How to Make Banana Leaf Mats

Banana mats provide a wonderful compliment to any decor. Because they are made from natural fibers, these mats will last for many years. You can easily create decorative mats for your dining room, kitchen or other living areas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4-5 Banana leaves with stems
• Raffia thread
• Threading needle
• Dry cloth
• Measuring tape

1. Banana leaves can be found in some crafting stores, local food markets and online. Raffia thread can be found in most crafting stores. o begin this project, peel banana leaf stems into 1inch strips that are about 12 inches in length. Hang the strips and allow them to dry overnight.

2. Soak strips and raffia in water for 1 hour before begining to weave. This will allow you to weave the strips together without breaking them. Remove banana leaf strips and raffia from the water. Place the banana leaf strips on a dry cloth to soak up excess water. Separate raffia into 1/2 inch wide strips that are 12 inches in length so you can easily sew the edges of the banana leaf mat after constructing it.

3. Lay one 12 inch piece of raffia on your workspace as a guide. Place banana leaf strips vertically about 1/2 inch apart from one end of the raffia to the other. Begin weaving one strip of banana leaf through the vertical strips. Move the horizontal strip under and over in a weaving motion. Align the horizontal strip at the top next to the raffia.

4. Weave another horizontal strip and place it in the middle. This will help keep all the strips together. Weave a third horizontal strip and place it at the bottom of the mat. Using a needle, thread the raffia. Create a top and bottom border by sewing the raffia onto the banana leaf.

5. Continue to weave strips of banana leaf through the vertical strips. Make sure each strip is positioned as close to the upper strips as possible to create a tight weave.

6. Use the raffia to strengthen the mat by adding borders to the sides of the mat.

Tips & Warnings

• The tighter the weave, the stronger the mat.
• Purchase extra banana leaves so you have enough to complete the entire project.
• Do not sew with banana leaf fiber as it tends to break easily. Raffia thread is a better choice as it is durable and natural.

[darinm]

on 3/23/2009 Try as I might, I cant find any banana leaf suppliers. Do you have any recommendations for an online or offline store? You mention there are a number of suppliers. Thanks!