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One of the best things about the art of wheat weaving is how easy it is to get started. Relatively few materials are required for most designs and techniques are easy to master. Techniques such as Plaiting and Marquetry can be featured separately or combined to create beautiful straw art from small jewelry pieces up to large sculptures.

The most basic straw art technique is called Plaiting (pronounced with a short a) and is also known as braiding or wheat weaving. Plaits can be made from whole, hollow stems of grass or wheat, etc., or from split straw.

Below you’ll find sample designs and instructions for a very basic Plait design, the Candy Cane. This piece can be made with only a handful of supplies, many of which you may already have around your house.

 

Wheat Weaving supplies include:

Wheat – any kind is usable, but wheat found at a craft store will generally be too dry and brittle. Contact us for places to get the proper wheat for weaving.

Carpet Thread – strong and durable, can be found at most craft stores

Scissors – small, sharp scissors work best for trimming small designs

Ruler – helps to measure length of braid before tying off

22 gauge floral Wire – gives stability to designs and allows for shaping

 

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