This garlic basket is the simplest expression of the spiral weave, using just three weavers in the plait. Probably originating in Sub-Saharan Africa and brought to Europe by the French, it can be made with any long thin material, including grasses, rush and straw. The base is conical but flat bottoms can be made, allowing the basket to stand on a surface. The gaps in the weave can be filled with other material, for example bark, to create a container for a vase.
The basket is finished by several rows of twining, creating a tight border. Varying the number of elements in the plait at this stage can create interest.
