How to Weave a Thatch Roof From Coconut Fronds

Harvest fresh coconut fronds for weaving. Dried coconut fronds will crack and break if used for weaving.

Split the coconut frond's spine evenly down the middle from tip to end using a sharp knife. This separates the coconut frond into two halves.

Find the fifth leaflet from the bottom of the coconut frond stem. Bend the leaflet in the opposite direction so it points away from the other leaflets.

Weave the fifth leaflet over the fourth leaflet, and then weave it under the third leaflet. Weave it over the second leaflet and under the first leaflet at the bottom of the stem.

Count up two more leaflets from the fifth leaflet to reach the seventh leaflet. Weave the seventh leaflet over the sixth, under the fifth, and so on, until you reach the end of the stem.

Repeat this process to weave all the leaflets on the frond together. Weave the other half of the frond together in the same way.

Count up eight to ten leaflets from the bottom of a woven thatch panel. Find a place where two leaflets overlap and intersect.

Hold the top leaflet by its tip. Bend the top leaflet forward until the spine breaks, forming a sharp crease.

Poke the tip of the top leaflet through the center of the bottom leaflet. This hooks the leaflets together so that they do not come apart. Repeat this process with the rest of the leaflets, if desired, to make the thatch more secure.

Lay the two halves of woven thatch on top of each other. Use twine or thick string to tie the halves together at the stem. This completes one panel for roofing. Repeat the process to weave as many panels as needed for your roof.