Have you ever wondered how brooms are made? Did you know that broom corn, a type of sorghum, is used to create the bristles for brooms? Making a broom from broom corn is a fascinating and traditional craft that you can try at home. Not only is it a great way to learn about the history of broom making, but it also allows you to create a functional and beautiful broom that you can use around your house.
Step 1: Harvesting the Broom Corn
The first step in making a broom from broom corn is to harvest the broom corn. Broom corn is typically ready for harvest when the seeds are mature and the stalks have turned a golden brown color. To harvest the broom corn, simply cut the stalks close to the ground using a sharp knife or scissors. It is important to handle the stalks gently to avoid damaging the seeds or bristles.
Pro tip: It is recommended to wear gloves and long sleeves while handling broom corn, as the stalks can be sharp and rough.
Step 2: Drying the Broom Corn
After harvesting the broom corn, it is important to allow it to dry completely. This can be done by hanging the stalks upside down in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or a shed. It may take several weeks for the broom corn to dry completely, so be patient. Drying the broom corn not only helps to preserve the bristles, but it also makes them stronger and more resilient.
Pro tip: To prevent the broom corn from getting damaged or infested with pests, make sure to store it in a clean and dry place.
Step 3: Bundling the Broom Corn
Once the broom corn is completely dry, it is time to bundle the stalks together to create the bristles of the broom. Take a handful of broom corn stalks and hold them tightly together at the base. Use a strong piece of thread or twine to tie the stalks together securely. Repeat this process until you have enough bundles to form the desired width and thickness for your broom.
Pro tip: To achieve a nice and even shape for your broom, it is recommended to trim the ends of the broom corn stalks to the same length before bundling them together.
Step 4: Attaching the Bristles to the Handle
Finally, it is time to attach the bundled broom corn stalks to the handle of the broom. Use a strong piece of twine or wire to secure the ends of the broom corn stalks to the handle. Make sure to wrap the twine or wire tightly and secure it with a knot. Trim any excess twine or wire to create a neat and finished look.
Pro tip: To make the broom even more durable, you can reinforce the attachment by applying glue or resin to the top of the handle before attaching the broom corn.
And that’s it! You have successfully made a broom from broom corn. Now you can proudly display and use your handmade broom in your home. Not only is it a functional tool for cleaning, but it is also a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that showcases the traditional art of broom making.
How to Make a Broom from Broom Corn
Broom corn is a versatile crop that can be used to make brooms. These brooms are known for their durability and effectiveness in sweeping. If you want to make your own broom using broom corn, follow these simple steps:
Gather Materials:
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. This includes broom corn stalks, a broom handle, a pair of sharp scissors, a needle and thread, and a strong piece of twine or wire.
Prepare the Broom Corn:
First, remove the leaves from the broom corn stalks. Then, cut the stalks to your desired length. Typically, broom corn stalks are about 24 inches long. Next, gather the stalks together and tie them tightly at one end using the twine or wire. This will form the broom head.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove leaves from broom corn stalks. |
| 2 | Cut stalks to desired length. |
| 3 | Tie stalks tightly at one end to form broom head. |
Attach the Broom Head to the Handle:
Using the needle and thread, sew the broom head onto the broom handle. Make sure to sew the broom head securely to prevent it from coming loose during use. You can also reinforce the attachment by wrapping twine or wire around the handle and broom head.
Once you have attached the broom head to the handle, your broom made from broom corn is complete! Test it out by sweeping your floors or outdoor areas. You will be amazed by its effectiveness and durability.
Materials Needed for Making a Broom
In order to make a broom from broom corn, you will need a few essential materials. These materials can be easily sourced and are necessary to create a functional and long-lasting broom. Here are the materials you will need:
1. Broom Corn
The main material needed for making a broom is broom corn. Broom corn is a type of sorghum that grows in tall stalks and is specifically cultivated for broom-making. It is important to use fresh and high-quality broom corn for optimal results.
2. Broom Handle
A sturdy handle is required to hold and control the broom. Traditionally, broom handles were made from wood, such as birch or ash. Nowadays, you can find broom handles made from a variety of materials, including metal and plastic. Choose a handle that is comfortable to hold and fits your needs.
3. Binding Material
To secure the broom corn to the handle, you will need a strong and durable binding material. Twine or cord made from natural fibers, such as hemp or jute, are commonly used for this purpose. The binding material should be able to withstand the rigors of sweeping without breaking or unraveling.
Other optional materials that you may need include:
- Scissors: For cutting and trimming the broom corn stalks.
- Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate measurements while attaching the broom corn to the handle.
- Wire Cutter: If you are using a wire to bind the broom corn, a wire cutter will be necessary to cut the wire to size.
- Protective Gloves: It is recommended to wear protective gloves to avoid any potential injuries while handling the materials.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you will be ready to start the process of making your own broom using broom corn.
Preparing the Broom Corn
Before you can begin making your broom, you will need to properly prepare the broom corn. This involves a few steps to ensure that the broom corn is clean and ready to be used.
1. Harvesting: The first step is to harvest the broom corn. Broom corn is a type of sorghum that is specifically grown for making brooms. It is typically ready to harvest when the seeds are brown and hard, and the stalks are dry.
2. Threshing: Once you have harvested the broom corn, the next step is to remove the seeds from the stalks. This can be done by hand or by using a threshing machine. Thresh the broom corn until the seeds are separated from the stalks.
3. Cleaning: After threshing, it’s important to clean the broom corn to remove any remaining debris or dirt. You can do this by placing the broom corn in a large container of water and agitating it to loosen any dirt or debris. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
4. Drying: Once the broom corn is clean, it needs to be dried before it can be used. Hang the broom corn upside down in a cool, dry place for several days until it is completely dry. This will ensure that the broom corn is ready for use and will prevent any mold or mildew from forming.
By following these steps to prepare your broom corn, you will be ready to start making your own broom. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and functional broom that will last for years to come.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Harvesting | Harvest the broom corn when the seeds are brown and hard, and the stalks are dry. |
| Threshing | Separate the seeds from the stalks by threshing the broom corn. |
| Cleaning | Remove any remaining debris or dirt by agitating the broom corn in water. |
| Drying | Hang the broom corn upside down in a cool, dry place until it is completely dry. |
Assembling and Securing the Broom
Once you have harvested and prepared the broom corn, it’s time to assemble and secure the broom. Follow these steps to create a functional and durable broom:
Step 1: Sorting the Broom Corn
Before assembling the broom, sort the broom corn stalks by size and length. This will help you achieve a more uniform and balanced broom. Remove any damaged or malformed stalks.
Step 2: Bundling the Broom Corn
Take a handful of broom corn stalks and align the ends. Hold them tightly together and tie a strong cord around the base of the stalks, creating a secure bundle. Repeat this process until you have enough bundles to form the broom head.
Step 3: Creating the Broom Head
Take the bundles of broom corn and align them so that the stalks are facing downward. Using a strong cord, tightly bind the stalks together at the base of the bundles. This will create the broom head.
Step 4: Attaching the Broom Head to the Handle
| Materials Needed: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| Prepared broom head | Place the broom head against the handle, aligning it with the top. |
| Handle | Hold the broom head in place with one hand while tightly wrapping cord around the broom head and handle. |
| Strong cord | Continue wrapping the cord until the broom head is securely attached to the handle. |
Ensure that the broom head is tightly and securely attached to the handle. Trim any excess cord and adjust the position of the broom head if necessary.
Now that you have successfully assembled and secured the broom, you can enjoy the feeling of using a handmade and traditional broom made from broom corn.
Finishing Touches
Once you have assembled the broomcorn into the broom head and secured it with wire, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your broom. These final steps will not only enhance the broom’s appearance but also ensure its durability and functionality.
Trimming the Bristles
Using sharp scissors or shears, carefully trim the bristles to your desired length. Trim the broomcorn at a slight angle to create a more rounded shape. Be sure to maintain an even length across the entire broom head for a uniform look.
Take caution not to cut the broomcorn too short, as longer bristles will better sweep and clean the floors. However, bristles that are too long may make the broom difficult to maneuver.
Binding the Handle
Securely bind the broomcorn to the handle using strong twine or wire. Begin by tightly wrapping the binding material around the broomcorn several times, just below the trimmed bristles. Continue wrapping downwards, covering the exposed handle and creating a firm grip.
Make sure the binding is tight and secure, but avoid wrapping it too tightly, as this may damage the broomcorn or inhibit its flexibility. Leave a small gap between each wrapping to allow for a comfortable grip.
Optionally, you can add a decorative touch by wrapping colored twine or ribbon around the binding, creating a more visually appealing handle.
Now that you’ve completed the finishing touches, your homemade broom is ready to be used. Take pride in your craftsmanship and enjoy the satisfaction of sweeping with a broom made from natural materials.
