How to Weave a Thatch Tiki Hut

Select leaves to use for your thatch. Coconut palm fronds work well. Qualities to look for are long slender green leaflets. Avoid using dried fronds, as they may bunch and break when you're weaving.

Cut one frond in half along the the spine. This way, one frond will supply you with two sets of leaflets to weave into thatch.

Count up five leaflets from the bottom of one half of the frond. Bend the leaflet back toward the base of the frond and weave it over and under the other leaflets.

Count up two leaflets from the one you just wove. Weave this leaflet in and out of the others. When you have finished weaving this row, count up two additional leaflets and begin the process again.

Count up five leaflets and weave back toward the base of the frond. Continue this pattern of counting up five leaflets, counting up two leaflets, and counting up two leaflets again as you weave.

Every 10 rows of woven leaflets, look for a place where two leaflets overlap each other. Gently break the spine of the top leaflet and press a small piece of it through the bottom leaflet at these spots. This process will add stability to the thatch and help hold it together.

Bend the end of each frond in half so that the loose end meets the edge of the woven panel. Then bend the folded thatch backward and press its tip through spaces in the woven thatch panel. This will create a clean edge and give the thatch panel a more polished look.

Tie woven fronds together with twine to create panels for your tiki hut. These panels may be hung over a bamboo frame to create a roof and to cover the walls. Place the underside of the panels up during installation of the panels.