Scoubidou tutorial: how to make a coaster

Discover how to make an original coaster with the scoubidou technique and decorate your home in a unique way.

Belén and Lester, the creative minds behind the contemporary design brand Casa Atlántica, are masters in the fusion of tradition and modernity. Inspired by traditional craftsmanship, they create collections of unique, authentic, handmade products. In this tutorial, Lester teaches you how to create a vibrant and original coaster using the artisanal technique of scoubidou.

Scoubidou is a braiding method that was born in France in the 1950s and became popular as a creative and relaxing activity. In this step-by-step guide, Lester shares with you how you can use this technique to create a PVC wire coaster, a modern and contemporary take on the classic craft.

Materials

This project requires about three meters of PVC wire, available in a variety of colors, so you can customize your coasters to your liking. In addition, you'll need pliers to cut the wire, an awl, and tape. The size of your coasters can vary, but Lester advises a diameter of 10 cm, which requires cutting the guides to about 20 cm each.

Preparation

The first step in this scoubidou tutorial is to prepare your guides. Cut seven pieces of wire about 20 cm each. Next, cut the wire you are going to use for braiding, about a meter and a half of each color if you choose to follow Lester's pattern. With the ribbon, join the two colors of wire at their ends.

Braiding

From there, it's time to begin the braiding process. This step requires patience and precision, but don't worry, with Lester's guide, you'll be able to handle it with ease. The trick is to alternate wire colors while braiding, running the wire of one color over and then under the guides. Don't forget to keep the wires tightly taped together for an aesthetically pleasing, even finish. As you braid the wire around the guides, you will need to constantly flatten the work on your table to ensure a flat finish.

Finishing

When you've reached 10 cm in diameter, it's time to finish the braid and finish off the top. Here, Lester will show you how to hide and secure the protruding guides for a neat and tidy edge.

The end result is a handmade coaster full of color and personality. This scoubidou technique not only allows you to explore your creativity, but also to decorate your home with an object that carries little stories that connect the past with the present, an emblem of Casa Atlantica.

Join Lester in this video tutorial and discover how you can turn simple PVC cables into unique and contemporary coasters. If you like this tutorial and want to learn more about craft techniques and design, you will be interested in Casa Atlantica's online course Introduction to braiding with colored wires, where you will learn contemporary basketry techniques to fill your home with life with original pieces.