How to Make a Broom With Broom Corn

Contrary to its name, broom corn isn't a type of corn at all--it's a type of sorghum grass. Its long branches can be used to make brooms, as was the plant's common use during the middle ages. Making your own broom out of broom corn is an easy endeavor that results in a decorative and functional craft piece. Reaching heights of up to 15 feet, broom corn makes a durable and adequate broom.

Things You'll Need

• Broom corn stalk, 4 feet long
• 2 broom corn flower heads
• Hemp cord roll
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun with glue

Instructions

1. Lay out the broom corn stalk horizontally. Remove any debris from the stalk, including excess plant growth, so the stalk can be smooth.

2. Gather the flowered heads that have been cut from the tops of other broom corn stalks and place one at either side of the top of the stalk.

3. Bind the stalk and broom corn heads together with the hemp cord. Wrap about eight feet of cord several times around the top of the stalk and heads. Tie a knot to secure it, tightly, and squeeze a dot of hot glue over the area to further bind it into place.

4. Wrap the other end of the broom corn stalk for about five inches with the hemp cord. Use about eight feet of the cord for this task. Secure the cord to the stalk with hot glue.

5. Let the broom corn broom dry for about 10 minutes.

References

• Purdue University: Broom Corn