Hey there, it’s that time of the month again when a group of International bloggers gets together for the monthly IBC challenge. Last month was all about love, and this month we’ll be focusing on Easter. As a South African blogger, I feel really honored to be part of the IBC. We often get excluded from the international space because, sadly, we’ve gained a bit of a reputation for being corrupt, and the wounds of apartheid are still fresh in many people’s minds and hearts. That being said, our country has so many incredible things to offer the world, and one of them is Shweshwe. So for this month’s challenge, I thought I’d showcase this beautiful fabric by making this little shweshwe bunny for Easter.
Isn’t that print just WOW!!! Many of the designs are symbolic, and I believe this one is a “Lesiba la pikoko,” or feathers of the Peacock. So apt, don’t you think?
A Brief History of Shweshwe
Shweshwe, also known as seshoeshoe or isishweshwe, was introduced to South Africa almost 200 years ago by German settlers. Back in the day, the fabric was only available in blue and white, and it was used extensively by our local women to make dresses and skirts. Legend says that the name shweshwe comes from the sounds the skirts make when you walk.
The fabric is very distinct. It’s quite rigid and smells waxy. It’s stiffened to an inch of its life and dates back to when the fabric had to endure the long sea voyage from Europe to South Africa. After washing, shweshwe becomes beautifully soft. You can identify shweshwe by touch, smell, and taste – it’s salty. But if you’re not a touchy-feely, sniffing, or tasting kinda person, you can always look for the three cats logo on the back.
Twenty-odd years ago, Da Gama, a textile company based just outside King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, bought the rights to manufacture shweshwe locally, making them the only original producer in the world. You can go have a look at their catalog to see all the different prints and colors. From far, the patterns just look like swirls and twirls, but up close, the details are just stunning. Like most things in Africa, you have to look closely before you can truly appreciate how incredibly special this continent is.
The amazing and iconic Nancy Zieman actually did a program on shweshwe in 2011. So if you want to know how to pronounce it and see some more, go have a looksee here. Okay, let’s get back to making the little shweshwe bunny.
What You Need to Make a Shweshwe Bunny
For this easy Easter craft, you’ll need a wooden bunny. I cut my own using a jigsaw and this free bunny template. If you can’t find a wooden bunny, you can use the template to cut a whole bunch of bunnies out of cardboard and glue them together. I did something similar when I made this wind spinner heart. You’ll also need:
- Shweshwe fabric or any other heavy printed cotton
- A piece of fabric in a contrasting color
- Mod Podge
- Paint (optional)
Okay, before we get to the tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
How To Make the Shweshwe Bunny
Start by tracing the bunny template onto a piece of wood that’s at least 5 cm wide (2”). Use a jigsaw to cut along the outline. If you’ve never used a jigsaw, here’s a handy tutorial that will help you get started.
You can also buy little wooden bunnies at most craft stores if you don’t want to cut your own, or glue layers of cardboard bunnies together. Lightly sand any rough edges and place the bunny onto the wrong side of the fabric before tracing around the edges. Remember to flip the bunny over before tracing the other side.
Measure and cut a strip of contrasting fabric that’s a little wider than the width of the bunny, and fray the edges.
I chose to paint my little bunny before mod podging the shweshwe fabric onto the body. Just in case the fabric didn’t cover it properly, I found the best way to apply mod podge is to use one of those foam brushes and brush it on in thick, even coats.
Gently place your fabric onto the bunny cutout. Carefully push it into place so it covers the bunny completely. Using your finger, smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles, working your way from the center outwards. Since unwashed shweshwe is so stiff it’s a dream to use in a mod podge project. Apply the contrasting strip of fabric on the back of the bunny in the same way, making sure to squish it into all the little nooks and bends.
Making a Fabric Pom Pom Tail
What’s an Easter bunny without a tail, right?!! For this little one, I used strips of the contrasting fabric to make a pom-pom. I still do it the old fashioned way with cardboard circles. But if you have one of those fancy pom-pom makers, you can use that too.
Glue the pom-pom tail onto the bunny, and you’re all set.
I love the pretty colors and all the detail in the shweshwe bunny.
To complete the picture, we made a few eggs with Play-Doh and dipped them in nail polish. Don’t they look too cute nestled in the little bird’s nest made from coconut fiber?
I hope you like the shweshwe bunny. Does your country have a special type of fabric? I would love to hear about it in the comments.
And if you like it, don’t forget to pin it for later.
Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more creative craft ideas to share with you ;-)
And as always, I wish you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love and laughter. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
Last update on 2026-04-15 / Source Amazon Affiliates
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