Basketry
Merit Badge

Scouting America Merit Badge Hub

Scouting America
Merit Badge Hub

Basketry Merit Badge Overview

Basketry is a handy skill for a Scout. A basket can be a sturdy companion on campouts, carrying clothes snugly and efficiently, holding potatoes and corn for roasting over a campfire, or carrying the day’s fishing catch back to camp for dinner. Baskets and basket-weaving projects also make great gifts for family and friends.

Basketry Merit Badge Requirements

The previous version of the Merit Badge requirements can be found in Scoutbook

The requirements will be fed dynamically using the scout book integration

NOTE: The official merit badge pamphlets are now free and downloadable HERE or can be purchased at the Scout Shop.

1. Do the following:

(a) Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most likely to encounter while using basketry tools and materials, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
Resources: Cutting Tool Safety (video)
Hand Tool Safety (video)
Health and Safety Tips for Basket Weavers (PDF)
(b) Discuss the prevention of and first-aid treatment for injuries, including cuts, scratches, and scrapes, that could occur while working with basketry tools and materials.
Resource: How to Treat Cuts & Scrapes | First Aid Training (video)

2. Do the following:

(a) Show your counselor that you are able to identify the following types of baskets: plaited, coiled, ribbed, and wicker.
Resources: What Are the Four Types of Baskets? (website)
Historical Types of Baskets (video)
(b) Describe three different types of weaves to your counselor.
Resources: How to Start a Coiled Basket (video)
Making a Ribbed Basket (video)
Weaving a Plaited Bsket (video)

3. Plan and weave the following projects:

(a) Square basket
Resource: Bamboo Basket Tokari Weaving (video)
(b) Round basket
Resources: How to Make a Rustic Round Basket out of Wild Vines (video)
Round Reed Basket (video)
Cherokee Basket Weaving (video)
(c) Campstool seat
Resources: Weaving a Camp Stool (video)
Learn to Rope Your Chairs (video)
How to Weave a Wooden Chair Step by Step (video)