Welcome Mat Woven With Polyester Lashing

At my work, they get materials shipped in that are strapped down with this polyester lashing. They cut it off and throw it away. I dumpster dive and get a couple of pieces every once and awhile. You know how it goes, you don't know what you are going to use it for, but you know you will use it. I used some to make a overhead canoe storage system: https://www.instructables.com/id/Canoe-Trapeze-Overhead-Storage-Rack/ and I want to make a cargo net. I was also wanting to make a woven weighted blanket, but I wanted to make something woven small first. The woven welcome mat is what I made.

Step 1: Safety

Do not burn yourself or your house. Be safe.

Step 2: Tools

I used some strong shears to cut the strapping. I tried other methods of cutting it, but the shears did the best job with little fraying. I used a hot glue gun, hot glue does a good job of sticking the strapping to itself. I used some clamps to hold the strapping together while the hot glue cooled, but you could just hold pressure on them with your hands. Speaking of hands, I used gloves to protect mine. I used a tape measure and a square to make sure the corners were square.

Step 3: Material - What Is Polyester Lashing

Polyester lashing is used to strap stuff down to keep it secure during shipping. It is like a ratchet strap, but instead of the ratchet being attached at one end, there is a special ratchet tool used to pull the strapping through a special buckle. This keeps the cost down. I got mine free from work. You can buy it new or used. Or if you know someone that works in a factory, they might could get you some free. It is very strong stuff and holds a knot well. The cut ends will fray unless you melt them.

Step 4: Cut Pieces to Rough Length

I cut all my pieces before weaving. I decided on the size I wanted to make my mat and cut the pieces long, with the in intention of trimming off excess, once I was done. I used (12) 33" long pieces and (20) 20" long pieces.

Step 5: Layout Your Pieces

I put the long pieces down first with the ends lined up. The lashing I used had writing on one side, so I made sure to work with the writing side down.

Step 6: Weaving

I wove the short pieces into the long pieces in a standard over under weaving pattern. Going over one strap and under the next. Alternating on each row. If you are doing it right, it should give you a checkerboard pattern.

Step 7: Glue Edges

I glued the edges together with hot glue. I used some clamps and small blocks of wood, to hold the strapping together, while the hot glue cooled, but you could just hold pressure on them with your hands.

Step 8: Trim Edges

After all the edges were glued, I trimmed off the excess lashing.

Step 9: Melt Ends

The polyester lashing will fray. To keep the ends from fraying, I used a propane torch to melt the cut ends. I was careful to not apply too much heat in one spot and catch the strapping on fire or melt the hot glue joints.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Mat

The polyester lashing should last a long time and will stand up to weather. If you do wear it out from rubbing your boots on it, you could make another one.

Step 11: Video

As usual, I made a video.

Thank you for watching.

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