Threads 3: Making a rush or cattail mat

To make a rush or cattail mat.

You cannot use fresh material, it has to be dried first. This is because the shrinkage is so great, and makes the weaving loose. To use dried material, it has to be mellowed to make it pliable. This is done by soaking it with water and then wrapping it up tightly in a big sheet or piece of plastic overnight. Any material not used should be unwrapped and dried immediately, otherwise, it starts to smell!

This is a photo of a small rush mat made by me.

To make the 7 strand braid/plait.

• Find a YouTube video and follow the instructions:

• Choose 7 rushes that are more or less the same width.

• For cattails bundle two or three, and you may need to twist them together.

• Tie the 7 strands tightly together, or start by doubling over the end (Makes a neater end) and attach them to a door handle, handrail or post for tension.

• Overlap the ends when you need to join the rushes/cattails

• Decide how long you are going to make your mat, and make several braids the appropriate length.

• To make the mat.

• You first need to make a smaller braid to stitch over both ends. See photo.

• Carefully cut the braided strips into equal sections and oversew to secure the ends. Use a large sharp needle and sew with a piece of strong cotton or linen. I also use a thimble,

• Finish both ends of the mat by stitching on the narrow braids. See photo.

Historical note

In medieval England, the poor people used loose rushes strewn on the floor to protect them from the mud. As time went on they discovered that it was much more convenient to make braided mats for the floor. Today, they are still made in Essex for the historical houses. See this 1950’s recording on YouTube.