Finishing the top edge of a kete
14 January 2008
The top edge of a kete can be finished in many different ways and the one you choose will depend on the look you’d like for your kete. In this little kete I wanted undyed variegated flax to be the main feature, and this already made the design a bit busy, so I used a simple straight edge on the top. (Incidentally, although the colour of variegated flax will fade, the variations in tone will still be visible when it is faded).
Whether the kete is finished with a simple straight edge or in a more complicated way, it always looks best if it is finished neatly and evenly. This method, demonstrated by Cath Brown in a video I watched recently, gives a finish that looks both professional and attractive, as well as keeping the pattern of the weave intact, so I thought it was worth reproducing.
(In case you’re interested, the flax I used in the instruction photos was dyed, while still green, with Rit Rose Pink dye. I mixed 50 millilitres of dye solution into 0.75 litres of boiling water and immersed 75 grams of flax, or 8 strips at 0.8 centimetres wide, in the dye bath for about 5 minutes.)
Weave the kete to the height you want it. Start the straight edge by folding one of the top strips that is pointing up to the right, back on itself, so that it is lying pointing downwards to the left. Miss one strip along the top edge and take the next strip pointing up to the right, pull it out from underneath the strip it is lying under and fold it back down across the same strip that the first one is folded down on. The strip that is pointing up to the left is now lying alongside the fold of the second strip that was folded back, over the strip that was missed and alongside the fold of the first strip that was folded back.
Bring the first strip, that was folded back, forward again and then bend it downwards at an angle to the right so that it lies over the top of the strip pointing up to the left. Bring the second strip, that was folded back, up again to lock this strip in place. You will repeat this set of steps right around the top.
Start the next set of steps by folding back the next top strip, and the third one along, as in the first step. Continue with the rest of the steps. Then repeat this set of steps until you come back to the beginning. The first part of the straight edge is now finished. The strips you have folded down have formed a straight edge around the kete and there will be strips pointing up to the left all the way around.
The strips lying up to the left now need to be woven back down into the body of the kete. Take one of these strips and fold it down to the left, over the fold of the strip in front of it, and then thread it underneath the strip next to this one. Thread the strip down one more time through the next available strip. Complete this all the way around the top of the kete. Finish by simply cutting the ends off, or embellish the kete by fringing the ends or plaiting them around the kete.
If you’re interested in watching this video featuring the late Cath Brown, it is available through NZ libraries - 746.41 NZ RAR. It was made in the 1990s as a teaching resource for students at the Christchurch Teachers College. As well as providing a glimpse of how a very experienced weaver works with flax, including using her feet and toes to hold the flax in place, the video also shows Cath weaving a floor mat and a basket in a Pacific Island style.
January 30th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Hi Ali, I have left you something on my blog:
http://weavingspirit.blogspot.com
Go over and take a look
January 31st, 2008 at 5:44 am
Hi. I followed a link from Weaving Spirit to visit your blog. Your work is amazing. I’ve always admired basket weaving, but am not sure I’d have the patience. My floor loom requires all I’ve got as it is.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Hi,
We would like to get the instructions on how to make a simple kete, please
Can you help us?
February 21st, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Hi Kaye
The book “Maori Weaving” by Erenora Puketapu-Hetet, that I’ve reviewed on the Reviews page of my website, has instructions for making a simple kete. Your local library should have a copy for you to borrow. Good luck with the weaving!
Ali
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:53 pm
hi can u please post how to weave a basic matt
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:24 am
Hi Ali,
Its me again! I just wanted to email you and
say thanks again for taking time out of your busy
schedule by sending me step by step instructions on making different putiputi, two cornered kete and a basket. Because of you I have enrolled in a
2-3 year course at Te Wananga o Aotearoa (Weaving)
for next year. I thoroughly enjoy weaving and every now and again check your website for further
instructions.
Question on dyeing?
Do I dye the strips straight away while green if I
wanted to make a kete or do you dry slightly so
the colour will penetrate better?
Also to stop any gaps when the flax dries do I only use the back of the knife a few times? Maybe
I am doing it too many time so it curls slightly?
August 2nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Hi Moana
It’s very nice to hear from you. I’m so pleased you’ve carried on with your weaving and have enrolled to learn further.
As far as the dyeing is concerned, you’ll get a truer colour if you boil the flax first and then dye it, or if you boil it, dry it and let it bleach in the sun and then dye it. The final dye colour is usually not fully evident until the flax is completely dry, which can take several days.
There are several things that can affect whether you get gaps in the weaving or not. It is better to scrape the flax quite a lot to soften it and remove some of the moisture and it will be curled once you’ve scraped it. The removal of moisture is one thing that will help to prevent gaps.
If you use the flax when it’s just picked, especially in the winter time, or quite damp from dyeing, it will still have quite a high moisture content and so will shrink more as it dries. I often scrape the strips and then leave them for an hour or two to dry a bit before I weave with them, which also helps to keep get rid of some moisture.
Finally, make sure that when you’re weaving (using the weaving technique I included in the instructions for the two-cornered kete) you keep a bit of a tension on the strips as you weave them. By that I mean that as you do the weaving steps, pull the strips up to tighten them, and make sure they are sitting at a forty-five degree angle. This keeps the tension tight and will give your kete a good even shape.
Best wishes with your weaving and do keep in touch. I’d be interested to hear how you’re going.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I would like instructions for the double lock off. can you please send them to me. What a lovely website you have. thanks very much, I am a recently hooked weaver!!!
August 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Hi Saskia
Thanks very much for your comments about the web site. You’ll find instructions for the double lock on pages 72 to 73 of Mick Pendergrast’s book, “Te Mahi Kete”. This book is in local libraries or you can purchase it from Amazon or Collectiblebooks.
August 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
hey can u teell me the steps to making a kete
August 29th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Hi Shannelle
You can find instructions for making a simple two-cornered kete in the book “Maori weaving” by Erenora Puketapu-Hetet that I mention on the Reviews page of my web site. The book is available from local libraries.
August 30th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Hi I often come for a browse on your site. I find it great. I was wondering if you could help me. A while ago I was at a workshop in Mangawhai and while I was busy getting my head and hands around weaving a hat some of the others built a large basket using the complete flax blade plus butt. I wonder if you could help me find out how this was done. The tutor was Debbie Stone
September 1st, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Hi Carol
Although I do show people how to make this sort of container in my workshops, I don’t have any written instructions for it as yet. I suggest you contact the tutor of your workshop and see if she does. Good luck!
September 11th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Hi Ali,
I was really happy to find your site. I’ve been weaving for a number of years but only learnt the basic kete. I would like to know if you are aware of anyone in South Auckland that holds workshops etc so I can expand on my knowledge to learn kete whakairo, whiri-top backpacks, and some better ways of doing handles etc.
Many thanks
Zara*
September 21st, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Hi Zara
No, sorry, I’m not aware of anyone in your area. I suggest you contact Toi Maori Aotearoa and see if they know of anyone who can help you.
October 7th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Kia ora! I just want to let Zara know that there is help available in South Auckland. Google TWOA, Te Waananga o Aotearoa and check out their subjects. I am at the end of year 1 of a 3 year course, Toi Paematua Raranga at Level 4 and it has been great. I hope you would be learning in the same whanau environment as I do also as it is really special. We started from the basic toys and ornaments, flat kete and rourou, kai kete, four corner kete, taaniko, flat-base kete to pikau - back pack. Along the way we learned the culture and traditions associated with harakeke. At the end of 3 years we will have a diploma. You can continue on to higher goals from here. Next year is even better. Also, thank you Ali for your site which is so helpful. There is always something to learn with weaving. Arohanui, Anita.
November 1st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Thanks for your useful information Anita. It sounds as if you are really enjoying your course.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Hello are you able to tell me how to make a loose weave flax rose please?
November 18th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I am learning to make kete whakairo with the hope of eventually learning whariki,however I find the joining at the bottom difficult, do you have instructions for this please?
November 28th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Hi Narn
Sorry but I don’t have any written instructions for this. The join does depend on how you are weaving the kete too. I start a kete whakairo with a plait at the bottom and so don’t join it at the bottom after weaving it. There are instructions in Mick Pendergrast’s book ‘Maori Fibre Techniques’ on my Reviews page for joining a whariki but it is different from the way I would join a kete at the bottom.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Ali, how do you souce Rit dye here in New Zealand. Is there someone who will sell it on.
Lee
November 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Hi Lee
You can buy Rit dyes online from Wainhouse Distribition Ltd. They are the the sole New Zealand agent for importing the range and can supply to any interested parties in New Zealand.
November 30th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Hi again Ali
Thanks for the response, I do enjoy comments from you and anyone else who has helpful hints!
December 16th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Hi Ali
What a great site, Can you advise where I could get instructions on making the rose please.
Many thanks
Ellen
January 1st, 2009 at 11:01 am
Hi Ali
What a great site, Can you advise where I could get instructions on making the rose please.
Many thanks
Ellen
January 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Hi Ali, just made my first putiputi ever, much easier than what I thought because of your clear explanations, thanks.
I had been given one and always wanted to do some flax weaving, so this present was the trigger and I was told that you always offer your first work or putiputi as a gift. Is this custon right, I have not seen that on your website.
About dyeing, any information about using natural dyes please? Thanks for this great inspiration, to morrow I will try smthg else. Corinne
January 4th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Hi Corinne
I’m glad you found the instructions were clear to follow. Thanks for letting me know.
Yes it is part of custom to offer your first piece of weaving as a gift. You’ll see information on this and other Māori customs associated with weaving flax on the Gathering flax page on this web site.
January 6th, 2009 at 8:59 am
can someone tell me how to start the brim on a flax hat once the top part is complete?
January 6th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Hi Sean
To make the brim for a hat, you need to add extra strips all the way around so that the weaving can be pulled out into the brim shape. There are instructions for making a hat in Mick Pendergrast’s book, Te Mahi Kete, which I’ve mentioned on the Reviews page of this web site.
January 6th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Thanks Ali. I have seen the book a couple of years ago but never took any notice of hat making. Now of course I don’t have the book and the Nelson library doesn’t have a copy. Guess it’s time to experiment. Could be an original.
Thanks Sean
January 6th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Yes, I find experimenting great fun and a good way to learn. If you add in about a quarter more strips of the total number of strips you used for the crown of the hat, you should get enough for the brim. Send me a photo when it’s finished - I’d love to see it.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Hi Ali
The kete edge you show on your website, is this done inside out and then turned outside. Just wanted to know.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Hi Jan
The edge on the kete on this page is done on the outside. It makes a very tidy edge, doesn’t it?
February 16th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Hi Ali
I am very keen to learn flax weaving and was wondering if you will be holding any workshops in nelson in the near future?
Thanks
Sara
February 17th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Hi Sara
I’m not holding workshops in Nelson but Maureen Harte does offer workshops in Golden Bay.
March 7th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Hi my name Te Aroha i want to learn how to start at the begining how to make a kete can you be of help thank you
P.S you have a great website keep up the good work Te Aroha
March 11th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Hi Te Aroha
I currently don’t have any written instructions on starting a kete but you can find some instructions in the book Maori Weaving by Erenora Puketapu-Hetet which I mention on my Reviews page. Your local library should have a copy of it. I hope this helps you to get started.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Hi Ali I have been reading all the tips, I have been weaving for awhile but arthritis has seeped into the ole bones and now i just do a few puti puti.
Hi Ali what a wonderful site you have.I just kinda stumbled onto it tonight, and I am blown away by everything, and all the comments everyone has said and asked.I would love to be added to your site.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Hi Pat
I’ll add you to my email list so that you know when a new blog post is up. It’s good to be able to still do a few putiputi isn’t it? They do make great gifts and people always seem to enjoy them.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am
thank you for your advice with the questions. has helped me with my weaving…
May 12th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Hi Ali
Your website is excellent and helpful, especially for first time weavers like myself. I did have problems with my flax curling after boiling and understand all is not lost, once Id read some of your comments. Im not to worried about gaps or my tension as Im concentrating on understanding the flat bottom & 4 corner kete first. Mauri Ora Rosana
June 4th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Hi Rosana
Thanks for your comments. It’s good to hear that you’ve read some useful comments on my web site.
July 25th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Can anyone tell me how to makeflax roses the differant types I can do the woven one but would like to know more I am in Australia these things are not available Instructions I mean can you help? Thankyou.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Kia ora!
First of all, I think this website is awesome!!
Thanks heaps for all your recommendations regarding books that will help out..
I was just wondering, when we boil the harakeke, is it best to do it outside?
I noticed in your picture next to the description that it was done outside?
Thanks heaps
Jess
August 31st, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Hi Jess
It’s fine to boil the flax inside or outside. It doesn’t matter which.
Ali
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Kia Ora Ali,
Wonderful website, so great to see your sharing your gift and your respect for the tikanga involved in weaving.
I was wondering if you know of any workshops or people teaching the art in the Thames, Coromandel area?
I did a workshop during Maori Arts week in Thames, which has me hooked and would love to learn more.
Na,
Ngakeiha
September 22nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Kia ora Ngakeiha
I have information about Courses and Tutors on the Links page of this web site. You may find a course there that suits you.
* If anyone knows of any other courses, please let us know.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Hi,
I’m interested in learning how to weave a kete but, alas, I live halfway around the world, in Canada. Flax does not grow here and I have been trying to find something that will work in the same way. If a kete weaver travels to this part of the world, I’d be glad to meet them. I’ve tried to learn from a book but that doesn’t quite work for me. Merci.
November 30th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hi, I am wanting to do the patikitiki pattern on a flat bottom kete. i have dyed 36 whenu and boiled 36 whenu, counted the pattern is 9 so it will add up, then just noticed the layout says “dextrals wwbwbwbwb sinistrals ditto” does this mean the sinistrals will also be wwbwbwbwb? or the opposite bbwbwbwbw? i am not going to have enough white. and also would the pattern even come out properly on a flatbottom kete?
December 1st, 2009 at 7:38 am
Hi Lisa
It’s a bit confusing, isn’t it? I’m not an expert in kete whakairo, but from my experience, the sinistrals will be placed in the opposite order i.e. bbwbwbwbw. This makes sense as, when you look at the pattern, there are equal numbers of back and white. As far as the pattern coming out properly on a flat-bottomed kete, it will depend on your method of construction. If you are laying the strips into a plait and then making four corners I think you may find the pattern is affected.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Hi Ali, l love your website and reading all the interesting topics other weavers send in.
l’d just like to know if you use plain salt when you are using Rit dye and also Teri dyes. l had an unusual result when l recently used the Teri black dye, I dyed some nylon rope with the black and added plain salt to the hot mix, and it turned the rope a very interesting.bronzy black colour, all l could think of was ,maybe l added too much salt?
January 16th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Hi Keeti
I don’t use any salt at all when I dye flax, although I know some people do. I’ve tested dyeing flax with and without salt but couldn’t see any difference between the samples so decided not to use it. I’d suggest that your result with using Teri dye on nylon rope is because Teri dye is formulated especially for flax, which is a natural cellulose material. As nylon is synthetic, it may take up the dye differently. It’s always fun doing dyeing, isn’t it, when you get results that you weren’t expecting.