How to Make Chopsticks at Home to Eat With

Creating your own chopsticks is simple and creates a reusable utensil.

Chopsticks are the most common utensil used to consume food in Asian countries. The two tapered sticks are used in one hand to create a clasping tip at the end, where food can be grasped and brought to the mouth. Created in China about 5,000 years ago, chopsticks were said to be the favored utensil of Confucius. Creating your own chopsticks is not only a way to personalize your utensil, but also allows for them to be reused, reducing waste from always eating with disposable chopsticks.

Things You'll Need

• Hardwood sticks, such as apple or maple
• Wood saw
• Whittling or carving knife
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Saw the wood to the length you desire for the chopsticks, generally around 8-inches. Discard the excess.

2. Cut the wood in to 1-inch by 1-inch by 8-inch pieces. Do this twice to create two identical pieces.

3. Whittle down the pieces using the knife until they are 1/4-inch in diameter. Continue to whittle, maintaining that 1/4-inch diameter at one end and ending at a 1/16-inch diameter at the other. Repeat this with both sticks.

4. Sand the chopsticks until smooth and rounded. Ensure there are no jutting parts or splinters. Sand the tops and bottom too until they re rounded.

5. Carve desired designs along the length of the chopsticks, if desired, or leave them blank.

Tips & Warnings

• Hand-carved chopsticks make beautiful gifts.

References

• Asian Art Mall: Chopsticks