FIG. 59. WOVEN DESIGN IN FLAT REED.
These four strands comprise the unit, and it is repeated until the frame is entirely woven. Complete half of the frame first, then weave the other half, which is just the reverse of the first half. In starting the weave for the second half, strand 1 is omitted, for it is the center of the frame. After the worker has worked out the unit according to the method described, he will find it good practice to write it out graphically as above to use in weaving the seat. The unit above applies to the particular stool, and will not hold good on seats utilizing more strands, or fewer. Errors are easily made in weaving this pattern for the reason that strands need watching at two places. The seat of the stool at the top of the group shown in [Fig. 61] has a pattern identical with this one, except that the strands both ways are close together.
The top illustrated in [Fig. 58] is practically the same in design as the one just described. The weavers run over the long rails in this instance, instead of the short ones, and half-round reed is used for the weavers, with flat reed utilized for the wrapping. The first weaver of half-round reed runs under the center strand, and the two second weavers run over three strands on either side of the first, at the center of the area. The combination of the half-round and flat reeds produces a seat both pleasing and serviceable.
FIG. 60. STOOL TOP WOVEN WITH FIBER.
[Fig. 59] illustrates a stool top woven with flat reed entirely, in a design the very opposite in effect of that shown in [Fig. 57]; instead of evolving a diamond effect the diagonals appear to radiate from a common center. The method of weaving is identical to that of [Fig. 57] in that the operation begins at the center of rails instead of next to the posts. The first weaver is woven over the center strand at the center of the top, and the second weaver, on either side, is woven over three strands, at the center. These three weavers practically determine the design and effect produced. An error of no vital importance exists in this particular stool top. It will merely emphasize the fact that particular care is necessary to avoid mistakes.
Fiber is the material used for the top of the stool shown in [Fig. 60]. The diagonal weave is employed. The process of weaving has been explained and needs no further discussion. The fiber is the same as that discussed in [Chapter V]. It adapts itself admirably to this form of weaving, and when properly finished with varnish makes a serviceable seat, pleasing in every particular. The strands which run across the frame in the wrapping must be some distance apart, otherwise weaving would prove impossible. The thickness of the strands preclude their being wrapped close together as in the case of thin materials. In this case a space equal to the width of three strands is left. The weaver runs over two and under two strands in the body.