How to Use Kudzu for Making Baskets | Kudzu Basket | Kudzu Basketry

In this video, kudzu basket artist Matt Tommey shares tips and techniques for using kudzu in basket weaving including how to harvest kudzu, how to split kudzu and the differences between what Matt calls "kudzu runners" and "kudzu climbers".
If you’re wanting to know more about making baskets with natural materials like kudzu, here are 5 great links:
✅ 7 Tips for Making Baskets with Natural Materials www.matttommey.com/basket-wea...
✅ How to Weave a Basket with Kudzu Climbers www.matttommey.com/basket-wea...
✅ How to Weave a Basket with Kudzu Runners www.matttommey.com/basket-wea...
✅ Ready to start learning how to make baskets with natural materials like kudzu and others? Then check out my online course “Twining with Soft Natural Materials”: naturalbasketry.teachable.com...

[@aurysage3043]

Really educational. Thanks.

[@onestarabove7027]

The tool you used to split the kudzu was interesting. An entire scholarly show was made trying to find out why Indians carried around these stone or bone tools that had one, two, or three holes in it. The scholars refused to believe it was for splitting vines or shaping arrow shafts, or starting fires.

[@LynneBakerPossum]

I live on land that has been owned by my family about 200 years. I made fortresses inside kudzu growth and would swing across the creeks on the vines when I was a kid. Just this week I started trying to weave with kudzu. I've never woven a thing in my life! I'm glad I came across your video today because I was having a heck of a time splitting the vines. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'll have to see your wares in person soon. Asheville is just over the hill from me. 😊

[@Mrvanna-fo8hc]

I'm really excited.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

thanks, glad you're here! Be sure to check out my 2 online classes available in the description as they go super deep into all things kudzu basketry :)

[@yx6889]

I live in GA, it's full of kudzu! Wow, think of all of that natural material!

[@sandycove777]

Lovely work 😊

[@lisascenic]

Your work is absolutely lovely! I don’t live in a kudzu region of the US, but there are plenty of invasive plants to go around!

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

absolutely! Just like me, you have to find out what works and grows where you are. That's the fun of wild basketry!

[@unkpass]

Wish you would do a basket foraging class! I live in Asheville and would love to meet/learn from you!

[@amberlydw8]

Thank you. I've been looking for a way to use kudzu! I started my basket Making with pine needles... can't wait to try this.

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

so how's it going with making - using Kudzu yet? :)

[@phyllisstone3089]

Just over a year ago I moved from PA to KY. I'd heard of kudzu but never knew anyone who made baskets with it. Your video was very interesting. I'll have to check out your other information.

[@conniegarrett178]

Your book Every Basket Begins with a walk in the woods just came in the mail today. I love it. I wonder if I could use sunflower stems, I live in Montana. Do you have to treat tough stems with vinegar? So nice to hear someone who doesn't have a northern accent for a change! 😊

[@Snappypantsdance]

Wonderful video. I’m just getting into making baskets. Thank you for sharing your expertise and love of this art:).

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

You’re very welcome! I hope you will grab my classes which are available here in the description. These are the best way for me to teach you, and for you to learn at your own pace. :-)

[@rkr5106]

Just found you and you've opened my eyes to new materials. While I don't have access to kudzu here in the upper Midwest, a brother lives near Atlanta and I'll be putting in some requests to him!!

[@melissamartin6223]

Growing up in Smyrna Ga I sure wish I’d know all the kudzu would have been such a benefit to me, now living in Nashville and having honeysuckle all over my land I’m excited to learn some basket weaving techniques. Can’t wait to check out your classes. Great video 👍🏼

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

Honeysuckle is great, too! Hope to see you in the classes!

[@marymacbrooks5247]

Thank you for the great information! This has been very informative and inspiring.

[@retandom]

Thanks for the knowledge man

[@johnfajer7691]

This is AMAZING information! THANK YOU FOR SHARING! Fantastic channel!!!!!

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

Thanks John, I appreciate it!

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

You are so welcome!

[@mollyvandeleest1199]

That was absolutely fascinating!

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

Thanks!!

[@Mermaidinthemountains]

Looking forward to making at least one kudzu basket! Thanks for the tips.

[@Laura-no8gt]

Going to Georgia next month and going Kudzu hunting. Love your videos.

[@judygude]

You don’t have a crown yet? Honey, you just weave yourself one, and I’ll mail you some bling from my craft stash! 😂

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

i just might have to do that!

[@joshjames253]

This is great

[@kihntagious]

a kudzu krown!

[@flyoverurbangarden4315]

Great video.

[@thebodgingbigfoot4014]

Yup. Same for my whiteoak trees. Ive also noticed that with the sugars within the tree being very low it helps preserve the material longer for better storage

[@billyrussell8684]

White oak should be fine once moister level is below 20%. Shouldn’t matter when you cut it down imo

[@thebodgingbigfoot4014]

@@billyrussell8684 for whiteoak basketry thats too low a moisture content. the wood must be green.

[@robertarensberry713]

Thank you.

[@valmllr]

Wow! What an amazing resource. This is everything I didn't know yet that I wanted to know. Thank you so much for making your learned experience with this freely available for others. I've been following your art for years as inspiration. But knowing you built it up from working with kudzu somehow makes it even more awesome. I look forward to discovering more of your articles and videos for instruction and inspiration.

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! Here’s a special 75% off link to my classes just to say thanks :) naturalbasketry.teachable.com/p/97-basketry-bundle

[@valmllr]

@@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey Well thank you very much, I appreciate it!

[@romonaelrod7870]

Hi Matt,I just found your videos,I subscribed right away. I love baskets. I have made a few baskets including really tiny ones. I have used small electrical wire,pine needles,raffia,small vines. I haven't used Kudzu yet,there is plenty of it in Wilmington where I live. I have used Wisteria vine to make wreaths. Have you ever used Wisteria for baskets? I enjoyed your video. Your baskets are beautiful,you are very talented.

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

Absolutely! I love wisteria, too.

[@SmittyBobTarheel]

Hey Matt, just came across your videos this evening and they are so well done, I’m very impressed with your skills and creative applications of natural materials. Best of all, I also live in NC (Greensboro) and I’d love to come up to A’ville and take a class or two. Like you I made some Appalachian style baskets (like the one you showed in this video) when during my college years. Anywho, I live on a 1/2 acre surrounded by English Ivy. Been pulling it up for 12+ years but after seeing your kudzu vid, I’ve realized I’ve been going about this all wrong. I still want to get rid of it but here’s and abundant source of basket weaving material at zero cost! Have you used English Ivy? Wondering how it compares with Kudzu…

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

thanks so much for watching. You can absolutely use english ivy.

[@peacefulscrimp5183]

Amazing video 👍 I'm disgusted that you don't already have a million subscribers 👺

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

lol well thanks :)

[@HappyVacationer]

Uncle Matt, I bought the bundle of 2 classes Nov 23, ‘22. I can only find one I can open now. The bark basketry. I am finally ready to start my basket making. I’ve got my tools, gloves and ready to collect my kudzu! Already have where I’m getting the tree bark this spring. So I’m excited. I need the other video about twining back so I can review. My iPad had failed and I don’t know if that affected things. I can look at profile. Shows I bought bundle. But I gain access from my homepage where I favorited Bark video. PLEASE HELP!!! I can send copy of purchase. Thanks! PS. Best price, place to get the Bora-care? That stuff is high!

[@Lacabronavicki1]

I live in Hendersonville, do you offer classes?

[@marialech5072]

Hey Matt, what you thik about dilutet lye killing bags on kudzu?

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

Well obviously I'm not trying to kill kudzu, I prefer a sustainable management approach.

[@amberlydw8]

Do you mean "killing bugs" ?

[@hotwireman49]

Im in SE OK. We dont have Kidzu as far as i know. But i ton of Wisteria, Honeysuckle and blackberry. I have anrose bramble in the front yard too. Can that be used? also have Ash all over my property but what a Hassel to harvest. what about greenbrier (smilax)? Have you ever used that for a basket?

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

I’m honeysuckle and wisteria are both primo!!!

[@LZH13067]

I've heard kudzu is also edible. Does anyone know or ever tried it?

[@jeanoconnor3163]

Doesn’t the Bora-care make your baskets poisonous?

[@NaturalBasketrywithMattTommey]

It’s nontoxic. And regardless, they are art pieces not functional :)

[@studiosandi]

There has to be an eco-friendly way to get rid of those bugs.

[@conniecarlisle3235]

This is cool but I am focusing on mu pottery. PConnie Carlisle