...Reed is a very common basketry material. It is the inside of the rattan vine, and is very strong, flexible when damp, and inexpensive.

...Cane is the outside skin of the rattan plant. Reed and cane are used extensively and are avialable ready to weave - making them ideal for classes and affordable baskets.

...Honeysuckle, grapevine, and other vines. The vine can be boiled and the bark removed, or left natural.

...Ash, common in New England and certain other areas. The log must be pounded to separate the growth rings so that they can be peeled off and made into splints for weaving.

...White oak, common in the Appalachian mountain region. The log is rived and split, then split again before being separated into growth rings. The inner, or heartwood, is used for handles and rims. This is a heavy, durable wood, that takes on a lovely patina with age.

...Birch bark. Generally, rather than being woven, the bark is stitched together.

...Cattails and other grasses. Usually used as the core material in coiled baskets, these are gathered and dried before use.