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What is a lazy stitch?

Published in Basketry Stitches 1 min read

A lazy stitch is a specific type of stitch used in coiled basketwork. It's characterized by its looping structure.

Lazy Stitch Explained

The reference provided specifies that a lazy stitch is:

a stitch used in coiled basketwork consisting essentially of loops alternately encircling one and two coils.

In simpler terms, imagine you're creating a basket by coiling a long, flexible material (like straw or pine needles). The lazy stitch is what holds these coils together. It works by creating loops that go around the coils. Critically, these loops alternate between encircling just one coil and then two coils. This alternating pattern helps to secure the coils together to form the basket's shape.

Key characteristics

Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics of a lazy stitch:

  • Used in Coiled Basketry: This is the primary application of the stitch.
  • Looping Structure: The stitch is formed by creating loops with the thread or fiber.
  • Alternating Coils: A defining feature is that the loops alternately go around one coil and then two coils. This pattern distinguishes it from other basketry stitches.