Collapsible Basket Patterns: How to Make Over 100 Designs with Your Scrollsaw or Bandsaw
What are collapsible basket patterns and why you need them
If you love woodworking and crafting, you might have heard of collapsible basket patterns. These are patterns that allow you to create beautiful and functional baskets with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw. The baskets are made from a single piece of wood that is cut into a spiral shape. When you pull up on the center of the spiral, the wood expands into a basket shape. When you push down on the center of the spiral, the wood collapses into a flat piece that is easy to store.
Collapsible Basket Patterns Over 100 Designs for The Scrollsaw.rar
Collapsible basket patterns are not only fun and easy to make, but they also have many benefits. Here are some of them:
They save space. You can fold and stack your collapsible baskets when not in use and save valuable space in your home or workshop.
They enhance decor. You can choose from hundreds of designs and styles for your collapsible baskets and match them with your existing decor. You can also customize and decorate your baskets with paint, stain, carving, or burning.
They make unique gifts. You can surprise your friends and family with your handmade collapsible baskets that are both practical and beautiful. You can also personalize your baskets with names, initials, or messages.
How to choose the best collapsible basket patterns for your project
Before you start making your collapsible basket, you need to choose a pattern that suits your project. There are many factors that affect your choice of pattern, such as:
The size of the basket. You need to consider how big you want your basket to be when expanded and when collapsed. The size of the basket depends on the size of the wood and the width of the spiral. The larger the wood and the wider the spiral, the larger the basket.
The shape of the basket. You need to consider what shape you want your basket to have when expanded. The shape of the basket depends on the shape of the wood and the angle of the spiral. The more circular the wood and the more vertical the spiral, the more round the basket. The more oval or rectangular the wood and the more horizontal the spiral, the more oval or rectangular the basket.
The design of the pattern. You need to consider what design you want your basket to have when expanded. The design of the pattern depends on the number, shape, and position of the cuts in the spiral. The more cuts and curves in the spiral, the more intricate and detailed the pattern.
The difficulty level of the pattern. You need to consider how skilled and experienced you are with using a scrollsaw or a bandsaw. The difficulty level of the pattern depends on the complexity and precision of the cuts in the spiral. The more complex and precise the cuts, the more challenging and time-consuming the pattern.
If you are looking for inspiration for your collapsible basket patterns, you can find many sources online and offline, such as:
Books. You can find books that contain over 100 designs for collapsible baskets for both scrollsaw and bandsaw, such as Collapsible Basket Patterns: Over 100 Designs for The Scrollsaw by Rick Longabaugh and Karen Longabaugh.
Websites. You can find websites that offer free and paid patterns for collapsible baskets for both scrollsaw and bandsaw, such as Scrollsaw.com and Scrollsawer.com.
YouTube videos. You can find videos that show you how to make collapsible baskets with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw, such as How to make a Collapsible Wooden Basket / Bowl with a Scroll Saw - Woodworking by Fabian's Tiny Workshop.
Magazines. You can find magazines that feature articles and tutorials on making collapsible baskets with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw, such as Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts and Woodcraft Magazine.
How to make a collapsible basket with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw
Once you have chosen your pattern, you are ready to make your collapsible basket with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw. Here are the materials and tools you need:
Wood. You need a piece of inch hardwood that is large enough for your pattern. You can use any type of hardwood, such as maple, walnut, cherry, oak, or mahogany.
Pattern. You need a printed copy of your pattern that fits on your wood. You can either use a ready-made pattern or create your own with a software program.
Tape. You need clear packing tape to attach your pattern to your wood and to lubricate your blade.
Blade. You need a scrollsaw or a bandsaw blade that is suitable for cutting hardwood. You can use either a standard or a spiral blade, depending on your preference.
Drill. You need a drill with a bit that matches the size of your blade to make a starter hole in your wood.
Sandpaper. You need sandpaper with different grits to smooth out any rough edges on your wood.
Finish. You need a finish of your choice to protect and enhance your wood, such as oil, wax, lacquer, or polyurethane.
Here are the steps to make your collapsible basket with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw:
Cut out your pattern and tape it to your wood. Make sure it is centered and aligned properly.
Drill a starter hole near the center of your pattern. Make sure it is large enough for your blade to fit through.
Insert your blade through the starter hole and secure it to your scrollsaw or bandsaw.
Cut along the lines of your pattern following the direction of the spiral. Make sure you cut slowly and carefully without forcing or twisting your blade.
Remove your blade from your wood and peel off your pattern and tape.
Sand any rough edges on your wood with sandpaper starting from the lowest grit to the highest grit until you achieve a smooth surface.
Apply your finish of choice to your wood following the manufacturer's instructions. Let it dry and cure completely before using your basket.
How to customize and decorate your collapsible basket
If you want to make your collapsible basket more unique and attractive, you can customize and decorate it with some simple techniques. Here are some tips and tricks on how to do that:
Add handles. You can add handles to your basket by drilling holes on the opposite sides of the wood and inserting dowels, leather straps, rope, or metal rods. You can also glue or nail wooden knobs, buttons, or beads to the wood.
Paint. You can paint your basket with acrylic paint or spray paint in any color or pattern you like. You can also use stencils, stamps, or stickers to create designs on your basket.
Stain. You can stain your basket with wood stain or gel stain in any shade you prefer. You can also use different colors of stain to create contrast or gradient effects on your basket.
Carve. You can carve your basket with a carving knife or a rotary tool to create shapes, patterns, or textures on your wood. You can also use a wood burning tool to create designs on your basket.
Here are some examples of customized and decorated collapsible baskets to inspire you:
Example Description --- ---  A round collapsible basket with a carved flower design on the wood  An oval collapsible basket with a painted blue and white striped pattern on the wood  A rectangular collapsible basket with a stained dark brown color and metal handles on the wood How to care for and store your collapsible basket
After you have made your collapsible basket, you need to care for and store it properly to ensure its durability and beauty. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Maintenance. You need to clean and dust your basket regularly with a soft cloth or a brush. You can also wipe it with a damp cloth if it gets dirty or stained. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that might damage your wood or finish.
Storage. You need to store your basket in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture that might warp or crack your wood. You can either fold and stack your basket flat or hang it on a wall or a hook when not in use.
Conclusion
Collapsible basket patterns are a great way to create beautiful and functional baskets with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw. They are easy to make, save space, enhance decor, and make unique gifts. You can choose from hundreds of designs and styles for your collapsible baskets and customize and decorate them as you wish. You can also care for and store your baskets properly to keep them in good shape for years.
If you are looking for a fun and rewarding woodworking project, why not try making your own collapsible basket with a scrollsaw or a bandsaw? You will be amazed by the results and enjoy using your basket for various purposes. You can also share your experience and results with us by leaving a comment below or sending us an email. We would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about collapsible basket patterns:
What is the difference between a scrollsaw and a bandsaw?A scrollsaw is a small electric saw that has a thin, reciprocating blade that can cut intricate curves and shapes on thin wood. A bandsaw is a larger electric saw that has a continuous, looped blade that can cut straight or curved lines on thick wood.
What type of wood is best for making collapsible baskets?The best type of wood for making collapsible baskets is hardwood, such as maple, walnut, cherry, oak, or mahogany. Hardwood is strong, durable, and resistant to splitting or cracking. Avoid using softwood, such as pine, fir, or cedar, as they are prone to breaking or splintering.
How long does it take to make a collapsible basket?The time it takes to make a collapsible basket depends on the size, shape, design, and difficulty level of the pattern, as well as your skill and experience with using a scrollsaw or a bandsaw. Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to make a collapsible basket.
How much does it cost to make a collapsible basket?The cost of making a collapsible basket depends on the materials and tools you use, as well as the source of your pattern. Generally, it can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 to make a collapsible basket.
Where can I buy collapsible basket patterns?You can buy collapsible basket patterns online or offline from various sources, such as books, websites, YouTube videos, and magazines. You can also create your own patterns with a software program or by drawing them by hand.
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