Raffia fabric: what raffia is, natural vs synthetic and uses
A guide to raffia fabric: what raffia is, natural vs synthetic raffia, how the fabric is made, pros and cons, uses, sewing and care.
Raffia is a natural fibre taken from the leaves of certain tropical palms: light, strong and with its typical woven look, it is the signature material of summer bags, hats and accessories. Alongside natural raffia there is now synthetic raffia, in polypropylene or polyamide, which recreates the look with more regularity and better water resistance. Raffia fabric comes in both.
This guide is for designers, leather goods makers, milliners and brands. It covers what raffia material is, natural vs synthetic raffia, how raffia fabric is made, pros and cons, uses, sewing and care, and where to find it among Zerow's deadstock fabrics.
What is raffia? What material is it?
Natural raffia comes from palms of the genus Raphia, found in tropical Africa, Madagascar and South America, as Britannica notes. A thin membrane is stripped from the young leaves and dried into a long, flat, flexible fibre. It is used as it is for tying and plaiting, or woven into cloth, mats and accessories.
It is spelled raphia in French and called Raffiabast or simply Bast in German. Today the word also covers the synthetic material that imitates it.
Natural or synthetic raffia: the differences
| Feature | Natural raffia | Synthetic raffia | Blended raffia (cotton, jute) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Palm leaves | Polypropylene or polyamide | Synthetic with cotton or jute |
| Look | Irregular, matt, natural | Even, can be glossy or two-tone | More textured and natural |
| Water resistance | Low | High | Medium |
| Handle | Stiff, dry | Soft and flexible | In between |
| Colours | Natural tones, limited dyes | Any colour | Natural and coloured |
| Care | Delicate | Easy | Medium |
Zerow's raffia fabrics are mainly synthetic or blended: polypropylene raffia, polyamide "raffia-look" fabrics and weaves with cotton or jute. The exact composition is shown on each product page.
How raffia fabric is made
- Woven or plaited: raffia strips interlaced by hand or machine, with the classic straw effect.
- Loom-woven: raffia used as the weft, often on a cotton warp, for a more regular cloth.
- Resin-coated: the fabric is coated with a resin, usually polyurethane, making it firmer, more stable and easier to cut.
- Blended: synthetic raffia combined with cotton, jute or coloured yarns for a more natural or decorative look.
Raffia fabric: pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Summery, natural look that is instantly recognisable | Cut edges tend to fray |
| Light yet structured | Stiff to sew |
| Synthetic versions resist water | Natural raffia dislikes water and humidity |
| Wide choice of colours and weaves | Not suited to garments that need softness |
What raffia is used for
- Bags, totes, baskets and summer clutches.
- Hats and visors.
- Shoes: uppers for sandals, espadrilles and sneakers, or inserts.
- Accessories: belts, jewellery, trims and appliqués.
- Interiors: placemats, cushions, lampshades and wall coverings.
How to sew raffia
- Use a strong needle, denim or leather, and a sturdy polyester thread.
- Lengthen the stitch: stitches that are too dense cut the fibres.
- Secure edges before sewing with a zigzag stitch, double-sided tape or a fabric or leather binding to stop fraying.
- Reinforce handles and stress points with interfacing, leather or lining.
- Press synthetic raffia only if needed, on a low setting with a cloth: polypropylene melts easily.
For polyamide and other synthetic fibres, see our guide to nylon fabric.
How to clean and store raffia
- Dust with a soft brush or a dry cloth.
- On synthetic raffia, remove marks with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.
- Keep natural raffia away from water: if it gets wet, let it dry naturally, in shape.
- Store bags and hats stuffed with paper, out of direct sun, which fades colours.
Where to buy deadstock raffia fabric
Zerow sells deadstock raffia fabrics: surplus and end-of-run cloth from Italian luxury houses and mills, already made and so needing no new production. Quantities are limited and often unrepeatable: once a roll is gone, that fabric may not come back.
Fabrics are sold by the full roll. There is also a selection of fabrics cut to length, usually from a minimum of 10 metres: the details of each fabric, including composition and how it is sold, are on the product page. Businesses with a VAT number have dedicated terms, and samples are available to everyone.
Our raffia fabric collection includes woven synthetic raffia, raffia-look fabrics and blends with cotton and jute, some resin-coated. For fibres and weaves, read our guide to the types of fabric.
Raffia fabric FAQs
Is raffia a natural material?
Original raffia is: it is a fibre taken from the leaves of the Raphia palm. Synthetic raffia, in polypropylene or polyamide, imitates its look and is now very common in accessories.
What is synthetic raffia?
It is a flat plastic fibre, usually polypropylene, that recreates the look of natural raffia. It is more regular, softer, easier to dye and water-resistant.
What is the difference between raffia and straw?
Straw is the dried stalk of cereals such as wheat or rice; raffia comes from palm leaves and is longer, flatter and more flexible. In everyday language, though, woven raffia is often described as straw-look.
Can raffia be washed?
Synthetic raffia can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap; natural raffia should only be dusted, as water distorts it. In both cases, avoid the washing machine.
Can I order a sample before buying?
Yes, samples are available to all Zerow customers, private and business. It is the best way to judge weave, handle and colour before ordering by the roll or cut to length.
