Poi making

Supplies

• Wool (for the plaited cord)

• Fabric (cotton, calico, or any soft material for the poi head)

• Stuffing (plastic bags, newspaper, old fabric scraps, or polyester filling)

• Scissors

• Needle and thread (or safety pins/stapler for a quick version)

• Optional: tape for binding

Steps

1. Prepare the stuffing – Scrunch up plastic bags, newspaper, or polyester filling into a firm ball (about the size of a tennis ball).

2. Cut fabric – Cut two circles (approx. 20–25 cm diameter). Place stuffing in the centre and gather fabric around it to form a ball.

3. Secure the ball – Tie the gathered fabric tightly with wool or string, leaving a long tail. This makes the poi head.

4. Make the cord – Cut 12 long strands of wool (about 1 metre each). Group them into three sets of four and plait together until you have a thick, strong cord.

5. Attach cord – Tie the cord securely to the top of the poi head. Trim off any excess wool.

6. Hand loop – At the free end of the cord, tie a loop big enough to slip two fingers through.

7. Repeat – Make a second poi so you have a matching pair.

Other Information

• Younger children may need help plaiting.

• Encourage decorating the poi with fabric markers, ribbons, or extra wool tassels.

• Poi are traditionally used for storytelling, rhythm, and dance in Māori culture.