If you’re looking for a simple and useful cleaning tool, you can’t go wrong with a whisk broom. Whisk brooms are small, handheld brooms that are perfect for quickly sweeping up small messes, dusting off surfaces, or tidying up hard-to-reach areas. While you can easily purchase a whisk broom at a store, making your own can be a fun and rewarding project. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making your own whisk broom from scratch.
Step 1: Gather your materials
To make a whisk broom, you’ll need a few basic materials. You’ll need a bundle of broomcorn, which you can find at a craft store or online. Broomcorn is a type of sorghum that is commonly used for making brooms. You’ll also need a spool of strong thread or twine, a wire or wooden handle, a utility knife or scissors, and a small drill or awl.
Step 2: Prepare the broomcorn
Start by trimming the broomcorn to your desired length. Whisk brooms are typically around 8–10 inches long, but you can adjust the length to suit your preferences. Use a utility knife or sharp scissors to cut the broomcorn to size.
Note: If your broomcorn is dry and brittle, you may need to soak it in warm water for a few minutes to soften it up before trimming.
Step 3: Bind the broomcorn
Stack the broomcorn together, making sure that the ends are even. Take your spool of thread or twine and tightly bind the broomcorn together, about 2–3 inches from one end. Use several layers of thread to ensure a secure binding. Tie off the thread with a double knot and trim any excess.
Step 4: Attach the handle
If you’re using a wire handle, use a small drill or awl to create a hole near the bound end of the broomcorn. Insert the wire into the hole and bend it to secure it in place. If you’re using a wooden handle, simply insert it into the bound end of the broomcorn and secure it with a small nail or screw.
Note: You can use a decorative bead or button as a stopper to prevent the broomcorn from sliding off the handle.
Step 5: Trim the broomcorn
Finally, take your utility knife or scissors and trim the broomcorn to create a neat, even shape. Trim the broomcorn at an angle to create a clean, tapered end.
And there you have it! Your homemade whisk broom is ready to use. Now you can easily clean up small messes and keep your space tidy with your new handmade cleaning tool.
Materials for Making a Whisk Broom
To make your own whisk broom, you will need a few basic materials. These materials can be easily found at your local store or online:
- Handle – You will need a wooden or plastic handle that is comfortable to hold and fits your hand well.
- Bristles – The bristles are the most important part of a whisk broom. You can use natural materials such as straw or twigs, or synthetic materials such as nylon or plastic.
- Thread – You will need a strong thread or twine to secure the bristles to the handle.
- Scissors – A pair of scissors will be necessary to cut the bristles and thread to the desired length.
- Glue (optional) – If you want to reinforce the attachment of the bristles to the handle, you can use glue to secure them in place.
These are the basic materials you will need to make a whisk broom. Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you will be ready to start creating your own functional and stylish whisk broom.
Broomcorn
Broomcorn, also known as Sorghum bicolor, is a type of grass that is commonly used for making brooms. It is named after its long, stiff stems that resemble the bristles of a broom. Broomcorn is native to Africa but is now grown in various parts of the world, including the United States.
When it comes to making a whisk broom, the bristles are an essential component. Broomcorn’s stiff stems make it an ideal material for creating durable and effective broom bristles. The fibrous nature of broomcorn allows it to sweep up dust and debris effectively.
Broomcorn can be easily cultivated, making it a popular choice for broom-making. It grows in tall stalks and is harvested when the heads turn brown and dry. The stalks are then gathered and dried to ensure that they are ready for the broom-making process.
After the broomcorn has been harvested and dried, the next step is to prepare the bristles. The dried stalks are typically soaked in water to soften the fibers and make them more pliable. The bristles are then trimmed and bundled together to create the broom’s brush.
In addition to being used for whisk brooms, broomcorn is also commonly used for traditional broom-making. Its stiff bristles make it suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks. Whether you are sweeping up dirt, leaves, or debris, broomcorn bristles are designed to make your cleaning efforts more effective.
Overall, broomcorn is an essential material for making a whisk broom. Its long, stiff stems provide the perfect bristles for effective sweeping, while its cultivation and harvesting process make it a popular choice for broom-making. Whether you are making a whisk broom or a traditional broom, broomcorn is a versatile and durable material that will help you keep your space clean and tidy.
Twine
Twine is an essential material for making a whisk broom. It is a strong and durable thread that is used to bind the bristles together and attach them to the handle. Twine is typically made from natural fibers such as hemp, jute, or sisal, although synthetic options are also available.
When selecting twine for your whisk broom, it is important to choose a type that is strong enough to withstand regular use. Look for twine that has a high tensile strength and is resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, consider the thickness of the twine – thicker twine will provide a sturdier bind, while thinner twine may offer a more delicate look.
To attach the twine to the handle, start by folding a length of twine in half. Place the folded end of the twine against the base of the bristles, with the loose ends extending upwards. Wrap the loose ends of the twine around the bristles and handle, making sure to keep the bristles tightly bound together.
Continue wrapping the twine around the bristles and handle several times, creating a secure hold. When you reach the end of the twine, tie a knot to secure it in place. Trim off any excess twine, leaving a neat finish.
By using quality twine and properly binding the bristles together, you can create a sturdy and functional whisk broom that will effectively clean up small messes. Experiment with different types of twine to achieve the desired look and feel for your broom.
Wooden Handle
The wooden handle is an essential part of a whisk broom as it provides durability and a comfortable grip. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a wooden handle for your whisk broom:
1. Start by selecting a sturdy and durable wood for the handle. Popular choices include oak, maple, and birch.
2. Measure and mark the desired length of the handle on the wood. The length may vary depending on personal preference, but a typical whisk broom handle is around 12-18 inches long.
3. Use a saw to cut the wood along the marked line. Make sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when operating the saw.
4. Once the wood is cut to the desired length, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or splinters. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually move to a finer grit for a polished finish.
5. If desired, you can add decorative elements to the wooden handle. This can include carving patterns or adding a stain or paint for a unique look.
6. Once the handle is smooth and finished, attach it to the broom head. This can be done by drilling a small hole in the broom head and inserting the handle into it. Use a strong adhesive or secure it with screws for added stability.
7. Finally, make sure the handle is securely attached to the broom head by giving it a gentle tug. If it feels loose, tighten the fastenings or reattach the handle as needed.
By following these steps, you can create a sturdy and comfortable wooden handle for your whisk broom. Enjoy using your handmade broom for various cleaning tasks!
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select a sturdy and durable wood for the handle. |
| 2 | Measure and mark the desired length of the handle on the wood. |
| 3 | Cut the wood using a saw. |
| 4 | Smooth out any rough edges or splinters with sandpaper. |
| 5 | Add decorative elements if desired. |
| 6 | Attach the handle to the broom head. |
| 7 | Ensure the handle is securely attached by checking for stability. |
Steps to Make a Whisk Broom
Creating your own whisk broom can be a rewarding and practical DIY project. By following these steps, you can make a whisk broom that is perfect for tidying up small messes and corners. Here is a simple guide to help you get started:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Handle – Can be made of wood or any other sturdy material
- Straw or Natural Fiber – Ensure it is long enough to make bristles
- Thread or Twine – Used to tie the straw together
- Scissors – For cutting and trimming the materials
Step 1: Prepare the Handle
Start by selecting a suitable handle for your whisk broom. Make sure it is long enough to provide a comfortable grip. If needed, trim the handle to your desired length using scissors or a saw.
Step 2: Gather the Straw or Natural Fiber
Collect enough straw or a natural fiber of your choice to create the bristles for your whisk broom. Remove any excess leaves or debris from the straw and ensure that the fibers are clean and dry.
Step 3: Cut and Bundle the Straw
Using scissors, cut the straw into small, even lengths. The length of the bristles should be according to your preference. Gather a generous amount of cut straw and hold it firmly together.
Step 4: Tie the Bristles Together
Using a strong thread or twine, tightly bind the bundle of straw near one end. Wrap it several times to secure the bristles and prevent them from unraveling. Leave a tail of thread to help attach the bristles to the handle.
Step 5: Attach the Bristles to the Handle
Place the bound end of the bristles against the handle, positioning it where you want the broom’s head to be. Securely wrap the remaining thread around the handle, making sure it holds the bristles in place and creates a tight connection.
Step 6: Trim and Shape the Bristles
Trim the bristles to your desired length, making sure they are all the same size. This will help create a more uniform and effective broom. Additionally, you can shape the bristles into a rounded or angled form by cutting them at an angle.
Step 7: Clean up Any Loose Ends
Inspect your whisk broom for any loose threads or excess materials that may interfere with its functionality. Trim any stray bits and ensure the broom is neat and tidy in appearance.
Now your whisk broom is ready to use! Keep it at hand for quick clean-up tasks or use it for decorative purposes. Remember to store it in a dry place to prevent the bristles from becoming moldy or deformed. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you made a useful tool with your own hands!
Prepare the Broomcorn
To make a whisk broom, you will need broomcorn, which is a type of sorghum plant that is specifically grown for making brooms. Here are the steps to prepare the broomcorn:
- Harvest the broomcorn: Broomcorn is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the plant has turned brown and dry. Cut the stalks at the base and gather them in bundles.
- Remove the leaves: Strip off the leaves from the broomcorn stalks. This can be done by running your hands up and down the stalks to remove the leaves. Discard the leaves or use them for compost.
- Sort the broomcorn: Sort the broomcorn stalks based on their length. Cut the stalks to a uniform length, typically around 12 to 18 inches.
- Cure the broomcorn: Hang the sorted broomcorn stalks upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Allow them to cure for at least two weeks, or until they are completely dry.
Once the broomcorn is prepared, it will be ready to be used in the construction of the whisk broom.
