Grade 6 Art And Craft Indigineous Kenyan Crafts – Basketry:Coil And Stitch Technique Notes

Basketry: Coil and Stitch Technique

Topic: Indigenous Kenyan Crafts — Subject: Art and Craft
Age group: 11 years

1. What is coil and stitch basketry?

Coil and stitch is a way of making baskets by coiling a long bundle of material into circles and sewing (stitching) the coil to the one before it. This makes a strong basket that can be flat like a mat or tall like a bowl.

2. Why this matters in Kenya

Many Kenyan communities have rich basketry traditions. Materials like sisal, grasses and palm leaves are used to make everyday baskets. Making baskets is part of culture, helps the environment when natural fibers are used, and can earn money for families.

3. Materials and tools (simple and local)

• Sisal, dried grasses or palm strips (local plant fibers)
• Raffia or banana fiber
• Thinner stitching cord (strong thread, thin raffia or sisal twine)
• Scissors
• Needle for basketry (a large, blunt needle) or a blunt awl (optional)
• Water spray bottle (to soften stiff fibers)

4. Easy words to know

• Coil — the long bundle you make into a circle (like a rope rolled up)
• Stitch — sewing the coil to the previous coil so it stays together
• Core — the inner part of the coil (the thick bundle)

5. Step-by-step: Make a small coaster (practice project)

Time: 30–60 minutes   Difficulty: Easy

1. Prepare a coil: take a bundle of sisal or rolled raffia about 1 cm thick. Tie one end so it does not fray.
2. Start the center: make a small loop (like a coin-sized circle) and hold it flat on a table.
3. Place the coil next to the loop and begin sewing: thread your needle with stitching cord. Put the needle under the coil and through the loop, pull tight to join them.
4. Continue coiling: lay the coil around the first circle, always sewing the coil to the previous round about every 1–2 cm.
5. Keep shape flat: press with your palm as you go so the coaster stays flat. Add more coil after each round.
6. Finish: when the coaster is the size you want, tuck the loose end under some stitches and trim extra fiber. Tie a small knot inside the coaster if possible.

6. Tips for success

• Keep stitches even — they make the coil strong and neat.
• If fibers are stiff, spray a little water to make them bend easily.
• Work slowly and count stitches if you want patterns.
• Ask an adult to help with sharp tools (scissors or awl).

7. Safety

• Always use scissors safely and cut away from your body.
• Ask for help when using needles or awls.
• Keep fibers and small tools away from very young children.

8. Care and use of the basket/coaster

Keep baskets dry and clean. If they get dusty, wipe with a dry cloth. Sun can fade natural colors, so store inside when not in use. Small coasters are great for cups; bigger baskets can carry light items.

9. Simple fun activity (classroom idea)

Make a class gallery: each student makes a small coaster, decorates the edge with colored raffia, and writes one sentence about where basketry is used in Kenya. Display them together.

10. Questions to think about

• What plant fibers grow near you that could be used for basketry?
• Why are baskets important in daily life and culture?
• How would you design a pattern for a basket rim?