Raffia is a strong textile fiber, sometimes confused with jute. Coming from a palm tree mainly from Madagascar, raffia is used in different ways: in the textile field, in decoration and art, this fiber is multipurpose because of its resistance.
But its qualities do not stop there! Here are all the advantages and various uses of raffia, an interesting and versatile plant fiber!
The term "raffia" defines both the palm tree and the fiber that is extracted from it. The fiber is known for its strength and is used to make ropes, upholstery and clothing.
It comes from a palm tree native to Madagascar found along waterways or on swampy land. This palm tree is not very tall, but its palms can reach 20 meters in length. The term "raffia" defines both the palm and the fiber extracted from it. The fiber is known for its strength and is used to make ropes, upholstery and clothing.
The products made with this fiber are natural.
Raphia: the culture of this plant
The raffia palm is composed of evergreen leaves that can measure between 1 and 20 meters long and divided into numerous linear leaflets of one to two meters.
The fruits of the raffia palm
the summer period, small yellow-green flowers develop. They are followed by orange fruits.
This tree is found in Madagascar and East Africa (it does not support temperatures below 5°C).
The manufacturing steps
To make raffia, here are the main steps:
- Harvesting: only the young shoots of the palm leaves are collected. Once harvested, the leaves are separated in two, then scraped on both sides. This allows the extraction of the fibers which are then washed in cold water.
- The fibers are then knotted and dried in the sun to obtain the raffia thread.
- The dyeing: to dye the yarns in hot, natural dyes are used. But this step is not mandatory as raffia is appreciated for its natural color (ivory yellow).
- Weaving: this step is quite long. It is carried out thanks to a loom.
Natural colored raffia
As mentioned, raffia is a vegetable fiber appreciated for its natural color which gives it a nice rustic look. But it can also be colored: turquoise, anise green, pink, red, blue, brown ... The range of colors is very wide. This colored version is ideal for creative hobbies or as gift wrapping.
The colored raffia is also an interesting solution to decorate flower bouquets, to personalize invitations, announcements, thank you cards...
Natural or colored version, raffia is a vegetable fiber that can meet all tastes. It is ideal for building or decorating all kinds of objects!
Use: what to do with raffia?
Raffia is used in different ways. In the manufacture of ropes, decorative objects, upholstery and ties, this fiber is ideal because of its strength.
Once colored, its fibers are also used to weave various objects, placemats, baskets, boxes and even hats! Today, this material is even used in creative hobbies: design of flower pots, objects, baskets and many others! You can let your creative side go and make all sorts of things!
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