How to Make a Witch's Broom from Twigs and a Stick
A proper witch's broom should look like it was gathered from the woods on a moonless night, not bought in a plastic sleeve. The good news is that the woods (or your back garden) supply nearly everything you need. A sturdy stick, an armful of thin twigs and some twine are enough to make a broom that works as a costume prop, a porch decoration or a centerpiece for a Halloween party.
This guide shows the traditional bundle-and-bind method. It takes about an hour, most of which is gathering and sorting twigs. No special tools are needed beyond a pair of garden pruners.
What You Need
- A straight, sturdy stick for the handle, about 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
- A large bundle of thin, flexible twigs, roughly 15 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) long
- Jute twine or garden string
- Thin garden wire or a few strong rubber bands
- Garden pruners or strong scissors
- Optional: raffia, dried grasses or straw to bulk out the brush
- Optional: a hot glue gun, ribbon and small decorations
Choosing Your Stick and Twigs
Look for a handle that's straight enough to hold comfortably, but a little twist or a knot near the top adds plenty of character. Fallen branches are ideal; just make sure the wood isn't rotten or soft. If the bark is loose and flaky, peel it off and let the stick dry for a day.
For the brush, thin twigs that bend without snapping are best. Birch, willow and dogwood prunings are all good, as are the thin stems you trim from shrubs in autumn. Avoid anything thorny or with sticky sap. You'll need more than you think: a handful about the thickness of your wrist makes a skinny broom, while an armful makes a full, witchy one.
No garden? Craft shops sell bundles of birch twigs and raffia in the autumn, and a wooden dowel or an old broom handle painted dark brown makes a good substitute for a branch.
Step-by-Step: Making the Broom
Step 1: Prepare the twigs
Strip off any leaves and trim the twigs so they're roughly the same length. Don't aim for perfection, because a slightly uneven brush looks more authentic. Sort them into two piles: longer, straighter twigs for the outside and shorter, bushier ones for the middle.
Step 2: Build the first layer
Stand the handle upright with the bottom end on the floor. Arrange the shorter twigs around the bottom 8 inches (20 cm) of the stick, with the thick ends pointing up towards your hands and the thin ends at the floor. Hold them in place with a rubber band or a twist of wire.
Step 3: Add the outer layer
Arrange the longer twigs around the first layer in the same way, overlapping them so no gaps show. If you're using raffia or dried grasses, tuck them in between the layers now for a fuller brush.
Step 4: Bind it tightly
Wrap garden wire tightly around the twigs, about 2 inches (5 cm) below the top of the bundle, and twist the ends together. Pull hard; twigs shrink slightly as they dry, so a binding that feels firm today can loosen in a week. Add a second wire binding a few inches further down.
Step 5: Cover the wire with twine
Wrap jute twine over each wire binding, around and around, until the wire is hidden. Tie it off and tuck the end under, or add a dab of hot glue to secure it. The twine gives the broom that hand-made look.
Step 6: Trim and shape
Stand the broom up and trim the bottom of the brush so it sits fairly level, then fluff and bend the twigs outwards to give the brush a flared shape. Snip off any twig ends sticking up above the binding.
Making It Look Older and Spookier
- Darken the handle. Rub a little brown or black acrylic paint onto the stick with a rag and wipe most of it off again, so it settles into the grain.
- Add a dusting of grey. A dry brush with grey or white paint over the twig tips makes the broom look dusty and well used.
- Hang charms from the handle. Tie on a small bundle of dried herbs, a key, a few beads or a tiny bottle on a ribbon.
- Weave in color. A strand of purple or orange ribbon wound through the twine adds a festive touch without looking too neat.
Ways to Use Your Broom
As a costume prop, the broom completes any witch outfit and gives children something to hold in photos. For decorating, lean it beside the front door with a couple of pumpkins, hang it above a mantel on two hooks, or prop it against a wall with a witch hat balanced on the top of the handle. A row of tiny brooms made from cinnamon sticks and straw also makes a lovely table decoration.
For a "crashed witch" porch display, stick the broom into a planter at an angle, with a pair of stripy stockings and old boots poking out beside it. It's a classic that never fails to make trick-or-treaters smile.
Safety and Care Tips
- Keep the broom away from candles, lanterns and fire pits. Dry twigs and straw catch light very easily.
- Check the brush for sharp twig ends before giving it to a child, and snip off anything pointy at face height.
- If the broom will stand outside, bring it in when it rains. Wet twine stretches, and the bindings can loosen.
- Store it hanging up or lying flat so the brush keeps its shape for next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a witch's broom be for a child?
A handle that reaches roughly to the child's chest is easy to carry and hold in photos. For most children that is somewhere between 2.5 and 3 feet (75 to 90 cm) in total length.
Can I make a broom without twigs?
Yes. Raffia, straw or strips of brown paper bag tied around a dowel give a similar look, and they're softer for younger children.
Will the twigs fall out over time?
A few may work loose as they dry. Tighten the wire bindings after a week, or run a little hot glue into the top of the bundle under the twine.
Looking for more witchy projects? Try the spell book prop, the free flying lessons printable or the full collection of witch crafts and decorations.
