Chalom (Thai Open-Weave Basket) — Thin Strips in a Chalaeo Weave, Round Mouth, Hexagonal Bottom, Strip Ends Gathered into a Handle

"Weaving a chalom is therefore simple and quick, just enough to hold what is needed." (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip), CC BY 4.0)

Split thin strips and weave a hexagonal bottom in an open chalaeo or kheng-mesh weave to the size wanted. For a large chalom, brace the bottom with 2-3 ka-laeng sticks.

Keep weaving upward to a pleasing proportion, with a round mouth.

Leave the standing strips unwoven at the mouth, to gather and tie after filling, or split them into 2 bunches tied in an arch as a handle.

Photos of a real chalom (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip), CC BY 4.0).

Line it with leaves, such as banana leaf, before putting in fruit, so the fruit does not bruise or slip through the mesh. Fill it and tie the strip ends together. It is used for carrying things on a journey or as a gift.

The chalom is used in every region: Isan says kalom, the North salom. It also holds offerings to Mae Phosop in the rice-blessing rite, and is used in the Lanna Tan Kuai Salak merit-making festival. Take care with the knife when splitting strips. Source: Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, Traditional Objects of Everyday Use database, "ชะลอม", author พิชชา ทองขลิบ (Phitcha Thongkhlip) (CC BY 4.0 licence). **Limits** The source gives no strip width and no step-by-step method for the chalaeo weave.