All Shaker baskets are built on molds.  This allowed many "hands" to work the baskets, but assuring that the finished product would all be consistent.  The are also rim molds, hand molds and body molds. 

By having a fool proof way of getting a consistent shape in the basket, the maker can now concentrate on making the best basket possible.  One way may be using the finest of weaver, such as in the Miniature Kittenhead Basket, which has 1/32 inch wide weavers or accurately nesting a set in which the handles do not swing out of the way so that each body can fit together. 

To learn more about the Shakers and their approach to life, religion, and crafts, read:

• Shaker Baskets     by Martha Wetherbee and Nathan Taylor