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Indoor activity

Straw Weaving

Thread string through drinking straws to make a simple loom, then weave colourful yarn over and under to create a beautiful woven bookmark or mat!

Ages 4-11 0-1 hours Education 6/10

Materials

  • Scissors
  • Straws
  • String

Illustrated Steps

1

Thread the Straws

Thread string through 4–5 straws and tie all the top ends together in a knot.

2

Start Weaving

Tie a new string to the first straw and weave over-under-over-under across all straws.

3

Push Down and Continue

Push woven rows down the straws. Keep weaving, changing colours for patterns.

4

Finish and Remove

Tie off the string, slide the straws off, and trim the ends. You've made woven fabric!

What You’ll Create

Time to become a master weaver! 🧶 Your little textile artists will thread string through straws to create a simple but ingenious loom, then weave more string over and under the straw “warp” threads to build up a beautiful woven fabric. The result? A gorgeous handmade bookmark, bracelet, or mini mat that they made entirely themselves — from setting up the loom to the finished weave!

Have fun!

  • 📚 Make a bookmark by keeping it narrow — weave through just 3 straws!
  • 🌈 Create a rainbow by changing string colour every few rows!
  • 💝 Weave a bracelet or friendship band as a gift!
  • 🧮 Count your rows — can you make a pattern that repeats every 4 rows?

Why It’s Amazing

  • Ancient Craft Connection: Weaving is one of humanity’s oldest technologies — children connect with a craft that dates back thousands of years! 🏛️

  • Mathematical Patterns: The over-under-over-under rhythm is a binary pattern — children internalise alternating sequences through physical repetition. 🔢

  • Fine Motor Mastery: Threading string through straws and maintaining the weaving pattern develops exceptional finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. ✋

  • Patience and Persistence: Weaving builds slowly, row by row — children learn that sustained effort produces impressive results. 🏆

Pro Tips

For ages 3–5: Use thick yarn and wide straws (smoothie straws or boba straws work great). Start with just 3 straws for a simple over-under pattern. An adult should thread the straws. Tape the top knot to the table so it doesn’t slide around.

For ages 5–8: Use 4–5 straws and standard string. Encourage colour changes and pattern planning. Talk about what “over” and “under” mean. Challenge them to keep the edges straight — it’s harder than it looks!

For ages 8–12: Use 6+ straws for wider pieces. Introduce more complex patterns — twill weaving (over 2, under 1), or incorporate beads threaded onto the weft string. Research different weaving traditions from around the world. They can create placemats, phone pouches, or wall hangings!

Secret Pro Move: Thread a large plastic tapestry needle with your weaving string — it makes the over-under threading SO much easier and faster than pushing floppy string through. Find them at any craft shop for pennies! 🪡