Begin with the last strand on the right-hand side and weave it over the next, under the following one, etc., toward the left side letting it hang out to the left. Take the next strand on the right and weave it in the same manner as the preceding one.
Fig. 210. Weaving the raffia
When the left-hand side is reached, drop the first left-hand one with the rest and let the new weaver hang out till the next is brought over. The first one, when it reaches the left side, is always turned over the last weaver just brought over before dropping it (the first one) into place with the others.
When the first set of strands are used, replace them one at a time by using the new and old together about two inches from the end of each.
It will take about eighteen or twenty yards of braiding to cover the frame. When the braiding is ready to sew on the hat, begin with the centre of the crown. When the crown is entirely covered, start with the brim and begin sewing the coils together to the frame at the base of the crown. The under side of the brim may be covered with silk or material of a similar kind, or if you prefer to have it, covered with braid sewed on in the same manner as the outside, beginning at the base of the crown.
When the whole hat frame has been covered with the braiding, you may roll it in the front or on the side, or in fact any place to suit yourself. A nice large bow of ribbon placed on the hat in a becoming fashion would make it very attractive, or for those who prefer flowers and ribbon the hat trimmed in this manner would be equally charming.
A woven raffia hat made on a wire frame is a very charming and neat creation.