Sawali Weaves.
Simple Sawali.
By sawali weave is meant all “woven in” designs that are not woven by ones as in the over and under weave. They may be woven regularly by twos, threes, etc.; or they may “switch” the floating straws so as to form a variety of artistic figure designs. In fact, there is no limit to the number of designs that may be thus made.
Steps 1 and 2 illustrate the beginning of a sawali weave by twos. First 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are laid down; then c is put under 1–2, over 3–4, and under 5; d over 1, under 2–3, and over 4–5; e over 1–2, under 3–4, and over 5. This process is continued, advancing one straw each time until the desired amount is woven. If the weaving is by threes or fours, the same principle is followed; that is, the straw goes over three and under three, advancing one straw each time.
Panels.
Most “woven in” mat designs are arranged in panels, with a ground between, as this gives a more pleasing effect than a continuous figure weaving. Panels may be woven either length-wise (step 8), crosswise (step 8), diagonally across the mat (step 4), or in zigzags (step 3). They are most easily woven when arranged diagonally, for then the colors may be carried from border to border without mixing with the ground outside of the panel. Checks are made by weaving cross panels at regular intervals.
In making parallel panels (panels parallel either to the sides or ends), more than two colors can rarely be used to advantage.
Step 3 illustrates the weaving of a zigzag sawali panel. The straws, a, b, k, and l are woven by ones. It takes twelve straws one way and nine the other to make this panel. If a wider panel is desired, the same weaving is repeated as often as necessary.
Plate XII.