How to Weave a Primitive Mat

This article explains how to make a simple, functional mat to sit on out of only shoots and string.

1. Take the frame pieces and drive them into the ground. Space them about 5 inches apart. Continue until you reach your desired width.
2. Take the first skinny long shoot and weave it in an around-behind fashion around the base supports. Alternate, so that all the rows up and down match. It helps to look at a real basket.
   

    Alternation of the small shoots between the larger shoots
3. Keep doing this until you reach your desired height.
4. Remove from ground.
5. When you are done, trim of loose edges, leaving one inch hanging out.
6. Tie off all loose edges with fishing line.

• Frame shoots. These should be slightly stiff, but still pliable.
• Skinny shoots. These should be skinny and very flexible. About 3 feet long.
• Fishing line.
• Reference woven rattan or wicker(optional)
• Knife or wire cutters.