The discussion of the weaving processes to follow is confined, in the main, to stools or seats. Fig. 53 shows several stools different in design both in wood construction and in weaving. In two instances it will be noted that weaving is done over a separate frame, one being inserted between the rails, the other fastened on top, leaving a little projection. Reference is made to several possible weaving designs and the use of various mediums and combinations. The possible combinations of materials are merely suggestive of possible other ones, and the individual worker will find that many designs of varying complexity may be worked out. An excellent method for working out possible designs is that of using black and white paper strips ½ in. in width. The design will show up very clearly because of the contrast of the black and white. Experimenting with the weave on the seat itself is rather tedious and unsatisfactory. The paper strips are an excellent means to an end.

The stool top illustrated in Fig. 54 employs a simple over-and-under weave, utilizing flat reed. The worker needs to decide at the outset on the character of weave to be used unless it be of unusual design. In this instance the weaver runs over three and under three strands, and the wrapping done in a series of three. To begin the operation tack an end of flat reed under a short rail at a corner, then bring the strand out and over the rail, across the frame opening to the opposite rail, under this rail, across underneath the frame opening to the bottom of the first rail. This completes the process once around. Repeat three times; then wrap the strand around the two rails, without running it across the top. Thus every fourth strand across the top is omitted. It is not necessary to cut the strand; the wrapping is continuous. Repeat these series of three strands until opposite short rails are entirely wrapped. When a strand runs out tack the end with the beginning of a new one underneath a rail. Use a one ounce flat head wire tack for this purpose if available, otherwise a one ounce cut tack will do. The weaving proper now begins.

Tack a strand underneath a long rail at a corner, then weave over three strands and under three. Repeat in the same manner three times, then weave over the series which were woven under before and repeat alternately until the top is entirely woven. In weaving the top of this stool one strand is woven in the last series of three, and to balance it a single strand is run in on the opposite side. The ends of this strand are not fastened in any particular way; the weaving holds them in place. The spaces next to each short rail may be filled in a like manner if desired. Strands crossing underneath the frame must be woven in some manner to produce a seat of maximum strength. The character of the weave here is not pertinent; in this instance it might take the same form as the top.

Fig. 55 shows a stool top woven of inner hickory bark strips employing what is termed a diagonal weave. Begin the wrapping on either the short or long rails. In this instance we will assume that the short rails have been wrapped; then the weaving will begin over the long rails, and as indicated, at the upper left hand corner. The strands have been numbered to make the description clearer. The “diagonal” is determined at the edges of the upper rail. The method of weaving may be expressed in the following manner:

This completes the series or unit, and this unit repeats itself until the area is woven. For instance, the fifth weaver follows the same course as the first; the sixth weaver follows the same course as the second; the seventh the same as the third; and so on. The diagonal effect will remain the same were the weaver to run over three strands or more, providing the right start is made at the edges of the frame. In using inner hickory bark care must be exercised to keep the strands close together, for they shrink appreciably in drying. A brad hammer with square face is an excellent tool to use for keeping the strands snugly together.

A combination of half-round and flat reed is illustrated in Fig. 56. The half-round reed is wrapped about the frame first, and in this case every other strand is wrapped around the opposite rail, crossing underneath the frame only. The diagonal weave is employed, and is identical to the one just described in general effect. However, the weaver runs over three and under three in the body. Note the difference in the weave at the edges of the rails. When using half-round reed it is necessary that every other strand be wrapped completely around the rails, for otherwise it would prove practically impossible to weave the area because of the thickness of the reed. A winding reed as shown in Fig. 49 or binder cane could be run continuously, inasmuch as either is relatively thin. Weaving with two kinds of reed will produce an area of pleasing high relief.

Fig. 57 illustrates a stool woven in flat reed. The diagonal weave is used running toward a common center, and it forms a diamond pattern or design. Begin wrapping on the long rails, skipping every other strand on the top as indicated. To weave this pattern it is necessary to locate the center of the short rails and the center strand of those running across the frame. In this instance the strands are even in number, so the pattern does not begin at the actual center, but a little to the right or left as the case may be. Beginning at the center, count by twos, over, under and over, under and so on to determine the number of strands to go over or under at the edge of the frame. The first strand runs over one at the center, and over two and under two on either side. The second strand runs under three at the center, and over two, under two on either side; the worker must again count to the edge of the frame to determine the beginning weave, until the unit of four strands has been woven. Then the unit repeats itself at the center and at the edges of the frame. Beginning at the right side of the illustration the weaving is as follows:

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. 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.

While reeds and inner hickory bark shrink in drying, they will shrink mostly in width and not much in length. Therefore it is necessary to pull all strands, both in wrapping and in weaving, rather tight at all times. Only by doing this will the worker be assured of an ultimately taut seat. This applies also to the Indian splints now to be discussed. As fiber is woven practically dry it needs to be pulled particularly tight.Indian Splints.—Fig. 61 shows a group of stools and a waste basket constructed in eighth grade shops. The tops of the stools and the panels of the basket are woven of hickory splints ½ in. in width. A variety of patterns is shown, and these will suggest other ones. One of the stools has turned posts and the splints are carried over the sides of the rails. With slight modification of the structure, the sides might be woven in a similar manner to the top. The panels of the basket were woven over a separate frame, then they were cut to fit the frames of the basket, and finally tacked on the frames. The edges of the splints were covered with thin wood strips held in place with brads. These panels should be inserted and secured while damp to assure proper tautness, and to prevent as far as possible splitting the ends of the splints in tacking them to the frames.

It is not advisable to tack splints onto seat frames, either as an insert or slip seat, or on the rails of the structure itself. The splints split easily when tacked, the strands are bound to pull loose, and the seats break down under continued use. On such articles as waste baskets, boxes, screens and the like, tacking the panels in place is necessary and proper, for no appreciable wear or service comes to them. The weaving on seats needs to be continuous over and under the frame.

When a strand of usual length has been wrapped about the rails of the seat a second strand needs to be added to continue the wrapping. Tacking the strands to the under side of the rails, as in the case of reeds, cannot be resorted to with splints for the reasons just explained. Therefore some method of fastening strands to each other is necessary. Fig. 62 is a freehand sketch showing a good method. As indicated, a small rectangular piece is cut out of the used strand at B, one inch from the end. A chisel or chip carving knife is good for the purpose. Cut across the grain of the wood first to avoid splitting the splint. The end of the new strand A is notched as shown an inch back from the end, and is then inserted thru B and the two strands thus secured. All subsequent strands are secured in the same manner.

Another method which works well and involves less labor than the one just described is that of fastening the strands together with metal staples. Any type of small hand stapler will accomplish the result. The splints must be very pliable when the staple is inserted and clinched, for if they are not, the splints are certain to split. Clips used in Venetian ironwork are excellent for this purpose also. It should be understood, for reasons very obvious, that these fastenings are made underneath the frame.

After the wrapping of the opposite rails is completed, the weaving is begun. The use of tacks here is also unnecessary and is inadvisable. Fasten a new strand by overlapping the end of the old one for several inches either on top or underneath the frame. The ends of each will be hidden under cross strands or spokes. Fig. 63 is a sketch illustrating the method of overlapping. AA shows strands running over the weavers, and BB strands running under. D is the end of the old or used strand, and C one end of the new one. C is pulled until the end is hidden under A. It is advisable to overlap the distance of a number of strands and not merely two as the sketch indicates. The sketch merely shows the method. The end of the strand which completes the weaving of the seat is secured underneath the frame by weaving for a short distance in the usual manner. Fig. 64 is merely Fig. 59 repeated as far as the weaving processes are concerned. In this instance hickory splints are used, and the rails are wrapped continuously across the top. Note the different effects produced, by comparing the two figures.

Fig. 65 shows a rather unusual weave. The effect is that of a number of diamond areas over the entire surface, one of which is marked to make the unit or design evident. This design need not begin at the center, but may begin at the edge of the frame as in regular diagonal weaving shown in Fig. 55. The strands comprising the unit are numbered for convenience. The process of weaving is as follows:

Nine strands comprise the unit. One half of the unit from strand 5 is a repetition of the first half except that the order is reversed. Thus strands 4 and 6, 3 and 7, 2 and 8, and 1 and 9 are identical in weave. Repeat the unit until the seat is completed.

The design produced in Fig. 66 is obtained by skipping certain strands for rather unusual distances. This may be done in instances where the pattern is begun at the center of the area. No strand should be omitted its entire length however. Any number of designs may be worked out, limited only by the patience and ingenuity of the individual worker. A design for a seat or panel not illustrated herein, but which is particularly pleasing in its general effect, is produced by a unit of six strands repeated indefinitely. The weaving is started as in the diagonal weave and the process may be indicated as follows:

The isometric sketch of a stool, Fig. 67, shows the structure partly woven. It will be noticed that the splints or reeds run both ways underneath the frame as they do on top. As indicated previously these strands underneath should be woven in some manner to assure a seat of maximum strength for the material used. The diagonal weave was arbitrarily chosen to illustrate the method of weaving the seat frame. The weaving underneath is not shown on the sketch. If the rails on any seat are run flush with the inside corners of the posts the woven strands will fill the entire space. On the other hand, if they are permitted an offset, a series of open spaces are left as shown on the first woven seat illustrated. The sketch shows the rails flush with the inner corner of the posts.A Rustic Chair.—The type of chair which is particularly adapted to splint weaving is illustrated in Fig. 68. The construction is simple, and the necessary bending of pieces is readily done if a suitable steaming chest is available in the shop. Such a chest may be made of a 6 in. gas pipe cut the required length and threaded at both ends. Cap one end permanently. Have the cap for the other end removable, with a gasket in it to prevent the escape of steam, and a suitable handle attached for ease in removing. Set the pipe upon a standard, then make the necessary steam connections at the closed end and the drain at the other. Place the wood in the chest, screw on the cap, and turn on the steam. The length of time the wood should remain in the steam depends upon the wood and the size of the piece.

Suitable wood forms are easily made for bending stock. Their construction needs no elaboration. When the pieces are removed from the chest, clamp them over the forms immediately, and allow them to remain clamped in this manner for several days in a dry, warm room. If steam coils or hot air registers are handy the forms may be placed over or near them to expedite the drying.

Rock elm is a good material from which to construct such a chair. The wood may be procured in the round, of different diameters. The tenons on the straight pieces may be made on the wood lathe; on the curved ones with spokeshave or draw knife. The short thin pieces on the sides should be fully housed. On a chair of this description it is good policy to assemble the sides first. Finish both the frame and the splints with a good paint composed of white lead and oil.

Another excellent material for chairs of similar design and purpose is hickory. It is the best material for the construction of furniture for lawns and porches where weathering is constant, and it is peculiarly adapted to splint and inner bark weaving. If a person lives in the right locality he may gather young second growth hickory saplings in the fall. An instructor could very readily take his classes out on such a wood-gathering expedition. The educational gain in gathering raw materials to be fashioned into finished articles of use and beauty will justify all efforts. In the fall the bark of the saplings will adhere firmly to the wood. Trim and assort the different pieces in accordance with plans, cut them into approximate lengths, and steam and bend those desired. Sand each piece smooth, and proceed to construct the chair according to previous plans. Glue and nail all important joints to prevent any possibility of separation under any weather condition. No finish of any description is necessary or desired on hickory furniture. Weathering will naturally darken both frame and splints, but will not detract in any way from the rugged, pleasing appearance of the article.

Sassafras is a very desirable wood for rustic furniture, and well adapted to splint weaving. The methods of gathering and finishing are identical to hickory. It is much lighter in weight than hickory, but is quite as serviceable. No finishing agent is necessary, altho the worker may oil or varnish it at his discretion. A Woven Table.—The table illustrated in Fig. 69 is a commercial product, evidenced by the machine turned posts and crosspieces. In school shops the posts may be made of rock elm rounds previously mentioned, or square tapered, and the rails of rounds or squares. The posts mortise in a frame underneath the top. The framework of the top is made of ? in. dowel rods housed in a 6 in. round piece of ¾ in. wood, and radiating from it equal distances apart. The number of spokes needs to be odd, and cut to even lengths. The weaving is done with about a No. 6 reed, running over one, under two, over one, under two, and so on. The odd spoke permits the weaver to run continuously without skipping a spoke. A new strand is begun underneath the spoke where the last strand ends. When the top has been woven to the ends of the spokes a strip of braided No. 2 reed is nailed to each spoke with a round head, galvanized nail. The braid is made in the usual manner, as in basketry, with three series of strands of four each. When the shelf has been constructed in the same manner as the top, and both top and shelf have been fastened in their respective places, the table may be stained with naptha by pouring the stain over it. This method has been described in Chapter VI. Commercially, such articles are sized before staining. However, staining direct is the proper procedure in school shops. Use no shellac if the table is to be used on the porch or in the open where exposed to the weather.Willows.—Willows are imported normally from Germany, Holland, Belgium and France. Because of their scarcity and demand for them, willow growing is fast becoming a thriving industry in the United States. Many experimental farms are under the direct supervision of the federal government. These have demonstrated that willows can be grown to advantage in many localities in this country. In many instances manufacturers have abandoned rattan in favor of willows for certain articles of furniture where rattan was formerly used exclusively. Willow possesses all the attributes necessary for such furniture, being light in weight, durable, and strong; and it takes a good finish.

Willow stems or rods are cut when several feet long. They are then soaked in water and the outer bark peeled. The rods are then sorted, bundled and shipped to the dealer or user. The peeling is generally accomplished by hand with a peculiarly forked stick or rod. Commercially there are what are termed dry peeled rods and steam peeled rods, with the former in favor for furniture of the better class. They sell for from 6 cents to 15 cents per pound, depending on quality, length and method of peeling. Willow stems are used extensively in basketry, and for porch and summer furniture. They could be used effectively on such a table as shown in Fig. 69, but cannot generally be utilized advantageously in school shops for seating purposes only. However, they have very definite uses on some structures, and an adequate supply should be kept on hand for use when opportunity offers.

Within the confines of this book a variety of materials has been suggested, and many demonstrated, for seat weaving of various kinds and for weaving on structures other than seats. These will ordinarily afford sufficient latitude for classes of different grade in the school shops, but the instructor or worker should not infer that those indicated include all. Experience in weaving with these materials will suggest new mediums and combinations without number, and experimentation with new materials by both instructor and pupil should be encouraged.