How to Make a Contemporary Basketweave (Martha's New Basketweave)

Posted 04/08/08 • Last updated 04/08/08 • 3905 views • 22 comments

This is a method of creating a unique effect in buttercream icing.

Alrighty boys and girls! I gave it a try. Now remember, this was my first try, so ya'll be nice!!

I actually iced the cake yesterday and didn't get to it until today. So, the icing had crusted over real well and was not chilled. DH didn't know I was gonna practice on it, so there's a piece missing, just less space to work with. It wasn't as tall as I would have liked, but I think it was enough.

Items Needed:

Sharp knife (make sure the knife is not serrated)
Cup of Hot water (to dip knife in)
A cake iced in crusted buttercream (click here for recipe)

1. You need a cake with a generous layer of icing, smoothed.

Dip the knife in hot water, and wipe dry.

Holding the paring knife horizontally, press the flat of the knife, from the tip to a short distance up the blade, into the buttercream.

Remove the knife in a sweeping motion to create a triangle. The "sweeping" motion is important. If you try to just make an impression in the buttercream, the knife will pull the icing away from the cake.

2. Continue the pattern, creating a column that travels straight down the side of the cake.

To keep the column exactly vertical, use extra care and brace your elbow on the countertop.

3. Repeat the process, column by column, around the entire cake.

4. Add borders and any other decorations that you desire.

Comments (22)

Anonymous 9/7/09 at 3:57am

I think you've done a fantaastic job well done

Anonymous 9/10/09 at 8:48am

That's awesome! I love different things! Nice job. :)

Anonymous 9/20/09 at 8:50am

wow this looks so cool.love the way it looks

Anonymous 9/25/09 at 6:51am

I am defintely going to try this. great job for your first try.

Anonymous 1/12/10 at 12:47pm

this is so creative it looks amazing good job

Anonymous 2/10/10 at 8:01am

That is so awesome!! Looks terriffic!

Anonymous 3/20/10 at 6:17pm

neat idea

Anonymous 5/27/10 at 10:06pm

This looks really pretty!

Anonymous 5/28/10 at 4:56pm

I really like this idea! Good job.

Anonymous 6/22/10 at 6:59am

I love this. Sounds much easier than regular basket weave, which I have trouble with.

Anonymous 8/15/10 at 3:27am

This is neat! I haven't had the need for a basket weave (I mostly do boys cakes since I have three boys. Looks way easier than a regular basket weave!

Anonymous 8/30/10 at 7:03pm

I really like this effect. I'm wondering if fondant would texture similarly... hmmm... Thanks for the new idea!

Anonymous 10/4/10 at 9:55am

love, love, love! Is this easy to try as a novice cake decorator?

Anonymous 12/3/10 at 6:26pm

FANTASTIC! thanks for sharing! :)

Anonymous 12/21/10 at 1:08am

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Anonymous 12/26/10 at 4:41am

Me encantó la idea se ve hermosa

Anonymous 12/27/10 at 6:19pm

What a unique way to basket weave, which I dread doing....trying this for sure!!