DIY: Jute Charger

Recently, my tabletop got a makeover. No, I didn't take some paint to my dining set again, but I did create some beautiful things to top it with! Below is part one- look for part two later this weekend. The supply (yes, singular) needed for this project is simply some jute. Simple enough, right??

I made a round placemat/charger from the jute. I started out with three REALLY long pieces of the twine. Like Rapunzel meets that old country singer with the floor-length hair long. Yes, hair that long grosses me out.. but for illustration's sake.. just roll with it. I digress..

I braided the strands together. You'll save yourself boatloads of frustration if you knot the ends up a wee bit for easier weaving:


You may find yourself thinking of the good old days when we girls made all those "friendship" bracelets. Oh, the time I wasted on those things!! (anyone else??)


I used a 4-ply jute for the braiding. I don't recommend anything less or else you'll be spending more time on this project than goth kids spend doing their makeup.

Once you've got one big long braided piece of jute, start folding it around itself in a spiral pattern. I used a 2 ply jute to weave through the larger braid and keep it in place.


Get the idea?? I hope so. It's really not that hard, just time consuming. Pop some popcorn, rent a redbox movie, and you'll be done before the sappy ending!

When you get to the end, just tuck the ends of the jute back into your weaving & secure them with the 2-ply twine.

If you do it correctly, it should come out looking something like this:


Oh, and the cost of this project?? Pennies, my friends, pennies!! Part two is coming- placemats!