Reed weaving: a master class for beginners

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:47

Reed weaving is one of the most ancient crafts. It started the art of pottery. Did you know that the first bowls, vases and pots were woven from reeds and smeared with clay? This simple and affordable type of needlework is very popular today.

Reed weaving is an easy way to keep your hands busy or create something very inviting for your home. Attracts the cheapness of the hobby and the availability of material for manufacturing. It is worth noting that reeds are a very convenient plant for weaving, because you can find them anywhere - near ponds and swamps. It is easy to prepare and very malleable.

And it's amazing that this is such a simple and affordable material, and baskets, furniture, mats and reed roofs made from reeds are one of the most expensive pleasures. We are glad to share with you the skills of harvesting and weaving from such an interesting material. It will be easy for you to master the skills of weaving from reeds for beginners. We have prepared enough information about the procurement of material and a successful master class.

What does reed look like?

This type of plant is one of the most successful for the craft. There are two types of reeds: lake and forest, andthe first is of great value.

This is a perennial plant with a thick rhizome. Its stems reach a length of up to 2 meters, in diameter - about 2.5 cm. This species grows most often in water, on or near the shore. Places of growth - lakes, swamps and swampy meadows. It occurs almost everywhere in the European part of Russia, also grows in the Caucasus, in Western and Eastern Siberia.

Pay attention to what the reed looks like, from which we will weave various products (photo below).

Northern and southern reeds

It is equally important to know what kind of reed is needed for weaving, because a plant from the southern part of our country is significantly different from its northern counterpart.

The one that comes from northern places is of little use for weaving, as its stems are covered with air chambers, rough, bumpy. Because of this, the reed is inelastic, inflexible, easily broken when lightly pressed.

But the southern reed is elastic and flexible, it absolutely does not let moisture through. Its trunk is filled with pulp, because of which the stem becomes elastic and does not break when pressed hard. This is a very dense material, from which you can get chic products.

The surface of high-quality reeds suitable for weaving is smooth, shiny, has a yellowish tint.

Peddig is produced from southern reeds - thin twigs 10 mm wide, 2 m long, no more than 1 mm thick. These thread-like twigs are very strong, elastic, and have a pleasant sunny color. They make beautiful baskets, furniture,upholstery.

But how to prepare material for weaving from reeds?

Reed harvesting

Harvesting not only reeds, but also all other marsh plants takes place in June-July. Or mid-September. Speaking of reeds, we note that it is harvested in small bunches. It is cut, washed and processed, removing excess dirt. Before sending the reed to be stored, it must be laid out under a canopy or spread out in the attic so that the sun's rays do not fall on it. Only when all excess moisture is gone can it be gathered into bundles and allowed to dry.

If the reeds are exposed to the sun during drying, the material will burn out and become brittle.

Mat

If you are a beginner in this craft, you should first try weaving a mat from reeds. This product does not require anything special, including a lot of practice in weaving. You will need twine, reeds and a drop of patience. In return, you will receive an interesting, original thing, master the skills of weaving.

The amount of harvested reeds depends on the size of the mat. For a meter of mat you need to use a skein of twine, 4 slats and screws.

Let's prepare a place to work.

Workplace. Creating a simple loom

Reed weaving needs a suitable place. Since weaving and weaving are time-consuming activities, you need a place under a canopy so that in case of rain the product is not damaged.

Alsowe need a loom. To do this, make a frame from the slats the width of the future mat. Parallel rails corresponding to the width of the desired product, mark by a centimeter along the entire length. Drive a nail or screw into each markup in a checkerboard pattern. Pull the twine for every second centimeter. There must be an even number of segments.

Preparation of material for work

You are almost ready to weave a mat of reeds, but you also need to prepare the material. To do this, dried reed leaves need to be soaked for several minutes in a trough or bath. They must be moistened so that they do not break. After 5-7 minutes, remove the reed from the water and wrap it in gauze or cloth so that excess moisture quickly leaves. Leave the material for a few hours. Just do not overexpose the reeds in water, otherwise, after the product is ready, the reeds will dry out and shrink.

After 2-3 hours you can start weaving.

Mat weaving

Reed weaving is very simple, let's get acquainted with it. Take one piece of paper and pass it under each even strand. Start weaving from the bottom of the frame. Skip the next sheet under each odd one. The next one is even. Thus, you will get a canvas with weaving in a checkerboard pattern or a brick. Weave the fabric of the length you need.

When you reach the desired size, cut off the excess pieces of stems at a distance of 4-5 centimeters from the thread.

Almost finished product, it remains only to fix. To do this, takeone stem and sew it from the wrong side with large stitches. Do this on each side.

Cut the threads in pairs from the screws and tie them tightly against the product. Cut off the excess thread. Your mat is ready. It can be used in many ways: as a rug, as a yoga mat or a beach cover. So, the mat is an interesting stand for hot dishes or a whole tablecloth for the country house.

You can weave various things from reeds. See what products you can create yourself. What attractive reed roofs, what interesting reed fences.

Very convenient for storing various little things or as a decoration for the kitchen baskets made of reeds. And what cute wicker beach hats.

Reed weaving also implies weaving bast shoes. A very interesting product that can be worn and used as a decoration.