Wheat Weaving

Even the inexperienced eye realizes that various wheat weaving methods create different results. To the straw artist, the most common include plaiting, marquetry, Swiss straws, embroidery and tied straw.

  • Plaiting: Repetitive folds and bends of straw create tabletop and wall decorations and straw hats.
  • Marquetry: Bits of flattened and sometimes colored straw form intricate appliqué patterns.
  • Swiss straw: Artists may use whole, split or spun straw to form decorative trimmings, such as for hats.
  • Embroidery: Straw may be spun to embroider cloth.
  • Tied straw: Artists tie together straw – sometimes a combination of wheat, oats, barley, rye and rice – to make different shapes.

Ruff prefers plaiting and embroidery. A simple 6-inch wheat heart may take just an hour to fold and bend after the wheat is cleaned and soaked. In contrast, dolls consume a week’s time with various components and details. Ruff even wraps straw around a knitting needle to form curls for doll hair. Her homespun straw thread embroiders materials, such as dresses.

SEE MORE: Wheat 101

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