Gathering and Working with Rushes

In England, during the Saxon times, rushes were simply strewn on the floor of cottages, halls, inns and castles as a loose, primitive form of carpet. It was during this same period that they were dipped in fat or grease and burned to provide light. Rushes have been used for many years.

It was during the Middle Ages that rushwork became established as a craft and rushes were woven into baskets and carpets amongst other things.

Today rushwork has taken on a completely different look but the techniques involved are no more difficult than those used in earlier times. Present day craftsmen use rushes to make table mats, plant holders, work baskets and even the soles of slippers.

In Great Britain the most common rush is the Flowering Rush (Juncus Effusus). This rush can be found in many parts of the country wherever there is marshy land or water. Most commonly the Flowering Rush is found by the edge of slow flowing rivers and streams and around lakes and ponds.

The easiest way to obtain rushes is to buy them from a handcraft dealer but for the more adventurous of us it is fun and more satisfying to find our own....

Should you decide to find your own make sure that you cut the rushes as close as possible to the roots. Once cut and keeping the stems as straight as possible tie them into armful-sized bundles otherwise known as bolts.

After you have taken the rushes home you will need to store them. Rushes are best stored upright, under cover where the wind can blow through them to dry them quickly. Depending on the weather conditions drying can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Try not to let the rain or damp get to the rushes during the drying period as they will become blotchy and less attractive for craftwork. Also keep in mind that allowing the rushes to be in strong light will bleach them, again making them less attractive for craft work.

When you are ready to use the rushes draw them from the thick (butt) end. Before you begin to weave the rushes they must be dampened.

To dampen the rushes lay them on a flat surface such as a lawn, driveway or even in a bath and water them liberally using a watering can. Make sure that you lay them in away so that the surface water can drain easily and be sure to turn the rushes several times during watering as this will ensure that they are dampened evenly.

The next step is to 'cure' the rushes. This simple means rolling the rushes in a piece of damp blanket or Hessian and leaving for approximately 4 hours before using.

If you are unable to use your rushes within 48 hours they will most probably become sticky and must be dried. This will mean that before using they will have to be dampened again.

A good beginners project is a rushwork tablemat - wither round or oval. Both shapes require that he work starts with a chequer board pattern of intertwined rushes. The only difference between an oval and round mat is that an oval mat starts with a rectangular centre pattern and a round mat starts with a square centre.

Source
The Handbook of Country Crafts, by Barbara Hargreaves, published for the Automobile Association