Working with Hazel and Willow: A Quick Guide

by Ryan Stiff

Weaving with hazel and willow is one of the oldest crafts in the British countryside — and one of the most satisfying. Whether you want to make a rustic garden border, a living willow arch, a decorative wreath, or a woven hurdle panel, the techniques are surprisingly accessible for beginners. This guide will get you started.

Hazel vs. Willow: What's the Difference?

Both hazel and willow are excellent weaving materials, but they have different characteristics that suit different projects:

  • Hazel is stiffer and stronger when dry, making it ideal for structural projects like hurdle panels, plant supports, and garden edging. Fresh-cut hazel is pliable enough to bend and weave, but sets firm as it dries. Our Coppiced Hazel range includes thin 7mm whips perfect for weaving.
  • Willow is more flexible and stays workable for longer after cutting, making it the go-to choice for basketry, living structures, and decorative weaving. Our Willow range includes living whips and decorative products.

For most garden weaving projects, you can use either — or combine both for a natural, varied look.

What You'll Need

  • Hazel or willow rods — thin and flexible varieties work best for weaving. Try our 120cm 7mm hazel whips or 120cm living willow whips.
  • Thicker upright stakes for the frame — our 120cm 25mm hazel poles are ideal uprights.
  • Garden twine or wire for securing ends
  • Secateurs or loppers for trimming
  • Gloves — fresh-cut rods can be sharp at the tips
  • A bucket of water to soak dried rods and restore flexibility

Basic Weaving Technique

The fundamental weave used in hurdle-making, border edging, and garden screens is called the simple over-under weave. Here's how it works:

  1. Set your uprights: Push your thicker stakes firmly into the ground at regular intervals — typically 20–30cm apart. The closer together, the tighter and more solid the finished panel.
  2. Start your first rod: Take a flexible weaving rod and begin at one end. Weave it over the first upright, under the second, over the third, and so on along the row.
  3. Start the second rod: Begin the next rod from the same end but reverse the pattern — under the first upright, over the second, under the third. This locks the weave together.
  4. Push each rod down: After weaving each rod, push it firmly downward to pack the weave tightly. The tighter the weave, the stronger and more wind-resistant the panel.
  5. Trim and tuck ends: When a rod runs out, tuck the end behind an upright. Start the next rod overlapping by at least one upright to keep the weave secure.
  6. Finish the top: Weave the final few rods tightly and trim any protruding ends with secateurs for a neat finish.

Project Ideas for Beginners

1. Woven Garden Border Edging

This is the perfect first project. Push short stakes (30–40cm) into the ground along a border edge, leaving about 15cm above ground. Weave thin hazel or willow rods between them to create a low, rustic edging that looks beautiful and keeps mulch in place. Our 40cm 7mm hazel whips are ideal for this.

2. Wigwam Plant Support

Gather 6–8 flexible rods and push them into the ground in a circle, leaning inward. Weave a few horizontal rods around the outside at different heights to lock the structure together. This makes a beautiful, natural-looking support for sweet peas, beans, or clematis.

3. Living Willow Structure

Living willow is one of the most magical garden features you can create. Push living willow whips directly into moist soil in late winter or early spring — they'll root and leaf out within weeks. Weave them together as they grow to create arches, tunnels, or sculptural screens. The structure literally comes alive.

4. Decorative Wreath or Frame

Soak a bundle of thin hazel or willow rods in water for an hour to make them extra pliable. Bend the first rod into a circle and hold the ends together. Wind subsequent rods around the circle, tucking ends in as you go. Build up layers until you have a wreath of the thickness you want. Our 60cm 7mm hazel whips are perfect for this.

Tips for Success

  • Work with fresh or soaked rods. Dry rods snap rather than bend. If your rods have dried out, soak them in a bath or trough of water for 1–2 hours before weaving.
  • Weave on a dry day. Wet rods are slippery and harder to handle.
  • Don't rush the uprights. Wobbly stakes make for a wobbly panel. Push them in at least 20cm deep, or use a mallet.
  • Embrace imperfection. The beauty of natural weaving is its handmade character. Slight variations in spacing and thickness add to the charm.
  • Use odd numbers of uprights for a simple over-under weave — this means each rod naturally alternates without you having to think about it.

Shop Weaving Materials

Browse our Willow collection and Coppiced Hazel range for fresh-cut rods, whips, and stakes delivered straight to your door. All our material is cut to order so it arrives in the best possible condition for weaving. If you have a specific project in mind and aren't sure what to order, get in touch — we're happy to advise.

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