How to Weave a Grass Rug

Woven rugs can be made of many grasses, including sea grass.

The grass you use is the biggest variable in weaving grass rugs; you can choose the grass depending on your preferences and your region. If you live in the much of the eastern United States (Pennsylvania to Texas) you can pick pampas grass from the roadside or any open field in late summer and fall. Alternatively, any long grasses can be picked, dried and tied together to make 1/2 inch wide bundles for weaving. You can also purchase sea grass or other grasses from any hobby or craft store.

Things You'll Need

• 96 pieces of grass or grass bundles (approximately 24 inches long)
• String or twine if bundling grass together

Instructions

Making Grass Bundles

1. Gather pieces of grass that are at least 24 inches long together.

2. Take the twine and wrap it around the bundle of grass, starting at one end and wrapping it tightly until you get to the other end.

3. Tie both ends of the twine off.

Weaving the Rug

1. Begin by tying a knot in the end of each of the pieces of grass.

2. Place 48 of the grass pieces out on the table in front of you, going vertically.

3. Take the first of the remaining pieces and place it horizontally across the vertical strips, with the knot to the left of the vertical strips.

4. Weave the horizontal strip above and below the vertical strips, keeping the weave tight. When you reach the end of the strips, tie another knot in the horizontal strip of grass.

5. Repeat the process with the remaining horizontal strips.

Tips & Warnings

• If the grass is too stiff to weave, soak it for a few minutes just until it's pliable enough to work with.

References

• Incredible Art: Weaving On A Cardboard Loom
• Weavezine: Plain Weave Variations

Resources

• Floor Biz: Grass Fiber Rugs