Welcome to our step-by-step guide on how to make a colonial broom! In the colonial era, brooms were an essential tool for cleaning and maintaining households. Making your own broom can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to connect with history and showcase traditional skills. In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating a colonial broom from scratch.
Step 1: Gather your materials
The first step in making a colonial broom is to gather all the necessary materials. You will need a wooden broom handle, approximately 4 feet long, and a bundle of broomcorn, which can be purchased online or at craft stores. Broomcorn, also known as sorghum, is a type of tall grass traditionally used to make broom bristles. You will also need a sturdy twine or hemp cord to tie the broomcorn to the handle.
Step 2: Prepare the broomcorn
Before you begin attaching the broomcorn to the handle, you will need to prepare the broomcorn by removing any seeds or excess material. To do this, hold the bundle of broomcorn by the top and shake it gently to separate the bristles. Then, use a small brush or your fingers to remove any debris or seeds. This step is important to ensure that your broomcorn is clean and ready to be tied to the handle.
Step 3: Attach the broomcorn to the handle
Now that your broomcorn is ready, it’s time to attach it to the wooden handle. Start by securing one end of the twine or hemp cord to the top of the handle with a tight knot. Then, carefully position the broomcorn against the handle, with the bristles pointing downwards. Slowly wrap the twine or cord around the broomcorn, securing it tightly to the handle as you go. Continue wrapping until you reach the bottom of the broomcorn, and then tie off the twine or cord with a knot.
Step 4: Trim and shape the broom
Once the broomcorn is securely attached to the handle, you can trim and shape the broom to your desired length and shape. Use a sharp knife or scissors to trim the excess broomcorn, creating a neat and even shape. You can also trim the bristles at an angle to create a slanted or rounded shape, depending on your preference. Take your time with this step to ensure that your broom looks tidy and professional.
Now that you’ve followed these steps, you have successfully made your own colonial broom! Remember, this broom not only serves as a functional tool but also as a piece of history and craftsmanship. Display it proudly and use it with care, knowing that you are carrying on a centuries-old tradition. Happy sweeping!
Materials needed for making a colonial broom
| Material | Quantity |
| Broombush | 1 |
| Stick | 1 |
| Wire | 1 roll |
| Scissors | 1 pair |
| Twine | 1 roll |
When making a colonial broom, the following materials are necessary:
- Broombush – 1 piece: This is the main material used for the bristles of the broom. It should be long and flexible.
- Stick – 1 piece: The stick is used as the handle of the broom. It should be sturdy and comfortable to hold.
- Wire – 1 roll: The wire is used to bind the bristles to the stick. It should be strong and durable.
- Scissors – 1 pair: Scissors are necessary for cutting and shaping the broombush.
- Twine – 1 roll: Twine is used to secure the broombush to the stick and reinforce the wire binding.
By gathering these materials, you will have everything you need to create your very own colonial broom.
Twigs
When making a colonial broom, one of the most important materials to gather are twigs. Twigs are small, thin branches that can be found in abundance in nature. These twigs will serve as the bristles of your broom.
It is best to collect twigs from deciduous trees such as birch, willow, or maple. These trees are known to have flexible twigs that are ideal for broom-making. Look for twigs that are around 1 to 2 feet long and about the thickness of a pencil.
Preparation
Before using the twigs, you will need to remove any leaves or buds that are attached to them. Gently pluck them off or use a small knife to cut them away.
Once the twigs are cleaned, you may need to straighten them if they have any bends or curves. To do this, soak the twigs in warm water for a few minutes until they become more pliable. Use your hands to gently straighten them and then let them dry completely.
Arranging the Twigs
To create the bristles of your broom, you will need to arrange the twigs in a specific pattern. Start by taking a handful of twigs and aligning them so that the ends are relatively even. Use a rubber band or strong twine to tie the ends together tightly.
Continue adding more handfuls of twigs, layering them on top of the previous ones, and securing them tightly with the rubber band or twine. Make sure to distribute the twigs evenly to create a full and balanced broom head.
Once all the twigs are attached, use a pair of scissors to trim the ends to create an even and neat bristle shape.
Note: If you want to add an extra decorative touch to your colonial broom, you can consider wrapping the bristles in colourful yarn or ribbon before securing them with the rubber band or twine. This will give the broom a more vibrant and festive look.
Now that you know how to gather and prepare twigs for your colonial broom, you are ready to move on to the next step of the process: attaching the broom head to a handle.
String or twine
String or twine is an essential component in making a colonial broom. It serves as the binder that holds the broomcorn bristles together. The type of string or twine you use can impact the durability and overall appearance of your broom.
When choosing a string or twine for your colonial broom, consider using natural materials such as hemp, jute, or cotton. These materials were commonly available during the colonial period and can lend an authentic touch to your broom. Avoid synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, as they can appear out of place in a colonial-style broom.
Strong and durable twine is crucial for ensuring that your broom withstands regular use. Look for twine with a thick gauge that can securely hold the bristles in place. It’s also important to choose a twine with a neutral color that complements your broom’s color scheme.
When binding the bristles, start by wrapping the twine tightly around the broomcorn stalks, making sure to secure each bundle in place. The process may require some practice, but with patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a tightly bound broom that will last for years.
Remember to always keep an extra length of twine handy when creating a colonial broom, as it may be necessary to make repairs or tighten the binding over time. By using the right type of string or twine and practicing proper binding techniques, you can create a beautiful, functional colonial broom that will add a touch of history to your home.
Step-by-step instructions for making a colonial broom
Creating a colonial broom is a fun and simple craft that can add a touch of history to your home. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own charming colonial broom:
| Materials: |
| • Broomcorn bristles |
| • Hemp twine |
| • Durable wooden handle |
| • Scissors |
Step 1: Begin by preparing the broomcorn bristles. Trim the bristles to your desired length, making sure they are all even. It’s best to use a sharp pair of scissors for this task.
Step 2: Take the prepared broomcorn bristles and gather them together. Hold the bristles tightly at one end, ensuring they are all aligned.
Step 3: Slowly separate the bristles into two equal parts, keeping your grip at the top. Gently twist the bristles in opposite directions until they are tightly wound around each other.
Step 4: Once the bristles are secure and tightly twisted, use the hemp twine to bind the bristles together. Start near the top of the twisted bristles and wrap the twine tightly around the base, gradually working your way down.
Step 5: After reaching the bottom, tie a knot with the hemp twine to secure the binding. Trim any excess twine with scissors.
Step 6: Now, take your durable wooden handle and attach it to the bound bristles. Make sure the handle is firmly inserted and secured within the bristles.
Step 7: Finally, give your colonial broom a test sweep and make any necessary adjustments to the bristles or binding. Your colonial broom is now ready to be admired and used!
By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful colonial broom that not only serves as a functional tool but also adds a touch of historical charm to your home.
Gather twigs
To make a colonial broom, you will need to gather twigs. Look for fallen branches or twigs in your backyard or local woods. Keep in mind that the twigs should be sturdy and flexible enough to be used as broom bristles.
When collecting twigs, make sure to choose ones that are similar in length for a more uniform broom. Additionally, select twigs that are relatively straight and free from any rot or damage. This will ensure that your colonial broom is durable and effective.
It’s also helpful to gather more twigs than you think you will need, as some may break or not meet the desired specifications. Plus, having extra twigs on hand allows you to make adjustments to the broom’s size and shape if necessary.
Important tip: When gathering twigs, be mindful of any local rules or regulations regarding the collection of natural materials. Always respect the environment and only take what you need.
Once you have gathered the twigs, you will be ready to move on to the next step in making your colonial broom.
Tie twigs together with string
Once you have gathered enough twigs for your colonial broom, it’s time to start assembling the broom head. Take a piece of string, preferably jute or hemp, and cut it to a length that is long enough to wrap around the twigs several times.
Step 1: Sort and align the twigs
Before tying the twigs together, make sure to sort them according to their size and thickness. This will ensure that the broom head is uniform and sturdy. Align the twigs in a straight line, with the tops and bottoms lined up.
Step 2: Tie the twigs together
Starting from one end of the twigs, wrap the string tightly around the bundled twigs, making sure to secure them together. Leave a long tail of string at the end for further securing the broom head later.
Continue wrapping the string around the twigs, overlapping the previous loops, until you have reached the other end of the twigs. Make sure to pull the string tightly to maintain a snug grip on the twigs.
When you reach the end, tie a double knot to secure the string in place. Trim any excess string, leaving a small tail for a neat finish.
Step 3: Strengthen the broom head
To reinforce the broom head, go back to the initial location of the string and wrap it around the twigs again. Repeat this process a few times, gradually shifting upwards towards the top of the broom head. This will create additional stability and durability.
Once you have strengthened the entire broom head, tie a final double knot to secure the string. You can trim any excess string for a clean finish.
Your colonial broom is now ready for use. The tied twigs create a firm and functional broom head that is typical of colonial-era brooms.
| Materials: | – Twigs | – String (jute or hemp) |
|---|---|---|
| Tools: | – Scissors |
