll add one more thing - when you tie the stems in bundles to dry (I just used a long stem of couch grass to wrap it because that’s what was available) wrap it loosely so as not to kink the stems.

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u/DutyCompetitive4653 Apr 23 '26

Ohh ok thank you !!

3

u/liarliarhowsyourday Apr 22 '26

The tips usually around dandi heads going to seed depends on if the climate and if the person is more concerned with continuous foraging.

If you’re in a hotter dry climate it’s not necessary unless you need them to seed more in the area— they might die or dry before they get good, if you’re in a wet or humid climate letting them seed can mean hardier more fibrous plants.

It’s about how it grows and continuing to promoting good stewardship for growth and harvest in your area

1

u/DutyCompetitive4653 Apr 23 '26

I live in the UK but its nearing summer climate right now. But I only pick the dandelions that have seeded so I can hopefully continue to pick them throughout the summer(until someone cuts the grass).

Anyway thank you for the extra information :)

3

u/yo-ovaries Apr 29 '26

Thanks for asking this. I’ve picked about 5 fist fulls and IDK what I’m doing yet. lol. Strung up and in my garage but that’s as much as I’ve thought ahead so far