Hosta Stem Placemats and Coasters
When we moved into our new house, we were overwhelmed with the amount of hosta plants that popped up across our property in the Spring. Not knowing much about hostas, I thought they were just big, pretty green plants. But I was really surprised when they sent up big shoots of purple flowers on sturdy stalks!
But then the flowers faded. And all I had left were green stalks with dried seed heads sticking up. When I started cutting them off, I realized how sturdy the hosta flower stems (also known as flower scapes) were. After I cut a huge pile and left it in the yard for a couple weeks, the stems were still just as strong and sturdy as when I had cut them off. They reminded me of bamboo stalks.
I knew I had to find a way to repurpose the hosta stems because they were so strong.
And they are free!
So I used the Hosta flower scapes to make tropical placemats and coasters.
- Hosta flower stems
- Pruners
- Yarn or twine
- Scissors
When cutting the hosta flower stems, cut as close to the plant crown as possible. It's better for the plant and it gives you a longer stem to work with.
Then, cut the seed pods off.
Determine the size of the placemat, table runner or coasters you are making. Unless making small coasters, the size of your table runner will be influenced by the smallest size flower scape that you have. Because you can't make it longer than that!
Once you have determined the size, cut off all flower stalks to be the same length. Be sure to trim ends on both sides to be flat cuts. (You might have cut at an angle while trimming the plant, and you want to straighten out that cut edge.)
Line up the flower stems as you would like them to lay. Pay attention to any slightly curved stems that might need to be on the outer part of the placemat.
Tie a knot around the stem on the outside.
Start weaving the yarn or twine using a basket weave technique around all flower scapes. With your first piece of yarn, go over one stem, then under the next flower stem, then over the next stem, and so on. When you get to the last stem, tie a knot and cut off the excess.
For your next piece of yarn, tie another knot on the outer stem in a different location. Now, use the opposite method. Start weaving under the first stem, then over the next stem, then under the next stem, and so on.
This craft is totally zero waste! You can use the yarn scraps to put in a place where birds can use them for building nests. If you use twine or other natural material, it will decompose if put in a compost pile. The flower scapes will naturally decompose, too!
I've had mine for 2 weeks now. The stalks are still strong and sturdy!
Planning on hosting a tropical luau party? Or just like the look of the Caribbean islands? Then you'll want to see my other tropical-inspired DIYs, too!
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Comments
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Gail@Purple Hues and Me on Sep 15, 2022
Wow, your hostas are beautiful! Mine don't look like that! The stems and flowers on mine are thin and flimsy! Wish I did have ones like yours! I could probably make lots of projects out of them!
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Frequently asked questions
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How long will these keep?
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