In the southeastern states, the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) provided a wonderful basket-making material. Unlike other pine trees, the longleaf’s needle-like leaves can average 5 to 8 inches in length and can grow as long as 16 inches! The needles, which are naturally flexible and supple, are collected and boiled for a short time, making it possible to bend into the coil shape.
Longleaf needles may grow to extraordinary lengths, but they are still to short to use as thread to sew the coils. While many modern crafters utilize raffia, Southeastern Natives made use of the plentiful fern roots and swamp grass. The coils were meticulously sewn together using a needle of bone or shell. The grass or root binding also created a striking pattern against the darker pine needles.
