Figure 9 shows the method of starting a center with the pairing weave. At A three pieces pass through two pieces giving ten spokes. At B three going through three give twelve spokes. The split pieces are held horizontally, and the weaver, doubled in the middle, is started around the vertical group above the horizontal ones as shown at A; one end being in front of the other behind the vertical group, thus forming the two weavers. The front weaver then comes to the right across the vertical group, and down behind the horizontal group. The rear one goes to the right across the back of the vertical group and down in front of the horizontal group. (B shows the weaving at this stage.) The whole group of spokes is now revolved from right to left until the horizontal group becomes vertical, C, and the weaving proceeds as before, holding the work with the left hand, weaving with the right, and revolving so that a vertical group is woven over each time. Notice that the revolution is from right to left and weaving from left to right. In the illustrated weaving, spokes of No. 4 reed are used and a weaver of No. 2 reed.[[3]]
[3]. It is wise to have the reed for the spokes and stakes two sizes larger than the weaver except in cases where the bottom is less than three inches in diameter, when a difference of one size is sufficient.
When three pieces cross three pieces it is necessary to go around the groups three times before separating into singles, Fig. 9, D. As soon as it is possible after separating, get the spokes the same distance apart at the weaving. If they are spread apart as at E, this can be done in two courses and single weaving can be commenced. Take the rear weaver and bring it over one spoke and under the next, and so on once around until coming to the other weaver. F shows it at this stage. Notice that when a course is woven once around, the weaver comes outside of the other weaver and stops. The inside one now weaves around until it comes to the same position, with reference to the first one, that the first one held to it. Continue to weave first one and then the other, each as in single weaving, until the desired diameter is reached. Overcast as shown in Figure 10. The weavers are stopped on opposite sides of the weaving, A, and the top one is overcast to the other, B. The lower one is then overcast until it comes opposite to where the other overcasting stopped, C. Weavers can then be cut off on the back side of the weaving. If the bottom of the basket is to be woven, it must be crowned slightly, and the weaving may be done over the knee, as shown in Figure #11:di_011. (See initial.) This figure also shows the correct method of holding the hands when weaving either a bottom or a small mat.
Figure 12 shows the method of starting a sixteen spoke center. Four pieces cross four pieces, and two rows of pairing are woven around the groups of fours before they are separated into twos, A. Two rows are then woven around the pairs before separating them into singles, B. When the desired diameter is woven, overcast as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12, C, shows the method of weaving a center having 20 spokes. Here five cross five. Three rows of pairing are woven around the groups of fives and then a pair is separated from each side of the center one of each group, forming eight pairs and four single spokes. These are woven around twice and then separated into singles. C shows the work just before the separation into singles.
The large mat, Fig. 1, C, with open border is made as follows: Cut 10 pieces of No. 5 reed 23 inches long. Split five in the center and put five through them. Weave center 2½ inches in diameter, as described in Figure 12, C, with a No. 2 weaver. Cut off the weavers on opposite sides, Fig. 10, A, and start with 2 No. 3 weavers, weaving until the work is 4½ inches in diameter. Notice in Figure 6 how the left hand holds the work down to the surface and the right hand does the weaving. When the weaving is 4½ inches in diameter stop the weaving as before and insert two colored weavers, weaving four rows, two on each side of the spokes. Then start the natural weavers again and weave until the weaving is seven inches in diameter. Overcast as shown in Figure 10 and finish the edge as in C, Fig. 8. Spokes want to be about 7¾ inches long outside of the overcasting and must be sharpened on the end and inserted about 1¾ inches into the weaving.
Whenever the word “about” is used the subject requires the personal judgment of the one doing the work. If there is any difference in the texture of the reeds, always select the hardest ones for the spokes and use the softest ones for weaving.