19. Woven Summer Grass Coasters
Introduction
Weaving wild sweetgrass, rushes, or raffia around flat circular looms introduces preschoolers to traditional textile basketry techniques using fragrant, flexible summer grasses.
What This Idea Means
Radial weaving develops fine-motor concentration, over-under sequencing, and tactile agility. It turns garden grass clippings into sturdy woven tableware.
Materials Needed
- Heavy circular cardboard weaving looms (5 inches in diameter, pre-notched around the perimeter)
- Sturdy cotton warp string (unbleached)
- Flexible gathered summer sweetgrass, rushes, or natural raffia
- Large blunt plastic or wooden tapestry needles
How to Make It
- Warp the circular cardboard loom with cotton string, crossing through the center point to create an odd-numbered starburst pattern.
- Thread a blunt needle with flexible, damp sweetgrass or raffia strands.
- Guide the child to weave the needle over and under the warp strings in a continuous outward spiral from the center hub.
- As one grass strand ends, tuck in a new strand and continue the continuous spiral pattern.
- Once the weaving reaches the outer edge of the cardboard loom, carefully unhook the warp loops from the notches.
- Tie adjacent warp loops together in pairs to secure the outer edge of the coaster.
Tips and Variations
- Soak fresh grasses in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand to keep them flexible and prevent snapping during weaving.
- Combine dried fragrant sweetgrass with linen thread for a calming herbal aroma whenever warm cups rest on the coaster.