Two splints can be twisted together to produce a fine thread and it was this work of making the Schnürli or Drähtli. These threads were then used in many creatively original ways, making Switzerland world famous for its straw hat decorations. There are hundreds of variations of motifs, and many types of netted patterns that can be made.
A whole
stem of straw can be split, flattened and then glued to a fabric or
paper background to make straw sheets (Stroh platten). In the Swiss
industry the sheets were punched out using stamps, which gave them
shape and form (such as leaves and bird wings, anchors and flowers),
and those shapes were then decorated with Schnürli or plaits or
beads.
The other important Swiss industry was the making of knotted hats
(Röhrlihüte or Spitzhüte) for men, for women and for
children. Whole straws are knotted together over a hat block. Straw
threads can be worked into the knotting to add surface decoration.
The
Swiss techniques of plaiting, working with straw threads, the making of
Agréments, and the making of knotted hats can be taught to small
groups. Contact the Foundation if you would like details.
© Swiss Foundation for Straw Craft
