Bands
Bands are particularly suitable for inlaying. They are composed of straight lines arranged in some orderly and structurally related manner. They are used for bordering, framing, enclosing, or connecting. They give a decided onward motion which tends to increase the apparent length of the surface to which they are applied. Referring to [Plate 32], [Figure 192], we find three typical bands, A, B, and C. It is often the custom to limit the width of the inlayed bands to the width of the circular saw cut. To secure unity, the center band in C is wider than the outside sections.
Plate 34
Accenting
A possible variation of motive in band designing may be secured by accenting. The single band has been broken up at D into geometric sections of pleasing length. But while this design gives variety, it also destroys the unity of a single straight line. Unity may, however, be restored by the addition of the top and bottom bands at E. This method of restoring unity is of extreme value in all border arrangements and is constantly used by the designer.
Rule 6f. All component parts of a border should move in unison with the main movement of the border.
Borders
Bands, as has just been stated, give distinctly "onward" movement. Borders are merely bands combined with other motives from the designer's vocabulary. As will be seen, bands, by their onward movement, tend to hold the other elements of the border together. [Figure 193] is a border design without variety, unity, or interest. [Figure 194] has added unity to a similar border by the addition of the double bands, but monotony is still present. [Figure 195] suggests a method of relieving the monotony by accentuating every other repeat, thus supplying variety and creating an analogy to march-time music. [Figure 196] has accentuated the monotonous border in [Figure 194] by omitting every other square. This makes a simple and effective inlay pattern and suggests a large number of possible variations that could be applied to accented band motives.