Weaving Simple Baskets {Little House on the Prairie}

One of my favourite things about homeschool is the freedom to slow down and live the lessons instead of rushing through them. During our Little House on the Prairie Unit Study, we wanted to experience pioneer life the way Laura and Mary might have, through hard work, patience, and practical skills. That’s how we found ourselves weaving simple baskets at the kitchen table.

The girls and their Daddy began the laborious process of weaving a basket. We had bought them basket weaving kits when they turned 8, but I had taken one look at the instructions and put the kits away for when they were older. Knowing what the instructions involved, I cajoled Gary into some father and daughter time to avoid having to do it myself! I was so glad it was him and not me.

It is taking a long time to learn, and the girls are only half way through, but that in itself, has been one of the greatest lessons.

Catch Up! If you haven’t read all about our first week on the prairie, I would encourage you to go and read my Little House in the Big woods post. This covers everything we did from making nightdresses, to prairie cooking and making button strings. It also gives you a good idea of everything we achieved with our own little house on the prairie renovations!

Why Basket Weaving Fits a Little House on the Prairie Unit Study

In Little House on the Prairie, daily survival depended on handmade items such as baskets, tools, clothing, and food storage containers were all made by hand. Basket weaving was not a craft done “for fun,” but a necessary life skill.

Adding basket weaving to our Little House on the Prairie Unit Study allowed us to explore:

• Pioneer self-sufficiency
• Fine motor skill development
• Perseverance and patience
• Father-child collaboration
• Historical appreciation through hands-on learning

This is homeschool learning at its best, messy, meaningful, and memorable.

Check out week two! Last week we focused on Farmer Boy. This is the second book in the Little House on the Prairie book set. During the week we did lots of prairie cooking (hasty pudding, making a sour dough starter and some prairie bread) and also made some button lamps, a prairie ladder, and some peg hooks. Gary and the little ones did some gardening in our prairie garden and we tried to make some more of our rag rug.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Weaving Simple Baskets with Kids

These instructions work well for beginner kits or simple reed baskets and are ideal for upper elementary children with adult support.

Materials Needed

• Basket weaving kit (reed, base, stakes, weavers)
• Bowl of warm water (to soak reeds)
• Towel
• Scissors
• Clothespins or clips (optional but helpful)

Instructions

1. Soak the Reeds
   Soak basket reeds in warm water for 5–10 minutes until flexible. Dry hands frequently to prevent slipping.
2. Prepare the Base
   Lay out the basket base and insert the stakes according to kit instructions. This step takes patience and adult help.
3. Begin Weaving
   Using a long reed, weave over and under the stakes, alternating each round. Keep tension even but not tight.
4. Push Rows Down
   After each round, gently push the reeds down toward the base to keep the basket sturdy.
5. Shaping the Basket
   As sides grow, gently bend stakes upward. This is often the hardest part for children.
6. Finishing the Rim
   Once the desired height is reached, trim excess reed and secure or fold over according to instructions.
7. Dry Completely
   Let the basket dry fully before handling, it will firm up as it dries.

Check out week three! Last week we focused on The Little House on the Prairie. This is the third book in the Little House on the Prairie book set. During the week we did some of prairie cooking (soda biscuits) and also made some curtains, hay sticks and a hammock net. Gary and the little ones did some gardening in our prairie garden and we tried to make some more of our rag rug.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

This project has taken far longer than expected. The girls are only halfway through, but they’ve learned that pioneer skills couldn’t be rushed. Watching them struggle, adjust, and persist has been far more valuable than a perfectly finished basket.

And honestly? Seeing Daddy patiently guide them through each step turned this into an unforgettable homeschool memory.

Reflection Questions for Your Homeschool

Use these questions for journaling, discussion, or narration:

1. Why were baskets important to pioneer families?
2. How is weaving a basket different from buying one at a store?
3. What part of basket weaving was the hardest for you?
4. How do you think Laura Ingalls felt learning skills like this?
5. What character traits did you practice while weaving?

Hands-On Extension Activities

Take this lesson even further with these ideas:

• Compare Materials: Examine modern plastic baskets vs. handmade reed baskets.
• Math Connection: Measure reed lengths and calculate basket circumference.
• Nature Study: Identify plants traditionally used for basket weaving.
• Creative Writing: Write a diary entry as a pioneer child learning to weave.
• Art Extension: Paint or decorate the finished basket once dry.
• Chore Connection: Use the basket for gathering toys, laundry, or nature finds.

Final Thoughts on Weaving Simple Baskets in Homeschool

Basket weaving may be slow, challenging, and a little frustrating, but it’s also deeply rewarding. It brings history to life in a way no worksheet ever could. As part of a little house on the prairie unit study, this activity reminds us why we chose homeschool in the first place: to create meaningful learning moments that stick.

By August, the girls had finished their baskets and were so proud!

Even if the basket isn’t perfect, the lesson absolutely is.

 For more activities, just like weaving simple baskets, please do visit my MEGA Little House on the Prairie Unit Study page, which contains all ten weeks of our summer building our own Little House on the Prairie!