Learn How to make Poi - Simple Maori bag Poi

How to make your own gear - Simple Maori bag Poi

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HOP • Published on 29 Mar, 2008

This is a simple easy to make Maori practice Poi.

To make you will require :

  • Newspaper or Tennis Balls
  • Colour paper or fabric,
  • String/Cord
  • And Scissors


1. The cords should be about 800mm long, so you can also tie around the paper ball.

2. # You can if you wish plait different coloured wool together to make a nicer looking Poi cord.



3. Push the newspaper into a ball (or use tennis ball) and tie one end of the cord around the ball.

4. Cut the coloured paper into a square about 400mm x 400mm.

5. Place the ball in the middle of the paper and gather the material over the ball.

6. Cut another piece of cord to tie the opening in the material up.


7. You can also add a layer of plastic over the Bag Poi and tie as before. This will make them last longer when used outside.

8. Trim the gathered paper with the scissors.

9. Tie loops or knots in the ends of the cord to hold onto as handles.

10. Make another one and you have your first set of Poi.


This is a very basic bag Poi. You can easily add to and decorate as you wish.

Maori Kapa Haka (performance) Poi are fairly light and you may want to use seeds or rice to make them heavier. Be aware that if you hit yourself you may want it to be soft and light enough not to bruise.

The heavier you make it the slower you can spin and the less likely the Poi will be effected by any wind.

Happy spinning :-)

Last modified on 8 Apr, 2020

Comments

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Comments/replies: 2
Chrys
Member #129242
Reged: Mar 2011
Post31st Mar 2011 9:29 PM 

I ended up with something between this and the Sock Poi. I clipped about 5 inches from the toe on a pair of old pantyhose/stockings, and filled them with dry grits. (They weigh roughly 87 grams each) I then packed/rounded them into balls and sewed them shut. After cutting off the excess I sewed a length of slightly stretchy ribbon and some strong nylon/spandex material over the outside as a secondary skin/bag and added some loops to the unattached ends.

I haven't been able to test them out yet because it's been cold and rainy out, but they seem to be sturdy enough so far and still soft enough inside that they won't hurt when I hit myself.

Addition:
Er... It still hurts a bit, but not as bad as you'd think.

R2R
Member #138163
Reged: Aug 2011
Post13th Sep 2011 12:21 AM 

Kia ora

Great resource, we've been Making Poi toa and now use this as a guide.
Playing lots of games including various tag games and horohopu, kids and adults love it

Thanks heaps

Comments/replies: 2

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