Pine trees are abundant in North America and the sturdy needles from these trees have been used for centuries. Pine trees shed their needles each year providing crafters with a plentiful supply for making baskets and containers.
Which pine needles make the best subjects for coiling? When's the best time to gather needles? How should the needles be stored and how are pine needles softened prior to use?
Selecting Pine Needles
Trees considered ideal are Ponderosa Pine, Southern Pine and Long Needle Pine, among others. Some trees produce pine needles that grow to an impressive 12" or longer!
Ideally, pine needles should be about 5-8" long. Smaller needles from other pine tree varieties may still be used, however.
When and Where to Gather Pine Needles
Pine needles should be gathered in the fall, when the trees have shed their needles. The best needles are found in undisturbed areas or under trees.
If gathering pine needles in a public park, ensure that needles are not on or near walkways. Needles from these areas may have been stepped on and broken.
Needles can be gathered while still green, or brown needles can be removed from stems and branches. It is preferable to collect a generous supply of needles to allow for discards (needles that are broken, are too small, are missing one needle or are simply too fragile).
Cleaning, Drying and Storing Pine Needles
Pine needles should be placed in warm water and the water swirled to remove any dirt and debris. Rinse needles a couple of times until water runs clear.
Some basket makers soak their pine needles in warm soapy water to further clean them or add bleach to counter black spots. (If bleach has been used, make sure that needles are rinsed well, prior to handling them).
Needles can be laid out on a towel to air-dry. Sun-dry needles for a bleached look; shade-dry needles to retain greenish color.
Dried needles can be stored flat a rectangular container. Alternatively, needles can be tied in bundles.
Softening Pine Needles
Pine needles should be softened prior to use to avoid needle breakage when coiling them in basket making. This can be done by soaking the needles in warm water in an ice cream bucket for 20-30 minutes. (Pine needles may be left in water for a day or two but avoid leaving needles in water for long spells to guard against breakdown of needles.)
Once a supply of pine needles has been gathered, cleaned and stored, they are suitable for use in pine needle basketry. Beautiful containers can be created using natural materials.
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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