Straw Varieties

There are dozens of straws that can be woven into the sheets used to handcraft straw hats, straw totes, handbags, beach mats and more. The type of straw you use often dictates what item is going to be created. Understanding the different straws can help you choose a straw item that will provide you with years of use.

Abaca: Abaca is taken from Manila Hemp and is common to the Philippines. It is not often used for accessories. You’ll find it used to make the ropes found on boats and ships.

Buntal: Grown mainly in the Philippines, Buntal must be lacquered in order to hold its shape for an extended period of time. Because Buntal is beautifully colored, almost a golden color, it is used in more expensive hats and purses.

Jute: Widely used to make netting, totes, purses, chair seats and hats, Jute is one of the more common forms of straw. It is grown mainly in the Ganges Delta and is usually left to its natural color, a rich golden brown.

Raffia: Grown along the African coastline and in Madagascar, Raffia leaves are a form of straw most commonly used to create straw mats, baskets, totes and purses. Some raffia is used for hat making, but bags tend to be the more popular item.

Rush: Rush straw is grown throughout the northern hemisphere in swampy areas. Chair makers use Rush commonly for chair seats, but it can also be used to craft hats, totes and handbags.

Seagrass: Any reed growing on the coastlines through the world can be used to create straw hats, mats, totes and handbags. It is not a durable straw, so expect to replace your seagrass hats at least every two years if you wear them regularly.

Sisal: Grown in Mexico and Brazil, Sisal straw is more commonly used to create robes or cables made from straw, but it is also used for finely woven hats that are extremely durable. The straw is the stem of the Abaca plant.