What is Rattan? Your Guide to This Natural Weaving Material

What is Rattan?

Rattan is a naturally occurring vine that grows in tropical regions of Asia, mainly in Indonesia. Unlike trees, rattan grows as a vine — climbing upwards through forest canopies — and can reach extraordinary lengths of up to 200 metres. It's one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, making it a genuinely sustainable material.

The stem of the rattan plant is solid (unlike bamboo, which is hollow), which gives it exceptional strength while remaining flexible and easy to work with. This unique combination of properties makes rattan the ideal material for weaving, furniture-making, and basketry.

What is the Difference Between Rattan, Cane, and Wicker?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:

• Rattan refers to the plant itself — the raw material.
• Cane (also called centre cane or round reed) is what you get when rattan is processed and cut into strips or round strands. This is what's used in WonderWeaver kits for weaving.
• Wicker is actually a technique, not a material — it refers to the process of weaving any pliable material (including rattan cane) into a basket or structure.

So when you're weaving with a WonderWeaver kit, you're using rattan cane with a wicker technique!

Why is Rattan Ideal for Basket Weaving?

Rattan cane has properties that make it uniquely suited to hand-weaving:

• Flexibility — once soaked briefly in water, rattan cane becomes pliable and easy to bend around stakes without cracking or splitting.
• Strength — when dried, woven rattan holds its shape firmly and lasts for years.
• Natural beauty — rattan has a warm, honey-golden colour that looks beautiful in any home interior.
• Sustainability — rattan grows much faster than timber and requires no replanting. It's one of the most eco-friendly natural materials available.

How is Rattan Prepared for Weaving?

The preparation for weaving is simple:

1. Soak the cane in warm water for 5–10 minutes until it becomes soft and flexible.
2. Keep a damp cloth nearby during weaving to re-moisten the cane if it starts to dry out.
3. Once your project is complete, the cane dries naturally in its woven shape.

All WonderWeaver kits include pre-measured rattan cane — you just need a bowl of water to get started.

Is Rattan Sustainable?

Yes — rattan is one of the most sustainably harvested natural materials in the world. It grows rapidly, doesn't require deforestation (it grows in existing forests), and its harvest actually supports forest conservation by giving local communities an economic incentive to protect the land.

By choosing rattan products and kits, you're supporting a sustainable, low-impact craft tradition.

Ready to Weave with Rattan?

Explore our full range of rattan basket weaving kits and start your first project today. All kits include pre-measured rattan cane, step-by-step instructions, and everything you need for a beautiful result.