A handwoven reed placemat adds an extra eco-element to your inner table.
Repeat the weaving process down each end of the placemat.
By Michelle Kaufmann
Add a dash of eco-style to your summer dinner parties by dressing your table with these beautiful placemats made of reeds or twigs collected from your own garden. This is a perfect way to put yard trimmings to good use instead of tossing them out. Creating these mats (or even longer table runners) is easy and only requires some good hemp or other natural twine along with your trimmings.
Plants like bamboo and equisetum — also know as horsetail reed — produce perfect branches for this project: thin, smooth and straight. Both plants grow back quickly after being cut back and can also survive without a ton of watering. But if you don’t have either of these and don’t feel like making any additions to your landscape. it’s not a problem because there are many branch options out there that can work just as well.
VIDEO: Watch how to make these simple, natural placemats >>
What you'll need:
- Natural twine or good-quality hemp
- Dried bamboo, equisetum (horsetail reed) or twigs from your yard, all cut to an even length
- Scissors
The steps to take:
1. First figure out what size your table runner or placemats will be. For a table runner, measure your table top and then add the desired overhang you would like on either end of the table. For placemats, decide if you want them to be rectangular (15” x 18”) or square (15” x 15”).
2. Gather all the reeds or branches you’ll need, making sure they are at least as long (preferably a little longer) than your runner or placemat dimensions. If you’re using reeds, allow them to dry for several days or even weeks before using them or else they will shrink within the weave and become loose.
3. Now it’s time to begin weaving (see the photos or watch Michelle Kaufmann’s
step-by-step video for extra help). Starting first with a single reed, create one loop with your twine, then a second. Layer the two loops one over the other and slide the opening down the reed to the center and tighten. Repeat with the next reed, forming the second knot as close to the first as possible so that the two reeds are as close to each other as they can get.
4. Continue the weave until all your reeds are bound down the center. Now repeat the process along the each end of the reeds, weaving about two inches in from the edges on each side.
5. Now that you have woven your mat or runner together, securely knot and then cut off any remaining twine and trim the edges of your reeds to form smooth, even borders all around. Repeat these steps to make as many of these placemats as you want.
6. Invite all your friends over, whip up a delicious meal, and set your table with your lovely new placemats!
Download a pdf of these instructions from Michelle Kaufmann's blog >> Provided by Michelle Kaufmann - http://www.michellekaufmann.com
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