Straight Willow Rods for Weaving and Crafts. Natural Brown, Buff or White Willow. 3 Foot Basketry Willow. 25 x 2'-3' 60-90cm Willow Withies.

*Please note that all willow types in this listing will require soaking and resting before use - more details below*

These are bundles of 25, 50 or 100 rods (withies) measuring approximately 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in length. These are the tips of the willow branches, so are very thin* and are ideal for small craft projects, DIY home, Wedding or Christmas decorations. Good quality willow for weaving or crafts, it can be used to weave the sides of small baskets, but longer, stronger willow would be needed for the main frame of the basket.

*The thickness of the rods, varies slightly but they measure around 4mm at the thickest end, tapering to 1-2mm at the thinner end- please see photos.

This listing is for willow only (soaking instructions will be included) but there are many willow project instructions and tutorials available online.

Choose from the following types of willow

- White willow
- Buff willow
- Black Maul (brown)
- Dicky Meadows (brown)
- Flanders Red (brown)
-Old French (brown)

The colour and appearance of the willow can vary between different batches, especially with Flanders Red and Dicky Meadows, as in the pictures.

You can find more information on the different willow types below.

All willow types will require soaking and resting before they are pliable enough to weave with. This will take a minimum of 12 hours for buff and white willow varieties and up to 6-7 days for the brown willow. You will need to use a willow soaking bag, or a long container to soak your willow. You could use a trough, a length of guttering or a clean water butt.

I also sell willow that has been wrapped into circular bundles, this means it can be soaked in a large bucket or bowl, and is available in lengths up to 5 foot. Please see my other willow bundle listings here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WillowByCarli?section_id=37957308

This bundle is ideal for someone wanting to try out willow weaving or crafts without having to buy a large bundle of willow, or for small willow projects.

The final pictures show some possible craft projects.

If you require a different quantity or are interested in different types or varieties of willow please send me a message.

I try to re-use packaging and use recyclable packaging where possible.

Different Willow types

Buff Willow-
These are the smooth, golden coloured rods, you often see in wicker baskets. They are ideal for beginners, as they are quicker to soak and easy to work with. Buff willow has been stripped of its bark, which means it has a shorter soaking time, but also dries out more quickly. Buff willow can be dried and then re-soaked if needed.

White Willow-
White willow is willow that has the bark removed in the spring, as it is starting to grow. This leaves the rods a much paler colour, although they are ‘off-white‘ rather than a brilliant white. White and buff willow will need to be soaked for around 1.5 hours then left to mellow overnight.

Black Maul (Brown)-
This is willow with the bark still on. The soaking time for this willow is usually 3 days, then a day to mellow, so 4 days in total. Black Maul is easy to work with, so ideal for beginners. It is best to use the willow within a few days of soaking as brown willow doesn‘t usually work as well if it is left to dry and them re-soaked.

Dicky Meadows (brown)
Willow with the bark on, a lighter and greener shade than Black Maul, although it does darken once soaked. The rods are thinner than Black Maul. This willow requires a longer soaking time of around 6 days, then a day to mellow, so 7 days in total. Dark or black patches can appear along the rods as they are soaked. As with other types of brown willow, it doesn‘t take well to re-soaking.

Old French (brown)
The bark on this willow is a light brown colour. It will need to be soaked for around 3 days and then rested overnight. It is lighter in colour, but a similar thickness to Black Maul.