{"id":18712,"date":"2018-04-11T09:34:18","date_gmt":"2018-04-11T14:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prairiewoodbasketry.com\/?p=18712"},"modified":"2018-08-28T13:58:07","modified_gmt":"2018-08-28T18:58:07","slug":"determining-lasher-length","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prairiewoodbasketry.com\/index.php\/2018\/04\/11\/determining-lasher-length\/","title":{"rendered":"Determining Lasher Length"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I first started weaving someone told me that the length of the lasher needed to be two and a half times the circumference of the basket. So I would wrap the lasher around the basket two and a half times; if it was at least that long, I would start lashing. Unfortunately, I often found the lasher was too short. So I assumed that I had heard wrong, maybe it should be three times around, but that didn’t work consistently either. It was so frustrating to have my lasher run out one or two stakes from being finished!!<\/p>\n

So, being me, I started to analyze when I ran out and when I didn’t. Which was correct – two and a half times around the basket or three times around the basket or …?? I took notes, lots of notes. I know, I know, you are thinking this lady is crazy and you are probably right, but I did learn a lot!<\/em>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The basket above has a circumference of 28″, I used a lasher that was 82″. So two and a half times around (70″) is just a few inches to short and three times around (84″) works perfectly.\u00a0 BUT<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

This basket, Voltage<\/a>,\u00a0has a circumference of 37″, I needed a lasher that was 186″.\u00a0That is over five times around the basket!\u00a0Obviously this three times rule doesn’t always work.<\/p>\n

After taking a lot of notes and trying several different methods, I made up a formula. For many years now, I have been using my lash formula<\/strong> whenever I lash with flat or flat oval reed. I also use my lash formula to determine how much lasher to add to kits. It works. Every time. You might find it helpful also.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The old rule, three times around the basket, works for baskets that have a simple construction (i.e. over one, under one weave with 1\/2″ stakes spaced about 1\/2″ apart) however circumference is not the only thing to consider when determining lasher length for your basket. Lasher length is determined by a combination of number of stakes<\/em>, basket circumference<\/em> and rim width and thickness.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

How to figure out lasher length for your basket (without handles)<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’m going to give you a formula – don’t roll your eyes and think this is a lot like math, because it really is simple and it really doesn’t take but a minute or two to figure out. Use a calculator or your phone or a piece of scrap paper<\/a> – this is just one small<\/em> step to insure that you don’t run out of lasher!<\/p>\n

Here’s the formula:<\/p>\n

(N x number of stakes) + 8 = the length of lasher\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let’s break it down:<\/p>\n