Raffia Throw Rug

This throw rug's leafy design, made with raffia in three cool-green shades, conjures a vision of palm fronds moving in the breeze.

Raffia Throw Rug How-To
Work gently with the raffia to prevent any fraying or breakage.

Preparation
1. Start with a grass mat and raffia in 3 shades. Download the template for the palm fronds. (Enlarge template to fit the size of your rug. Follow our pattern or arrange leaves as desired.)

2. Using a disappearing-ink fabric pen, trace templates onto rug where desired; draw a straight line down middle of each leaf. Thread a large-eyed needle with raffia in desired color, knotting it before embroidering design using a fish-bone stitch.

Fish-Bone Stitch
The very first stitch (point A to B) should be about 1 inch long, to create the top point of the leaf. Stitches that follow should be about 1/2 inch apart.

1. Draw needle up through A, then down through B.

2. Draw needle up through C, which should be 1/2 inch to the left of A. Draw needle down through D, which should be 1/2 inch to the right of A, creating a loop.

3. Draw needle up through B, inside loop; this will be your new point A. Draw needle down, outside of loop and 1/2 inch from A on center line; this will be your new point B.

4. Repeat steps 4 and 5, moving C and D 1/2 inch forward along edges of leaf each time. Leave space at the end for a stem.