Sabai grass grows in the wild, in the forest areas of West Bengal and Odisha, and hence is available in abundance. It is light, easy to work with and can be dyed easily. The craft of sabai grass weaving is popular and accessible as an occupation in these states. In these areas, the grass is processed into a range of sophisticated and artistic household products. Ropes made out of sabai grass are used in tying roofs, walls, and fences of village homes.

Sabai grass grows in dryer regions which are not rain-fed. These areas have scarcity of water, making the land unsuitable for cultivation. The sabai is locally considered a profitable plant or a “money plant” as it has the potential to become a means of sustenance for local workers. Artisans engaged in sabai grass weaving are mostly women. The sun-dried grass is first twisted like a rope, and rubbed on tree trunks to smoothen the surface. Next, it is bundled and braided, and the rough edges are cut off. The strands of the grass are dyed using natural and vegetable colours and then dried in the sun. The weaving of sabai grass products is done with needles.

The craft has been closely linked to Colonial India. British employers began to commission villagers to make ropes with sabai grass for military use. These were used to pull artillery and other equipment.

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