A leaf boat is a traditional toy made in various parts of the world using nothing but a leaf. Various types of leaves are used depending on the area, most commonly flag iris, reed leaves and bamboo leaves.

Scottish iris boat with a round sail
Iris boat with a straight sail
Swedish reed boats

Names in other languages

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Process

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In most cases, the process of the more complex boats involves:

  1. folding over the ends of the leaf
  2. tearing the leaf on both sides alongside of the midrib
  3. tucking the torn sections into each other to form the prow and stem
  4. folding a sail and tucking the far end into the stem.
Clip showing how to make a Scottish style leaf boat from an iris leaf (no sound)

See also

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