What to Expect When Your Basket Arrives

Your basket may arrive slightly flattened or misshapen This is completely normal due to travel. Each basket is handwoven and will vary slightly in shape and size. A little reshaping is part of the process—and part of what makes each basket uniquely yours.

Quick Care Summary

  • Wet your basket
  • Shape it by hand
  • Let it dry completely

How to Reshape for your Handwoven African Basket

Each Big Blue Moma basket is handwoven in Bolgatanga, (Bolga) Ghana using natural elephant grass. Because of their journey from West Africa to your home, your basket may arrive slightly misshapen—but with a little water and care, it will come back to life beautifully.

If you want a quick guide to reshaping, check out our Instagram our basket reshaping video.

STEP 1: WETTING YOUR BASKET

When your basket arrives it may require reshaping. (They travel a long ways and may be "jet lagged"!)

Start the process by wetting your basket. You can fully immerse it or give it a quick shower but try to protect the leather handle from getting too wet. Hot, cold or warm water will work - temperature is not a factor.

STEP 2: RESHAPING YOUR BASKET

For Round and pot baskets, push the centre out. The baskets are tougher than they look, so don't be afraid to use a little force! Gloves aren't essential but can help protect your hands while you do this.

Work out any wrinkles in your basket with your hands then shake out the extra water. Once your happy with the shape, find a place for it to fully dry.

STEP 3: MAINTAINING YOUR BASKET

Because they are made from natural fibres, your basket may weather, age and subtly change shape over time.

You can repeat the reshaping process at any time should you wish. Dipping it once or twice a year will also help maintain deeper colours, which tend to fade as the baskets mature.