Straw skirts are quick and easy to make.
If you are hosting a luau or want to take up hula dancing, you will need the quintessential costume of a lei and a pa'u skirt, commonly known as a grass or straw skirt. While these items are widely available at costume and party stores, you can have fun making your own skirt. You could use straw, but this will be uncomfortable and itchy. It also has little movement. Raffia is commonly used for this type of skirt, since it is soft and very flexible.
Instructions
1. Cut a piece of cord that is 10 inches longer than your waist measurement.
2. Tie a knot in both ends of the cord, 5 inches from each end. You will fill the area between the two knots with raffia, and the extra cord will be used to tie the skirt around your waist.
3. Cut pieces of raffia, twice the length you want the skirt. This type of skirt is usually worn at calf length.
4. Drape the raffia over the cord, making sure it falls evenly in length. Secure it to the cord by taking small bunches at a time and tying knots close to the cord. Work your way along the cord until you have filled it with raffia and no cord is visible between the two knots.
Tags: between knots, type skirt, with raffia, your waist