Threads 41: Willow table mats or table trivets

In Threads 40 we described how to make soap trivets. This issue of Threads has another very useful basketry item, table mats or table trivets, based on a similar technique but much larger. There are so many different materials and techniques to choose between, so today I will choose willow.

Prepare the willow by soaking and wrapping. Preferably use willow that is not fresh as freshly gathered willow will shrink as it dries and the weaving will loosen.

Tension mat or trivet 

White willow is very attractive, and large mats are made of white willow for cheese trays in France. The simplest technique is to make a tension mat. See the photo for two examples

Choose a long fine willow rod, bend it over your knee to help gently make a circle. It needs to be sufficiently long to wrap around itself and hold a tight circle.

Prepare two strong stakes 1 1/2 times the width of the circle, and a great many short finer pieces for weavers. Their length varies. The center ones are the longest and need to be a bit longer than the diameter of the circle. The length of adjacent weavers is progressive shorter away from the center.

The technique is similar to that used to make a soap trivet as described in Threads 40. Check that issue for detailed instructions for weaving a soap tray.

These mats can also be made of grapevine or other suitable shrub materials.

Below are pictures of a white willow cheese tray and a willow soap tray. Now you know how to make them!