Kudzu is a climbing, coiling, and trailing vine whose long stems and bark can be split, stripped, or processed into flexible, strong, and shiny bast fiber. This kudzu was raised and harvested in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Handling Notes
- Kudzu is used for clothing, textiles, paper pulp, and baskets
- It can be spun and crocheted, often used with silk and ramie
- Dry the vines for a few days after harvesting, then re-moisten with a damp towel before use
- Split the vine into thin strips for dyeing, as only the outer part absorbs color
- Soak dyed vines in vinegar to set the dye
Sources
- Barnes, Marianne. New and Different Materials for Weaving and Coiling. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2012.
In Use
Have you used this material?
Please contact Mellanee Goodman, Program Director, Curator, and Materials Specialist, to start a conversation about submitting your work for inclusion on this site.
mgoodman@centerforcraft.org