How to Make a Grass Skirt With Raffia for Kids

You can make your own grass skirt using a variety of craft materials.

The hula is a dance with ancient roots in the Hawaiian culture. Since then, this unique form of dance has gained popularity worldwide. Typically, dancers wear a grass skirt while dancing the hula. Children often enjoy participating in this form of dance, and you can create grass skirts for them to wear.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper and pen
• Plain cloth belt -- in your child's size
• Two to three spools of raffia
• Scissors
• Hot glue or craft glue

Instructions

1. Cut a test strip of raffia to the length you believe you'll need for the grass skirt.

2. Hold the raffia strand up to your child, starting at her waist, to be sure the raffia is an appropriate length for the skirt. You can make the skirt extend to the child's knees or ankles, depending on your preference.

3. Cut additional pieces of raffia the same length as the test piece, adjusting the length if you desire a longer or shorter skirt.

4. Glue the raffia strips to the belt using hot glue or another type of craft glue. Adhere the raffia along the entire length of the belt, to create a full grass skirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose all green or a variety of colors for a more colorful hula skirt.

• If you want to make the skirt fuller, rather than sparse, purchase more raffia to use for this project.

• Always supervise your children when using craft materials such as hot glue and scissors.

• Avoid making the skirt too long, so the child will not trip over the grass skirt.

References

• Ka `Imi Na`auao O Hawaii Nei: The History of Hula
• Hula Dance HQ.com: How To Make Hula Skirts

Resources

• The Hawaiian Islands: Hawaii Guidebook
• Polynesian Cultural Center: Home
• Wailua Bay.com: The History of Hawaiian Hula Dance