Raffia Types & Lengths: A guide for raffia lovers

What Is Raffia?

Raffia is a natural fibre harvested from the Raphia palm, prized by basket weavers and craft enthusiasts for its flexibility, strength, and beautiful texture. At Raffia & Twine, we source and offer a curated range of raffia types to suit every project — from beginner kits to intricate artisan weaves.

Types of Raffia

Natural Raffia
The purest form of raffia, dried and left in its original earthy tone. Natural raffia is ideal for traditional basket weaving, hat making, and projects where an organic, undyed aesthetic is desired. It's strong, pliable when dampened, and biodegradable.

Dyed Raffia
Our hand-dyed raffia collection brings colour to your creations without sacrificing the natural fibre quality. Available in a wide palette — from soft neutrals to bold statement hues — dyed raffia is perfect for adding detail, contrast, or a pop of colour to your weave. Because our raffia is hand-dyed in small batches, there will be natural variation in tone and depth across strands — this is part of the charm and character of a truly artisanal product, quite different from the uniform finish of commercially dyed alternatives.

Understanding Raffia Lengths

Choosing the right length of raffia for your project can make a significant difference to your weaving experience.

Short lengths (under 1m)
Best suited for fine detail work, embellishments, or small accent pieces. Easier to manage for beginners or children's craft projects.

Medium lengths (1m–1.5m)
The most versatile option for everyday basket weaving. Medium lengths reduce the number of joins needed while remaining easy to handle throughout a project.

Long lengths (1.5m+)
Longer strands are preferred by experienced weavers working on large baskets, wall hangings, or continuous coil projects — fewer joins means a smoother, more consistent finish. Raffia at 2m and beyond is genuinely rare, making it a prized find for serious crafters.

Tips for Working with Raffia

• Hang outside under shelter — suspending raffia in a sheltered outdoor spot allows it to drop and soften naturally, making it much easier to work with.
• Dampen before use — lightly misting raffia with water can make it more pliable and easier to work with, though this is very much a personal preference. Many weavers prefer to work with it dry.
• Store in a cool, dry place — to preserve colour and fibre integrity.
• Choose length based on project size — longer projects benefit from longer strands to minimise joins.

Shop Our Raffia Range

Explore our full collection of natural and dyed raffia in a variety of lengths at Raffia & Twine — everything you need to bring your weaving vision to life.