Editor's note: I've woven with a few different types of weft, plastic bags, old jeans, and packing material to name a few, but I haven't yet tried leaves. These Daylily Mats by Melissa Schubert might just change that. I've been eyeing several plants in our garden lately! A downloadable pdf that includes Melissa's tips for preparing and using leaves for weft is available for subscribers, see below.~ Susan

Notes from designer Melissa Schubert

The daylily is an amazingly low-maintenance perennial. It’s virtually disease-free, pest-free, and drought resistant; it’s also not picky about soil quality. The daylily was brought to North America by early settlers and can be invasive if left unchecked. However, every part of the plant is edible, and the leaves can be used for weaving. So, let’s do our part and bring those leaves to our looms!

Close up of Daylily Mat

Project at a Glance & Download

PROJECT TYPE: 2- or 4- shaft

STRUCTURE: Plain weave.

EQUIPMENT: 2 or 4-shaft loom, 17" weaving width; 10-dent reed; 1 shuttle.