B

Materials Needed

Traditional Materials

Rushes (most traditional):

  • Soft rush (Juncus effusus) is ideal
  • Harvest from wetlands (with permission)
  • 16-20 rushes, 12-18 inches long
  • Flexible when fresh or soaked

Reeds:

  • Common reed (Phragmites australis)
  • Similar to rushes in use
  • Slightly stiffer

Wheat or oat straw:

  • Readily available
  • Traditional alternative
  • Represents grain harvest
  • Purchase from craft stores or farms

Modern Alternatives

If traditional materials aren't available:

  • Raffia (natural fiber)
  • Long grasses
  • Cattail leaves
  • Iris or daylily leaves
  • Paper straws (for practice)
  • Pipe cleaners (for children)

Additional Supplies

  • Large bowl or bucket for soaking
  • Water
  • Scissors or knife
  • String or ribbon for binding (optional)
  • Towel

How to Make a Traditional Brigid's Cross

Preparation

  1. Gather materials: Collect 16-20 rushes or straws of similar length (12-18 inches)
  2. Soak: If using dried materials, soak in water for 30 minutes to 2 hours until pliable
  3. Prepare workspace: Clear flat surface, have towel ready
  4. Set intention: As you prepare, think about what you're creating and why

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start the center

  1. Take one rush/straw, hold it vertically
  2. Take second rush, fold it in half around the middle of the first
  3. You now have a T-shape with the folded rush horizontal

Step 2: Begin weaving

  1. Rotate the cross 90 degrees counter-clockwise (so the folded rush is now vertical)
  2. Take third rush, fold it around the vertical piece
  3. You now have two rushes pointing in each direction

Step 3: Continue the pattern

  1. Keep rotating counter-clockwise after each addition
  2. Fold each new rush around the bundle that's currently vertical
  3. Push each new rush tight against the previous ones
  4. The center will form a square
  5. The arms will grow longer with each addition

Step 4: Add all rushes

  1. Continue rotating and adding rushes
  2. Maintain even tension
  3. Keep center square tight
  4. Use all your rushes (or until desired size)

Step 5: Secure the arms

  1. When all rushes are added, secure each arm
  2. Tie with string, ribbon, or a rush wrapped around
  3. Tie about 1-2 inches from the ends
  4. Trim ends evenly if desired

Step 6: Finishing

  1. Adjust the cross so all arms are equal length
  2. Tighten center if needed
  3. Let dry completely (24-48 hours)
  4. As it dries, it will tighten and become more rigid

Tips for Success

  • Keep materials damp: Spray with water if they dry out while working
  • Maintain tension: Pull each rush snug but not so tight it breaks
  • Square center: This is the key to a good cross—keep it square, not diamond-shaped
  • Even arms: Try to keep all four arms the same length
  • Practice: Your first cross may be imperfect—that's okay! Each one teaches you
  • Patience: Take your time, this is a meditation