Crocheting with Raffia: My Essential Tools

Living by the Mediterranean has allowed me to rediscover these natural fibers that are often forgotten. The ones that have accompanied our daily lives for generations: the espadrilles we wore without a second thought, the wicker baskets our grandmothers took to the market, or even those raffia bags, symbols of long summer evenings and vacation memories. Simple, authentic materials, inseparable from a sun-drenched way of life.

A fiber born from nature

Raffia comes from the Raphia farinifera, a palm tree whose leaves, once dried and shredded, transform into flexible and durable strips. This palm tree primarily grows in Africa and Madagascar, where it is harvested using traditional methods. Once extracted, the raffia is dried and sometimes dyed in baths of natural or synthetic pigments before being wound into skeins or spools.

Crochet and raffia: it was an obvious choice for me.

Working with raffia crochet, in my opinion, is a unique experience. This yarn, with its distinctive texture, still moves me after all these years. Today, I have the desire to share this passion with you by revealing its secrets. To begin, here is the essential equipment you need to master this rustic fiber.

Essential Equipment

1. A Suitable Crochet Hook

Choosing the right crochet hook is essential. When working with raffia, it’s best to opt for a metal hook of a relatively large size (between 3 mm and 6 mm). A hook that’s too small could weaken the fiber and make the work difficult. A hook that’s too large may, depending on the project, be unsuitable. If you're planning to crochet a bag, I personally recommend using a smaller hook to ensure stability at the base.

2. Sharp Scissors

Raffia doesn’t cut as cleanly as cotton thread; a sharp pair of scissors is necessary to trim the fibers neatly. Honestly, I don’t use any specific scissors for this. In my opinion, there’s no need to spend money on this accessory..

3. A Wool Needle

Essential for weaving in ends at the end of a project, especially when working with accessories like bags or hats. A round-tipped needle makes sewing easier without damaging the fiber.

4. Clips or Pins

I used to use safety pins to mark each round (it's the same concept as when knitting). However, recently I’ve started using a hairpin because it’s common for the safety pin to get stuck in the stitch (believe me, you don’t want that to happen).

5. A Little Patience and Flexibility

Crocheting with raffia means accepting a certain level of resistance. The fiber doesn’t slide as easily as regular thread; it sometimes stiffens under your fingers and needs to be tamed. Far from the precise regularity of industrial threads, it imposes its own rhythm, texture, and authenticity. The complexity also depends on the stitch and the size of the crochet hook. With experience, you get used to it. And if the thread breaks, it’s no big deal!

A Suitable Travel Bag

What I love most about this hobby is that it travels with me. That’s why I recommend choosing a spacious bag that closes (to avoid losing needles and the spool). Interior pockets are also a welcome addition.

7. Which Raffia to Choose?

   Since my beginnings, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with two types of raffia: raffia threads of irregular sizes and raffia spools. Each of these materials has unique advantages and allows for a different approach to a project. I particularly appreciate these two forms of fibers, as they offer very distinct results while requiring different techniques for working with them.

Raffia thread, with its irregularities, gives a project a raw and authentic texture, perfect for a more organic and imperfect finish. On the other hand, raffia from spools results in a cleaner and more consistent outcome, ideal for creations that require a polished and structured finish.

I recommend raffia from spools for long and precise projects, such as bags or hats, where regularity and sturdiness are essential. As for raffia thread, it’s perfect for more rustic and relaxed creations, like coasters, placemats, or even bags, adding an artisanal and warm touch to the work.

Want an easy crochet project? This crochet bookmark tutorial is perfect for beginners!