How to make Poi

Getting children to use both hands at the same time helps with brain development, as it helps to reinforce left-right brain connections.  Poi are a great way to do this, and are easy to make.
My 4 year olds help with the plaiting.

You will need:
Plastic bags
stuffing - I used washed wool scraps of fleece, but you could use polyester filling or even paper towels, which I have used in the past when making poi with children.
Wool for plaiting
scissors
squares of fabric
Needle and thread

Begin by cutting lengths of wool. I tend to like using strands about 70cm long (you will be folding the yarn in half when plaiting).

Cut two strands of wool together.

Fold in half.

Tie an overhand knot to create a small loop. This loop can either attach around your toe or a hook or something to help you plait.

Begin plaiting the four strands together. Click here for my previous post on instructions how to do a 4-strand plait... 4 strand plaiting

Gather up a handful of stuffing.

Wrap the plait around the middle of the stuffing, and poke one end of the plait through the loop at the other end.

Pull tight to tighten the plait around the ball of stuffing.

Cut a plastic bag in half lengthwise.

Place the ball of stuffing on top of the plastic bag.

Gather the plastic up around the ball of stuffing, leaving the plait free.

Wrap a piece of yarn around the plastic ball and pull tight.

Tie off.















Trim the plastic around the top, being careful not to snip the plait accidentally!

Place plastic ball in centre of fabric.

Gather fabric up around the ball, and stitch together around the top to fasten it securely.

Poi ready to swing.  Some poi are long, some are short, some are big, some are small.