Corn Husk Broom Tutorial

This cooler weather we have been having has me thinking a lot about Fall.... my favorite season! I came across this "How To" while searching the internet and thought you all might like to make one for yourself. I think I will be saving my corn husks from now on!! The "how to" was written by Kari Livingston.

Things You'll Need:

Dried corn husks
Sharp knife
Jig saw
12-inch x 7-inch x 1-inch board
Cotton twine
5-foot wooden handle
Glue

Gather dried corn husks into bundles that are about 2-inches thick. For a 12-inch x 7-inch broom, you will need 18 bundles.

Grasp the top of each bundle firmly and tie about 1 inch from the top with twine. The tops should be about 1-inch thick after tying them off. The bottom should retain their natural shape.

Cut one hole on the center of your board to accommodate your handle. After centering your hole, cut nine 1-inch holes in a 3 X 3 pattern on either side of the hole.

Spread a thin layer of glue inside each 1-inch hole and insert your corn husk bundles. Your ties should be level with the top of the board. Allow the bundles to dry overnight.

Trim the bottoms of the corn husk bundles to a uniform length with a sharp knife or scissors. Four inches is a good length for both sweeping and mopping.

Spread a thin layer of glue inside your handle hole and insert your wooden handle. For an historically accurate corn husk broom, use a sturdy tree branch. Allow to dry completely.


I also found this diagram and instructions below from a website by Alice Merryman
To make the scrub broom, use a board 1 inch thick, 8 inches wide and 16 inches long for the mop head. With a 1-inch bit, bore a hole in the center with a slope for handle.

Begin 1/4 inch from the edge, using the same bit; bore holes 1 inch apart making 4 rows.

Go into the woods, cut a hickory stick 1 1/2 inches thick, 5 feed long; trim small end to fit the hole in the base. Nail through the handle into base to hold in place.

Now you are ready to fill the mop head. Fill a large container with warm water, packing your shucks in the water to soak 10 minutes. These shuck should not be broken apart. Take enough shucks when twisted together to fill the 1-inch hole. Begin by placing the small end through the hole, pulling very securely, but leaving the large end of the shuck above base to form a ball or knot Continue until the mop head is filled.