Seat Weaving

S E A T W E A V I N G

D Y P R R Y L . A E

u e r v so r o Ma n u a l Tra n n ol et I ll no s S p i f i i g , $ i , i i , a d I s r tor D ar t nt E sth e t a n d I n d ustr al E d u cat o n n n t u c , ep m e ic i i ,

um m er u a rte rs Th e Un ver s t o h c a o S $ , i i y f C i g

TH E MANUAL A RTS P R E S S PE R I A N O , I LLI O I S

1 C t 1 9 1 7 b V opyr igh , ,

L Da P r r . y e y FO R E WO R D

Woodworking shops in manual t r ain ing schools far outnumber

r as t hose for othe manual acti vities , and a result , cou rses in wood work h ave come to be te r med the st able cou r ses in a handwork

r . r no t cu r iculum However , experience in woodwo k alone is su f i t r r f cien , and needs to be supplemented by othe and more va ied act ivities to give to the boy a p r oper foun dation fo r choice o f vocation . A defin i t e way to p r od uce necessa r y va r iety as applied t o wood

r r t h e f r t wo k , especially i f woodwo k is only cou rse o fe ed , is h ru th e of use such medi ums as cane , reed , rush , splints and allied materials

r in cor elation with the wood . These materials add life to the p r oblems and gene r ally arouse interest and enth usiasm i n the work

r r r at hand . The esult is ca efu l application to const uction detai ls ,

r t f r t wi t h esu ltant appreci a ion o const uc ive design .

wo u ld ro e i r t I t . p v a d iff cul t task to make a fai estima e of the

r value such med iums have i n manual t ainin g shops . Thei r use p r oduces ve r y defini te r eactions u pon boys who could n o t be reached

w r t by wood o k alone , awaken in g them o a new interest in thei r work an d making t hem more wo r kmanlike and exacting i n con s t ruction . There exis t s some element i n such med i ums wh ich cannot be

i r t t h e o r def ned , but wh ich neve heless stimulates average med iocre

t t o o f boy , as well as the excep ional one , p roduce the best work wh ich he is capable . E xperience with these materials u til ized in co r relation with wood will p r ove the t ru t h o f t hese statemen t s an d

t r t t r to demons ate that hey are not only wor h wh ile , bu t necessa y

l - r r any wel ounded cou se i n wood .

r t h e r r r The o igin als of p oj ects i ll ust ated by the photog aphs were , with few exceptions , constructed by boys of average abili ty in the f eigh t h grade . They in d icate th e ch aracter o work wh ich may be t bo s t r r i r t t wo r expec ed of v in h at g ade , and , i n a measu e , th e f s yea s o f h igh school . Practically t h e enti r e emph asis is laid upon weaving as appl ied

r o f t t o r r t o some fo m sea , ei her as a decorative featu re as a necessa y

f er m a r pa r t o t h e s t r uc t ure . These mat ials y be u tilized in va ious

r t r t r t r t ways on va ied ypes an d forms of fu ni u e o he than sea s , a few

f r e E t t r o wh ich a su gges t ed . xperience wi h hem wi ll lead the wo ke r t o new an d in t erest in g fields of a d isti nct ly educa t ional natu re .

o lie t I r 1 1 6 . I , llinois , Novembe , 9

D Y P R RY . L . A E

ACKNO W LE D G ME NT S

Acknowledgmen t s ar e he r eby made to The B ruce Publ ish ing

C fo r t o r e - t r C o . I I I , permission use the ma e ial i n hapters and wh ich appea r ed in Th e I n d ust r ia l Ar t s Mag a z in e in a modiﬁed

fo r t r t o Co . fo m ; Th e Periodical Publish ing , the pho ograph shown

f r h e t r t t M. . G o t i n the f on ispiece ; o F leason , $oliet , ske ches shown

M r t . 6 8 t o . S . t in Figs 5 , an d ; T oore , $olie , for h is coope a ion in all t h e pho t ograph ic wo r k ; and t o t h e i nst ruct ors i n t h e $oliet

Depa r tmen t of h i an u a l T r ain in g who h ave assist ed in wo r king ou t

b r o f h e r a num e t p oblems .

$ D . I . L . C O NT E NTS PAGE FO R E WO R D AC K NOW L E DGME N TS H E R I — T H E E E E C APT . CA NI NG ; S V N S T PS . Cane Equipmen t B eginn ing t h e Ope r a t ion The S even S t eps in Caning H E R I I — C A PT . CA N I NG S U GG E STION S I rregula r A r eas

Five - S t ep Canin g The Design E lemen t H E R I I — E E I N A I R H ND NI N C A PT I . R S AT G C H A ; A CA G .

Th e P r ocess . Refin ish ing H R — B B N E E H R E I G . C A PT E I V . R S ATI NG A C AI ; CA N E VV The Process H E R — C A PT V . R U S H S E ATI NG H isto r ical Rush O t he r h l at e r ial s P r epa r a t ion o f lWat e r ials The Weaving Process Rectangula r S ea t s I r r egular S ea t s S uggest ions Fi nish H E R I — E A N D L V . ED I N E I N C A PT R S P T W AV G . P r imi t ive I\/I e t h o ds B leach ing S t ain ing O t he r Ma t e r ials H E R VI L— E D A N D I N C A PT S E ATS O F R E S S P L TS . I ndian Splin t s A Rust ic Chai r A Woven Table Wi llows W E AVI NG I WAT E R I A L S : Whe r e t o Obtain

5 o r t es P ri odi al P ubli sh i n Co . C u y, e c g A TYPICAL ALLEY SCENE I N HONG KONG SHO‘VING NATIVE ME N A ND A N TRI PPI XG I' ‘ WO M EN SORTING D S RAT AN . C HA PT E R I

CA NI NG ; T H E S EV E N ST E PS

That can ing has n o t been unde r taken t o any appreciable extent in school shops is d ue t o t h e fact t ha t inst r uct o r s a re unfam ilia r fi I m n h r . C no t t . t wi t h t e weavin g p ocesses an ing is di f cul , i n com o

t t r o f t t r r t . wi h many o he lines activi y , is bes learned th u Obse va ion

r it r t t h e t r re Howeve , may be unde aken by average person af e ca fu l

f r r “ s t ud y o p r in t ed d i r ec t ions an d i llus t a t ions . I f th e wo ker wi ll

y r r r l in t r u c closel obse ve h is own work as it p og esses , and fo lows s t r h av e ~ no fi t ions ca efully , he should unusual dif cul y i n caning an

t area ve r y acceptably in the in i t ial a t temp t . Par icular attention

l r r shou d be paid to d i rect ions wh ich tell of errors t o avoi d . E r o s

r y r r at t t h e t r creep in , in a ve u nobt usi ve manne imes , and ama eu

t r will ﬁnd hem h a d t o detect . — Ca n e . Cane is the name applied t o a g r ea t n umber o f plants

r r t . y wh ich possess long , slende , eedl ike s ems Th e name should appl

f t a r e onl y t o a class o palms called r at t ans . These plan s foun d t t h e I A r C I C h ruou t ndian ch ipelago , h ina , ndia , eylon , and the h l t r y . ala Pen insula They grow in dense , dark fores s and fo m a mat t ed unde r g r owt h wh ich makes passage d iﬁi c u l t o r impossible .

a r e r e t r t r These palms t ai ling i n tendency , y f equen ly g ow to tree

t n h e r . heigh t . They hen fall over an d l ie o t g ound The stem is

r t t r r t o t o f 1 00 t o cove ed wi h beau i fu l g een foliage , g ows a leng h

00 r r 1 r ar e c u t 3 and a ely exceeds in . i n d iamete . The stems f f t t o 1 0 2 0 . f r r t r in o leng hs t o t o expo t . The ou er ba k is stripped

t t t r a r e in o wid hs varyin g f r om t o in . These s ips p ut

t o f t f r in o h anks lineal fee t each . The cane is hen ready o h e t r . f cane weave A hank o cane cos t s f r om 60 cen t s t o $ 1 . The

t t h e i wid h of cane and t s qual i t y dete r mines the p r ice per h ank .

I t m ay r r be pu chased f om any upholste r y suppl y house . 8 SEAT WEAVING

Cane is named f r om t h e na r r owest to t h e wides t i n order

r r i i - i r car iage , supe f ne , f ne f ne , fi ne , medi um , common , narrow binde , C . I r and wide binder ane from ndia h as a ve y glossy surface , wh ile t t r t u r hat from o he locali ies is d lle . The righ t side of the cane is

l t r t easi y de e mined by h is glossiness .

Cane fo r weavin g pu rposes should no t be confused wi t h t h e

o u l ar l v o r r t t it p p called cane bamboo of ou r southe n s a es , where

r t h e - r fo ms well known cane b akes . Th is cane rarely exceeds a

t 2 f I 0 t . t r v e r t r heigh of grows apidly and v s aight , and to an

1 . T FIG . HE CANING NEEDLE .

S fo r r t r app reciable diameter . uch cane is used bamboo fu ni u e ,

t . r r walking s icks , poles , etc The o d inary domestic suga cane , also ,

n o t t should t be con fused wi h sea ing cane . — Equ ip m e n t The tools needed in cane weaving a r e few in

r A . numbe . special one is called the cani ng needle Th is may be

1 r made in t h e school shop . Fig . shows a wo king d rawin g of the

I t s t r . needle . leng h is variable , depend ing upon the wo k at h and

I t is desi rable to have a number of di ffe r ent lengt hs . The tool is

o ne made of good ﬂexi ble s t eel wi r e . Th is is ﬂ attened at end . an

e e it r . v cut in , blunt poi nted , and sl igh tly cu ved as ind icated The

t r r l o her end is inserted in an o dina y sma l tool handle , extended t r r t t r t t h e r h u an d ive ed . The ri ve ing p even s wi re from d awin g h out of t e h andle u nder a pu ll ing st rain .

t l r o f The o her too s needed a re a sc atch awl , and a pai r scissors o r - o r o ff kn ife . A button hook wi t h the hook s t raigh tened cut CANING ; TH E SEVEN STEPS 9

f r m ay t ake the place o t h e awl . A pai r of d ivide s and rule are

ar e . necessa r y fo r ma r king . S everal wood pegs needed These may be classed wi t h th e t ools . They are made from a in . dowel rod ,

C u t . t or t h e equ ivalen t . them about 4 in long and point hem as

” t o y o u would a lead pencil . Th e amateu r is inclined use a n umber fi t . of pegs . Fou r should prove amply su f cien

n — 2 t o f u B e g in n in g t h e O p e ra t io . Fi g . is a pho ograph an p

fo r holst e r ed leg r est wi t h caned sides . Th is rest wi ll be used ou r

t r in in i ial wo k in cane weaving , asm u c h as t h e a r e a for can ing ls

I t n o t rect angula r . is advisable fo r t h e beginne r t o h ave h is in itial

n a r t t h e expe r ience o a ch i sea , for

l o f a r ea is usua l y an Odd sh ape ,

r t r . an d a ms , legs , and back in e fere

r t r Howeve , any rec angular a ea o n wh ich the r e a r e no proj ections t o bo t he r may be used fo r t h e fi r st t r ial .

I t is assu med t h a t t h e si des

- o f t h e r t i t t . m L E G RE S L es h ave been f ed The p , 2, r ails an d s t i l es a r e t hen assembled h w t t t t e t . t h e h i h glue , wi hou pos s When glue has set t e p roper

t o f t t h e leng h ime , an d the frame is cleaned and sanded , rails and s t iles are ready t o d imension .

D raw pencil lines en t i rely aroun d t h e inner sides of the rails and

t . . t r s iles , i n from the edges Th is dis ance emains constant ,

r t t h e r usually , on all a eas and wi h canes va ious wi dths . Wi t h a

r o f r o ff o in t s . o n t h e pai d ivi de s set at V2 in . space p penci l lines .

t r t r t h e t r t s a ing f om in e sec ion of the extended lines on each rail .

. r r o f Fig 3 is a wo king d awing a corner , dimensioned as suggested .

t h e r I t I t will make clearer d i ections . is fundamen t al t h a t t h e

t h e r o n r f spacin g be done in same di ection pa allel rails , o r at t imes 1 0 SEAT WEAVING

o r the last space wi ll be a short V2 in . wh atever dimension is used . I n such cases i t is necessa r y t o r ed ivi de t h e last several spaces i nto t d ivisions as near in . as possi ble . I t h us becomes obvious why

t o n e t t spacing mus be done in d i rec ion as s ated . Th is applies to

r r all rectangula f ames .

r n Wi t h a in . wood bi t bo e holes th ru the rails a d s t iles at t h e C t r t h e points marked . oun e sink holes slightly on th e un dersi de

F I G O F F O R . . 3 . S KETCH CORNER CANING

h e r n t n e e s of t f ame . Th is is o absolutely c

sa r y bu t aids conside r ably i n locating t h e

t . I holes , and i n o her ways n shops where

power machi ne r y is available a vertical borer

f t o may be used o r t h is pu rpose . I t is best carefully mark t h e points for boring with a cen t e r punch . The t wis t bi t wi ll t hen s t a r t accu rately and the danger fo r getting o u t of line wil l be reduced t o a min imum . The dimensions given here

- i t o r a r e for fine f ne cane . Use sandpaper emove pencil lines and rough edges lef t f r om boring ; then clamp the frame over th e edge of a table o r bench wi th a carriage clamp ; sit wh ile doing t h e weaving . — in n n . t h e Th e S e v e n S t e p s Ca i g Fig . 4 shows seven steps in

t h e t . can ing . Refer to th is photograph th ruout following di rec ions

The numbers on t h e photograph r efer to the steps .

1 S t e p . A hank of cane should be soaked for a few m in utes in S D n t t o . r . o o warm water , o r longe i n cold o soak it long tart a

t r o n e r h o l e ne x t r s rand by d awing end th u a , to a co ner hole , an d

t . t r let i t proj ect about 3 in . below . Fasten wi h a peg Then s a ting CANING ; TH E SEVEN STE PS 1 1

t h e t h e r t h e at peg , p ull enti re strand th u th umb and foreﬁnger to

r t o n t h e p event twis ing , and pu ll the end down th ru the hole

r r t o r opposi te pa allel ai l next the corne hole , an d then u p th ru the

S e e t h e t f u hole next t o it . th at righ side o th e cane is o t on th e

T . T N . FIG 4. HE SEVEN S EPS I CANING

undersi de of t h e frame as on t h e t o p . Pu ll the cane reasonably t aut , and fasten with a peg t o prevent the strand from slipping back

r and becoming loose . D aw the cane th ru the t h umb and foreﬁnger again ; pull it across the frame and down th r u the hole next to the

r i peg and up th u the hole next to t . Pull taut and fasten with the 1 2 SEAT WEAVING

' r secon d peg . Th is ope ation is repeated u nti l all holes h ave been

o n utilized th e two parallel rails , except those o n the corners:

Th ruout the seven operations i t is necessary th at th e cane be k e ' from twisting by drawing t h e remain ing pa r t o f the strand t h i thumb and foref nger .

S t e 2 . t i p The second step is i dentical wi h the f rst , with th e dif

ar e ference that the other two parallel rai ls used , an d th at the l canes ru n ove r the first se t o f pa r alle . i f canes . I f th e f rst strand o cane h a not been en t i rely used up in the fi rs $ FIG . 5 . M ETHOD OF TYING t r 15 e i step , he emain der used to b g E NDS OF CA NE . ‘ h e t second step .

S t e i 0 p 3 . Th is step is a repetition of the f rst two . The canes th is series ru n o v e r the fi rst an d second se r ies an d pa r allel wi th t h * : i r r f st . As each stran d is used up bind the end by pulling it u nde

t r r t t h e r a cane , crossing from one hole to ano he unde nea h f ame

ff . h o s . w an d cutting o abou t $4 in from the cane . Fig 5 shows th i i bind ing is done . The loose en d at th e sta r ting point is t ied i n t h

t h e v t h u. way , and all subsequen t ones should be tied as come , avoid ing in terference by many pegs , an d insu ring neat binding .

S t e b p 4 . The actual weaving begins with th is step . I t may

t s t o it w done en i rely by h and , withou t re ort th e needle , but is slo $ work . The needle should be used . S tart at a hole next to a corner

o n c e r on either rai l that h as been used but , wo k ing from caned side

o t t oward t h e open frame . G over and u nder the s rands necessary

r t o to fo m th e weave , tu rn ing th e needle from side to side in order catch the canes beh ind the poin t . When across th read the needle wi t h th e strand an d pull th ru , being careful to avoi d a twist . Pull

t h e r . en d down th ru the hole , pai ing th e canes Pull the cane up th r u the next hole ; then start th e needle f r om the opposi te side o f the frame an d repeat the fi rst operation , th us pai ring another set

o f . canes . Conti nue u nti l all canes are pai red and all holes used

“ S t wo s oak the woven cane with a wet sponge , and with peg S t r s . straigh en the strands of cane an d fo ce al l pai r together mall , CANING ; TH E SEVEN STEPS 1 3

s open squares are t h us formed over the area being caned . Unles the cane is soaked i t will p rove rath er diﬂi c u l t to pair th e canes .

o ne o f . S S t ep 5 . Th is step is the weaving of set di agonals tart

n e h o n e I e stran d at any corner hole . Use o an d over and under A i I r . . e f ame s th e worker becomes skilfu l he will f nd i t easier t o give the can e a sligh t cu rve an d work wi th both h an ds on the

o f upper su rface . Use an end cane long enou gh for convenien t h an d ling ; then pul l th e en t i re strand

o f r t h ru th e length the f ame , pro

t i ded t he area is n o t too gr eat . Care must be t aken t o avoi d twist ing the cane . The cane wil l run t easily , an d par ially u nder a cane

t h e o f at corners th e squares , if cor

l . r e c t y done . Fi g 6 shows th is

r clea ly , as does th e illustration i n

2 Fig . 7 . The second i llustration i s a photog r aph O f a st r i p Of cane or FIG . 6 . FREEHAND S KETCH ,

‘ webbing , is approximately half size , CANING . and will supplement t h e freeh an d

t . r ske ch Th e corne s wi ll bind , an d the stran d will pull with diffi t cul y i f the cane is incorrectly woven . On parallel canes note that t h e t o v e r u nd e r r canes ei her ru n or the pai s .

t n e . S e p 6 . Th is step is i dentical with the preced ing o The canes a r e at righ t angles to the fi rst di agonals . I n th is step and th e

n t t t wo p r eceding o e no e hat strands ru n into the corner holes .

Th is holds t r ue i n all rect angular f r ames where a corner hole is

r r t o t n bo ed . I t pe mi ts the strands run i n as s raigh t a li e as pos

r t o t r sible . I f it is necessa y u rn ab uptly to enter a hole i t is obvious

t hat an e r r o r h as been made by th e weaver .

S t o f e p 7 . Pul l a cane the same size as used i n the oth er steps up

t t h e h ru a hole , over binder cane an d down th ru the same hole .

h e A t . loop is th us formed an d binder secu red Pull tau t , then 1 4 SEAT WEAVING

t h e en t er t h e next hole pu ll up the cane over binder and down ,

n r r r an d so o . Th is ope ation may be repeated at eve y othe hole

t h e when the holes ar e close together . Th e two ends of binder are

r . fi nally overlapped and secured , and the ope ation th us completed

A t h e a r e it t times , when last strands woven , may prove advisable to secu re canes u nde r neat h t h e frame by plugging the necessary holes ; at least i n instances whe r e the canes h ave a tendency t o work loose .

SUGGESTIVE PRO$ ECTS . C H A PT E R I I

CA N I NG S U GG E STIO NS

As weaving p r og r esses diffi cul t y will be experienced i n inser t ing

t h e t i r cane ends i n holes , d ue to hei r becom ing f lled . Fo ce t h e m i T h i sc r a t ch awl t h r u and t u r n it seve r al t i es . s will effec t i vely

fo r ce an open ing .

I n many ins t ances long ends o f cane r emain f r om one se r ies t o l t r . e r r t l ano he These g ne al y , as p eviousl y men ioned , shou d be used

t . r o n e t t d in succeed ing s eps The e is limi a ion . They shoul be used p r ovi ded it is n o t necessary t o ca r ry t hem ove r mo r e t h an fou r

l h h r r t e t e . t ho es on under side of f ame The fewe loose ends lef ,

h r h e r t r t I t e t t t t . t r be e , for can ing is he eby nea e and be ter is gene

ally advisable t o use a full lengt h st r and t o avoid a n umbe r of

loose ends .

The amat eu r wil l fi nd h is greatest diffi cul t y i n p r ope r ly weaving

t h e at t h e t t r o r d iagonals edges ; hat is , immedi a ely u pon ente ing M f leaving a hole . any commendable pieces o can ing are spoi led

r r . C r by ragged , imp ope ly woven edges a e must be taken to see

t ha t t h e cane goes ov e r and u n d e r the p r ope r strand o r strands at h w r o r un . t hese poi n t s . Fig . 6 clea ly shows the d iagonals should

S t udy i t carefu lly . t The addi t ion o f a bi nder is gene r ally a ma t er of taste . Perhaps

5 0 pe r cen t o f modern h and caned fu r nitu r e does not employ a

o f r binder of any description . The series regula ly exposed holes l

t . r se at s a r e r a t h e r pleasing an d i n no way de ract However , i n ch ai

r a binder is essen t ial t o p otect the ends of canes , for they are subj ect t o h a r d wear . B inders of r eed o r o f wood called splines may be used o n han d

I t . . caned f r ames . f ei her is used a groove in deep and in

1 5 1 6 SEAT WEAVING

t t wi de is cut coinciden wi h the holes before weaving is begun .

A t t h e r t h e r ar e t f er a ea is caned st ips ﬁ ted and glued in . Use l i t t le

t h e i glue . Tap splines f rmly with a mallet used over a block o f t C wood , unti l they are ﬂ ush wi h the woven cane . hapter I V gives the met hod i n detail .

The size of t h e holes and t h e dis t ance between th em is deter

mined la r gely by the size o f t h e

cane used . S ome p r efer coarse

r a meshed a e s , wh ile o t he r s desi r e t hem closely woven . There is ,

however , wh at we may term a t s an dard mesh . The ind ivi d ual

m ay vary t h e d imensions given t o l su it h imse f . The $acobean o r ea r ly can ing was inva r iably o f

coarse mesh .

Carriage an d superﬁne cane t e

qu i r e i n . holes and %g in . spa

ces ; ﬁ n e - ﬁ n e cane r equ i r es

in . holes an d 72 i n . spaces ; ﬁne

cane requi r es i n . holes and

. in . spaces ; med ium , in holes

- ﬁ n e . . an d 94, in spaces Fine and FIG . 7 . WINGBACK CHAIR . ﬁne cane ar e t h e bes t sizes fo r

A t . shop use . small amoun of medi um binder is desi rable

f r - One hank o f cane wi ll ordinarily be suffi cien t o a half dozen

1 2 . areas o f appro x im at e lv 1 2 in . by in

Most old pieces Of pe r iod fu r nitu re u t ilizing cane employ a t pa r t icu larly narrow spl i t horizon t ally an d ver ically , and a wi der — t a spli t d iagonally . The opposite prac ice may be employed ﬁner spli t of cane being used diagonally t han horizon t all y and ve r tically .

Bo t h effect s a r e pleasing .

r r r I n all i llus t r a t ions of r ectangula a eas shown herei n , co ner

1 8 SEAT WE AVI NG

same in areas of any shape , yet each requ ires slightly d i fferent treat

‘ r men t . Each has its in divi dual problem . I t is necessa y to skip

t t . r some holes al oge her Th is is never done in ectangular shapes .

F I G 9 . OF \ . BACK CHAIR SHO VING ODDLY SHAPED AREAS .

A close inspection o f t h e photograph will reveal many skipped holes . t Th is is necessary to keep parallel s rands equi distant , and di agonals

r st aigh t .

To clea r ly understan d how th e holes are located on a wing o f CANING SUGGE STIONS 1 9

N 1 0 OF O O F . FIG . . M ETHOD LOCATING HOLES WING CHAIR

1 0. t r t h is chai r r efer t o Fig . The lef up igh t an d lower rails are at righ t angles to each o t her . The upper rai l is cu rved an d th e M t r igh t up r igh t slanted . easu remen s are begun at th e lower lef t

r r o n hand co ner and p oper distances spaced the left up righ t . With

r m t r - the a of a y square against th is up righ t , points are ma r ked o n 20 SEAT WEAVING

n t h e Opposite upright i n line with those o the former . Th is opera

n t ion is repeated o the lower rai l and the upper curved one . S tran ds o f cane will then Obviously run parallel . I nasmuch as there are

W 1 1 . O F . FIG . CLOSE VIEW ING

ﬁ v e holes in the base an d eight in the top it is necessary that th r ee ve r tical st r an ds be run i n t o the slanting upright in any holes wh ich

r wil l pe mi t the strands to r un parallel t o each o t her . The photo

o f t h e 1 1 graph caned wing , shown i n Fig . , should make very clear t h e r E fo egoing explanation . xperience with several unusual shapes CANING SUGGESTION S 21

t h e is necessary before weaver. feels conﬁdent of readi ly can ing any f area o odd shape . I n weavi ng the d iagonals i t i s fr e qu e n t lv necessary t o run several i n o n e hole in order t o keep the canes as straight as possible . $ust n when t h is shou ld be done can only be determi ed by the worker . A diagonal shou ld never be permitted to swing to any gr eat degree o u t f o f o a straigh t line . A close Observation of the photograph

1 2. . FIG . CA NING OF FIVE STEPS

t h r o n e e wing wi ll eveal many diagonal canes in hole , and several holes skipped enti rely .

- Fiv e S t e p Ca n in g . Cane weavi ng O f ﬁ v e steps is no t common .

$ It may be done in many cases where it wi ll not be subj ect to hard

- S wear . I t is neat i n appearance an d is much simpler th an even

a step caning . Th e p resumption shou ld not be made th at th is we ve wi ll in any way supplant the regu lar weave , but i n instances where

r r r t deco ation is the obj ect , an d not se vice pa ticu larly , h is weave w l il prove sufficient an d effect ive .

. 1 2 Fig i llustrates a frame caned wi t h the ﬁve steps . The dis

r tance between holes was pu rposely made g eater th an usual , to

o r . t t h e sh w the weave clea ly The ﬁrst s rands are strung in , in

r same manner as desc ibed i n the seven steps . The secon d series o f 22 SEAT WEAVING

r r t r st ands are inte woven wi h the ﬁ st . The over and u nde r weave

. E o f is used ach alternate row each series is ei t her over o r u nder .

r r o v e r The fi st diagonal st an ds run the p receding two series . They a r e - not woven as in seven step caning . The second d iagonal strands run o v e r t h e first d i agonals and u n d e r t h e intersection o f the other t r t r t s rands , including eve y al e nate firs diagonal . Th is resolves t i tself in o simple over an d under weaving . Note th at but one t o f r r r s ran d a d ia g onal ente s a co ne hole . Th is is no t t r ue of seven

1 V FIG . 3 . DA ENPORT WITH CA NED PANELS .

t r t s ep caning , as elsewhe e i ndica ed . I t is advisable to u tili ze a

r t h e r t t t h e . wide cane i n ﬁ st two s eps , han is used i n subsequent ones

T h e D e s ig n Ele m e n t . Caning is not a fad . Cane was com m o n l C r E 1 660 y used in arolean fu rn itu e i n nglan d abou t , and h as conti nued in use for seating pu rposes th ru t h e various subsequent

r pe iods . The appl ication of cane as used today on French furnitu re ,

t . r as in panels , is h is orically wrong However the e can be no valid obj ection to its use i n panels i f no attempt is made to name i t a t r rue period style . Also it must be conceded that pe iod fu rn itu re

no was not always well des igned , and there can be well sustained

t o t h e obj ection use of cane i n panels , provided i t is in keep ing t r l s ructu a ly and deco r atively wi t h t h e pa r ticula r piece of furn itu re . CANING SUGGE STIONS 23

The in t roduc t ion of cane at ﬁ r st was u ndoubtedlybrough t about t by a desi re for some h ing light , substantial and serviceable , and it

t h e o ak o f C n blended well with the period . ane is much used o

r r r t f mode n fu n itu e , and wi hou t dou bt i t adds to the beauty o the given p ieces . I n many cases the deco r ation is overdone and ins t ead f o r r r r . r r i mp oving the a ticle the cane i n eali ty det acts P ope ly used .

1 . 5 . 1 4. . FIG . ROCKER WITH CANED SIDES FIG BOOK SHELVES WITH CANED

PANELS .

it r t r en iches by breaki ng up ﬂ at u n in eresting a eas , and l ighteni ng

t h e o f s . appearance otherwise ma sive , cumbersome articles

Unde r proper correlation with wood in school shops i t p r omotes an app reciation o f constructive design in wh ich th e element o f be a u t r I t r t V is a p ime consideration . is a p ac ical medi um i n wh ich t h e aspect o f design as an elemen t o f u til ity is paramount . I t h as

t t r fo r t h e r d is inc comme cial value , boys who h ave h ad t ain ing in t h e shops may do chai r seating outside and earn considerable money . By such wo r k they come to see a d istinct relation bet ween the com m r o f i e c ial ﬁeld and thei r shop experiences . Th is is a point v ew

- r wh ich is very desi rable i n present day i ndust ial education . 24 SEAT WEAVING

1 1 1 1 r Figs . 3 , 4 , 5 , an d 7 show pieces of fu nitu re made in man ual t rai ning shops by eigh th grade boys . These pieces comprise a group ,

e f f wi t h t h add ition o the leg rest shown i n Fig . 2 o r a library o r

r h l iving room . The cane in each instance adds mate ially t o t e

f t h e t r artistic e fec of t problems ; hey h ave tone . The cane fo ms h t t o t e . r pleasing groups well rela ed wood mass The cane is natu al ,

l t wo o f t h e wood fumed an d ﬁn ish ed f a t . The tones color are in

r perfect h a mon y .

1 . 1 T AB L E . . 7 . FIG . 6 . LIBRARY TABLE . FIG SIDES CANED

1 6 t o f o ak t t t Fig . shows a li brary able cons ruc ed by an eigh h b grade o y. The l ines are very pleasing an d the long vertical caned panel adds a dis t inct note t o the struct u re even tho purely decora t ive . Many modiﬁcat ions o f the st andard w eave in caning a r e in

”

o r . r ev a vogue , but are more less fads A rotary weave is rather p

o n r r len t cert ain types of f u rn itu e , as is wh at may be te med the

“ ” - r e t t o t spider web weave . These a men ioned merely suggest tha f r . t o can ing is su bj ect t o va iation H owever , the s andard weave ,

t n t it seven s eps , will o be supplanted to any appreciable degree , for adap t s i t sel f to almost all types of fu rni t u re both d ec o r at iv e lv and

t r t r s uc u ally .

C HA PTE R I I I

R E S E ATI NG A C H AI R ; H A ND CA N I NG

I n many localities i t is impossible t o find a professional t o reseat M caned chai rs ei t her by h and or wi t h cane webbing . any ch ai rs i n good repai r and worthy are relegat ed t o t h e attic because o f

r r broken o r sunken seats . Upholsterers gene ally will not be t oubled wi t h such j obs of can ing for the wo r k does no t pay unless t he r e is an amount suffi cient to keep t hem steadily employed . Usu ally t n t o dd h ey are o adept enough to do such j obs as may come to them ,

d t h e even tho willin g to o work , with i n a time consisten t with fi suf cient money retu rns . Chai rs Of ordinary size may be caned for a min imum o f $ 1 and

f 2 o . a maximum $ I f the holes h ave previously been bored , much labor is th us avoided , and the ch arge is naturally made less . The professional cane weaver h as various ways by wh ich he determines

fo r th e cost recaning a given seat . Perh aps th e most common

t t o f o method employed is ha ch arging s much per hole . Th is is r 1 2 f om to cents . The d ifficulty i n h andling very ﬁne cane is also a factor i n decid ing wh at t o ch arge . Usually a casual looking over

r of the chai r by the expert is all that is necessary to ﬁx a p ice . No ch a r ge o f less th an $ 1 o n a hand caned seat will sufficiently r e

r r 1 o f munerate the wo ke . Fig . 8 shows a h ank Of cane and rolls mach ine woven cane . Any boy wh o h as h ad inst ruction and sufficient expe r ience in caning in t h e man ual t r aining shop may readily u nde r t ake j obs o f caning . The boy who wi ll investigate wi ll ﬁn d th at he may work

r up a sizeable trade in ch ai r sea t ing in a sho t time . I n fact several S boys wi ll not overcrowd a given ﬁeld . uch work will pay the t ama eu r well . H e does not , nor cannot expect professional wages . ’ o f r t t I t is conside able value f rom the pupi l s standpoint alone , h a

r r is , th is co elation with h is manual school activities . The amount RESEATING A CHAIR ; HAND CANING 27 o f pay in itially is n o t the main qu estion ; i t is the educational value derived . H e would u ndoubtedly ﬁn d willing h elp at h is shop at

o b o f any time a $ peculiar treatment p resented i tself .

T o — h e Pr c e ss . Many ch ai r s wh ich t h e owners would wish h and

. 1 OF AN OF FIG 8 . HAN K CANE D ROLLS M ACHINE WOVEN CANE .

caned h ave no holes bo r ed for the work . They previously held

1 mach ine woven cane . Fig . 9 shows a sketch of a ch ai r bottom

f r o r . ordinary o stan dard sh ape . The area is i rregula The sketch

S hows t h e met hod o f dete r min ing the location for the holes .

t h e S As stated in the d iscussion of even steps in caning , the holes

ar e r r . I . i nva iably V2 in . from the inne edges of the rails n th is i nstance the l ine f r om wh ich the holes fo r the f ront rai l are located is pa r allel wi t h the front rai l ; it is coinci dent with the line on wh ich

r th e holes are bo ed . The line on the back rai l must be parallel h with it ; the l ine runs th ru th e center of t e center hole . Th e lines on th e side rai ls ar e parallel t o each other an d at righ t angles 28 SEAT WEAVING

o n t h e to th e ﬁrst two . These fou r l ines are shown as dash l ines

r t d r awing . Thei r function is simply to dete mine the loca ion for

h r r f t e holes to be bo ed on the l ines V2 in . f om the inner edges O the t rails . Those lines are shown in th e ske ch as full lines .

. 1 9 . OF I R O F O DD P OF FIG SKETCH CHA SEAT SHA E , SHOWING M ETHOD

O F FINDING LOCATION HOLES .

t h e r a r e t t h e t t h e r When wo k ing lines de ermined , cen ers of f ont

t an d back lines are located . The lines connec ing corresponding

i holes o n th e fron t an d back rails mus t be parallel to t h e l ine cOn n e t in c g the cen t e r holes on t hese rai ls . Th is rule applies to the

t o f t h e n t h e loca ing holes o si de rails . I t also appl ies t o any seat f d d o o sh ape . Th e distance bet ween holes will va r y somewh a t at RESEATING A CHAIR ; HAND CANING 29

t h e o f r di fferent places on the seat frame . Th is is resu lt wo king

t o t o r . rule , an d is necessary keep strands equid istant and pa allel

r At times respacing at several places will be necessa y . When it is , simply red ivide i n t o as nea r ly th e given dimensions as possible .

Af t e r the holes have been bored and cleaned the seat is ready

f h t h e b . o r can ing . S t art at t e center hole in ack Pu ll the cane u p

21 E . FIG . 20. FIRST STEP HALF CO M FIG . . FIRST ST P CO M PLETED

P E TE D . L . SECOND BEGUN

r t h e e t r th u th is hole an d across the frame , and down c n e hole in

o n r . . 1 t h e f ron t . Work both ways the f ame Fig 9 shows a cane

t h e started i n th is manner . I t is best th at th e amateu r work from

t . m av center , bo h ways H e begin otherwise when he u nderstands h t e wo r k bet ter . The cani ng Operations on the seat to be shown

r e a the same as t hose desc r ibed i n the seven steps in caning . They

r never va y . The only new th ing involved here is the shape Of the f . . 20 t r o an seat Fig is a pho og aph of a ch ai r seat an odd sh ape ,

r r i regular ellipse . I t shows t h e ﬁ rs t step h alf completed . Note he e t o n e r t h at the last stran d skips two holes , at th e f ont and one a

the back . Th is is necessary t o keep strands as nea r ly the same

t 2 1 d is ance apart as possible . Fig . shows th e ﬁ r st step completed 3 0 SEAT WE AVI NG

t an d the second par i ally so . I t is no t necessary t o sta r t at the

t r t t cen er with th is se ies , al ho i t is advisable wi h the beginner . Note t hat two holes h ave been skipped here , as i n the ﬁrst step . Fig . 2 2

r shows the secon d step ﬁnished and the th i d under way . These

r r o f st ands run d i ectly over those the ﬁ rst series . Pegs are always

F I G. 22. TH E TH E SECOND STEP FINISHED F I G. 23 . THIRD STEP CO M PLETED

A ND TH E W AY . A N T H E \ VA Y THIRD UNDER D FOURTH UNDER . N U TH E CAN ING NEEDLE I S E .

used to keep stran ds tau t . Thei r proper use h as been explained .

t h e r t . Fig . 2 3 shows the th i rd step completed and fou h under way

s t h e o f t h e . Th is show the actual weaving , and method using needle

I t h as been pushed th r u in the manner previously described ; an d is h h t e . s own th readed , ready to be pulled back , thus making weave

no do . The needle may t be used , bu t will the work rapidly H and

2 work alone h ere is tedious . Fig . 4 shows the diagonal weave

2 under way . I n Fig . 5 th is weave is completed and the second

2 d iagonal started . Fig . 6 shows th e method Of fasten ing the

binder . Th is h as been described .

r o f t The ﬁrst th ee series strands should not be pulled very tigh , RE' SEATING A CHAIR ; HAND CANING 3 1

t h e fi otherwise final weaving will prove d if cult . The fin ish ed seat , when d ry , shou ld ring when struck sh arply wi t h the fingers .

T h e r method of tying cane , p eventi ng twists , etc . , h as been ex

plained . Reference should be made to these points , when anyth ing f is not fully u nderstood i n th is discussion O ch ai r seating .

. 24 F I . T G. E FIG HE FIRST DIAGONAL WEAVE 25 . FIRST DIAGONAL CO M PL TED W Y A . T . AN T T UNDER HE FIFTH S TEP D HE SECOND BEGUN . HE X SI TH STEP .

Note th at many holes h ave been skipped i n each series , especially

r t o ne o f i n the last two , an d also th at mo e h an diagonal a given

r se ies enters the same hole . I n every case i t will enter th at hole wh ich leaves its cou rse i n as straigh t a line as possible . I n rect angular areas it is never necessa r y t o run t wo di agonals into the

t o t wo same hole , except at the corners . Th is applies di agonals of the same series .

Re ﬁ nish in — g The reﬁnish ing of a chai r is a d istinct problem , and one wh ich th e cane weaver should u nderstan d . H e should

f r t acqu i re ability o ﬁnish ing along wi h skill in can ing , inasmuch as a ch ai r wh ich needs a new seat invariably is in need of r e ﬁn ish 3 2 SEAT WEAVING

. : ing The method is as follows Remove th e cane from the seat . I f the ﬁn ish is in fai r condition merely wash the ch ai r with warm

t . d r wa er and soap When y san d the surface somewh at , wipe clean ,

I - an d follow with a coat of good varn ish . n forty eigh t hou r s rub t wi h pumice stone an d Oil , an d follow wi t h an application o f fu rn i

r l tu e pol ish , we l rubbed . A good polish wh ich may be made in

t wo r o f r aw il school shops is composed of pa ts o , two pa r ts o f

t r r u pentine , one pa t vinegar , an d

r a ve y small amount of alcohol .

B oiled O il may be used in t h e ab

o f sence th e raw product . S hake t h e con t ainer cons t antly when

fO f t h e r using , pa ts are almost all

r y me el held in suspension .

S hould t h e ch ai r be in poo r con

t r r d i ion , emove all va nish wi t h

any good va r n ish remover found

t h e r t on ma ket . Apply as di rec ed

f r t h e o with a sti f b ush , runn ing s

u i n L t l t o well i n t o all crevices . a er rub O ff the softened ﬁnish wi t h F I G 26 M ETHOD OF FASTENI NG r . A T A excelsior or bu lap scraper , BINDER . HE SEVENTH ND bi t r LAST STEP . an Old plane , or a rathe dull

ch isel wi ll p r ove effective in cor

o f t ners and recesses . Apply a secon d coat remover if condi ions

r r r a r e wa ant i t and clean again , then when the su faces d ry , sand

t f il t o f un i l clean an d smoo t h . Follow with a coat o O s ain th e color

r t t r 8 desi ed ; h en t wo coa s Of va nish , allowing each coat to dry 4

r S r t r ub t h e t hou s . and the ﬁ st coat li g h ly , an d secon d wi h pumice

t r . s one and oil . A ﬁller is not generally necessa y in reﬁn ish ing The ground coat may be Of shellac instead of va r nish i f the wo r ker

r i no t r prefe s t . The ch air need t be stained i f it was ﬁn ished na u al ori g inally .

I n can ing the seat special care must be exe r cised to avoi d mar

C HA PTE R I V

R E S E ATI NG A C H AI R ; CA N E W E B RI NG

The seating Of ch ai rs with mach ine woven cane is a much simpler

r t p ocess th an that of h and can ing hem . Under simila r conditions

t ar e r o n o f M less ime and skill equ i red areas l ike dimensions . ach ine w it s r r oven cane , as name implies , is a man ufactu ed p oduct made C on power looms or mach i nes . ommercially it is sold un der the f name o cane webbing . I t is obtainable i n wid t hs ranging f rom

in in . in . f 8 . 2 1 8 , increasing by , to , an d i n rolls O indeﬁn ite lengths .

I r t f t may be p ocu red in meshes of varying ﬁneness , u il izing cane o various sizes . I n specifying open woven cane i t is necessary th at t h e pu r chaser ind icate h is wants in essentially th is way : Ten feet f O . 1 1 2 . . medi um open woven cane webbing , No ﬁne cane , i n wide

f r r A roll o such cane h as been refe ed to in Fig . 1 8 .

C r t t h e ane webbing may also be p u chased in close woven , i n bo h

f r ar e plain an d diagonal weaves . Th e speciﬁcations o pu rchasing identical wi t h the open woven except th at t h e term close woven

h 2 is speciﬁed toge t her wi t h t e character of weave . Fig . 7 shows

cane webbing approximately half size , in open and close woven meshes .

A h bo wh o s in and can ing , any y with proper inclination h as had the necessary expe r ience i n th e shops , may avai l h imself Of the opportun ities fo r seating chai rs in h is community . The educational and pecun iary advantages are i den tical to those mentioned in rela tion to hand can in g . The relative ease with wh ich he may acqu ire skill in handling th e materials precl udes satisfactory workmansh ip for prospective custom ers .

The cost Of j obs is read ily determined , for th e amount and cost

f r r t o webbi ng is e asily asce tained , and expe ience soon de ermines C t h e length of time requ i red . ane webbing costs approximately

3 4 RE SEATING A CHAIR ; CANE WE B B ING 3 5

F : o r 1 2 . h 2 1 t 1 . h as follows in wi dt s , cen s ; 4 i n widt s , 26 cents ;

1 6 . 0 1 8 . in wi dths , 3 cents ; and in widths , 3 8 cents . Th is cost

r applies to open woven an d is th e ch a ge per running foot . Close

0 woven is sold by th e squ are foot at abou t 3 cents , regardless of

. I wi dth t is possible to procu re special wi de wi dths , bu t these are no t r generally foun d on the open ma ket .

Fo r r example , a ch ai r seat wh ich equi res a 1 2 in . square o f Open

A . 28 . T . N N FIG 27 . OPEN D CLOSE WOVE FIG HE SEAT FRA M E WITH

AN . CANE . WERRING D TOOLS

t woven webbing , an d wh ich has the groove made , may be resea ed

an for 5 0 cents . The enti re j ob could be ﬁn ished i n about h alf

e hou r . Th is may be made less i f several ch ai rs are to be reseat d

m a at a time . However , i t y be termed th e min imum ch arge con sistent wi t h fai r money returns . There are instances when the

r seat frame equi res groovin g , an d inasmuch as running it i n by h an d is a laborious and tedious p rocess the worker must o f necessity carefully estimate time before he determines upon ch arge .

T — t e h e Pro c e ss . The following m ay be termed h steps in i nsert fi ing cane webbing . No special dif cu lty shou ld be encountered in

r prope ly seating the frame at the ﬁrst attempt .

S t e I . p Fig . 2 8 shows a comme r cial chai r seat with groove cut by

n n a rou ter after i t h as been assembled . There are o angles o the

. r dim e nsmns . seat The g oove is standard , with i n deep and

in . wide . Th is groove may be cu t by hand with a un iversal 3 6 SEAT WEAVING

r r t t h e I plane and ch isel befo e pe manen ly assembling pa r ts . n fact t h is is a necessa r y p r ocedu r e in g r ade schools and o t her schools

r t whe e special mach ine ools are u navai lable . The necessa ry tools fo r t h e t h e p ressing i n webbing lie near frame , Fig . 2 8 . These a r e a small mallet , a ch isel , and several hard wood wedges . The

a r e t t o wedges made in several wid hs , enable t hem t o en t e r t h e

2 - F . M I E E DG . 9 . T S FIG I NSERTING HE CANE FIG . 30. TRI M ING TI W D ED ING .

r h r at t e f . t r a r e . o g oove abrupt cu ves , 4 in long y, in s ock , tape ed t o %3 in . on the faces .

S t e 2 . fo t o r p The cane should be boiled in wa t er r a minu e so , o r allowed t o soak for several m in utes in wa r m wa t er un t i l t h o rO l V h pl iable . Then lay i t on the f rame and c u t it t o t e sh ape of the seat , allowing h alf an inch excess around the enti re piece . A pattern of ca r d or bris t ol board wi ll prove o f material assistance t o t h e o r t h e amateu r as well as the expe r t . The front line edge of pa t t e r n mus t run pa r allel wi t h the horizon t al o r vertical strands of

u f t h e O f r cane . Pull o t all weavers at t h e edges O piece cane whe e t t h e hey run over and parallel wi th the groove . Then lay webbin g

r t h e t t h e over the f ame , and see that weavers run parallel wi h

t h e r t r t . front of f ame . Wi t h wedge and mallet as illus a ed in Fig t 2 9 begin at th e front and fo r ce t h e webbin g in t o t h e g r oove . I nser

s t t h e t t wo . on the Oppo i e side next , then o her sides i n order The cu rves may be done last . RESEATING A CHAIR ; CANE WE B B ING 3 7

t S ep 3 . The edges of th e webbing wi ll pro$ect up beyond th e 0 groove . These are cu t Off as illus t rated in Fig . 3 by means of a f mallet and ch isel at the ou ter edge i n t h e bottom O the groove . Ru n eith er l iqu id o r hot glue into

- r t h e g r oove . An Oi l can with la ge holed nozzle is excellent fo r th is

r pu pose . The l iqu i d glue should be heated i f used in t h is way so it ﬂ may ow easily . Th is gl ue is to be r ecommended fo r th e amateu r in that no great h aste is requ i red as in t h e case wi t h hot glue . A small s t iff r ou n d b r ush wil l se r ve th e pu rpose ve r y W 6 11 i n absence . 1 T L . FIG 3 . IN SERTING HE SP INE of the Oiler .

t 1 t h e r . S S ep 4 . Fig . 3 shows method Of inse ting the spline plines

f o o n may be h ad either o wood r reed , are cu rved the u pper edge

n - a d wedge sh ape i n c r oss sect ion . Th ey are standard in wi dth and

f t t I . th ickness and will ﬁt a groove O th e size indica ed in S e p . Fig

2 r o f 3 is a f eehand sketch a spl ine , showing pa r ticula r ly i ts sh ape in

- t VVO d cross sec ion . O splines , pref

e r abl y Of h ickory , may be pu r

in ch ased 5 ft . lengths , and reed f splines i n lengt hs o 8 o r 1 0 ft .

3 2. OF OF FIG . SKETCH A PORTION B oth h ickory an d reed ar e r e c o m A SPLINE . mended because O f thei r pli abi lity

r h o t an d ease in handling . S t eam o soak them i n water until thoro l y pliable ; then insert in th e groove as i llustrated . Note th at the joint is made at the rear Of the seat . The mallet used is of rawh ide

m ar t an d will not th e spline . A wooden malle Of small size is a

t Cu ff r . o satisfac ory tool t the ext a length of spl ine with the ch isel , fo r ce th e spline down nearly ﬂ ush with the f r ame wi t h mallet and

o ff t h e t h e wedge , sponge excess glue from th e su rface , and allow webbing to d ry . 3 8 SEAT WEAVING

S t e . p 5 The ﬁn ished seat is shown in Fig . 3 3 . As the cane webb

r r no t ing d ries i t becomes tau t , an d i egularities Of the su rface , i f t o o

~ pronou nced , will disappear enti rely . Therefore , the worker need

TH E FIG . 3 3 . FINIS HED SEAT.

L not consider t hem p r imarily . igh t sand ing Of the cane when t h o ro ly d ry will eliminate the small h ai rlike p r oj ections o n t h e

t h e t t r o r su rface . S ingei ng su rface wi h a blow o ch gas flame wi ll

ff bu t do the work more e ectively , great care must be exercised t o avoi d bu rn

S ing the webbi ng i tself . The i ngeing must be done rapidly an d the flame not be permit t ed to remai n at o ne spot

mo r e t h an an i nstant . D ampen the

su r face t o m in imize the danger o f

bu rn ing .

Th e ch ai r shown in Fig . 3 4. was b made by an eigh t h grade o y. The

o f slip seat is u pholstered , and a panel

cane webbing u ti lized o n the back . I n instances O f th is ch aracter where the

area is rectangular , splines are cut ,

t t o mitered , and ﬁ ted previous insert

ing t h e webbi ng . The splines are

M r r used d ry . an ufactu e s , i n instances E FIG . 3 4. CHAIR WITH CAN D

PANEL . wh ere the seat area is all cu rved , gen RESEATING A CHAIR ; CANE WE B B ING

’ F I G. 3 5 . F A E I UST ATING STE S I N INSE TING W OVEN A NE R M LL R P R C . 40 SEAT WEAVING

e r ll it t o a v ﬁt the pliable spline , allow d ry , an d th en insert i t wi t h

n the webbing . Th is assu res tigh t j oints . Th is procedure is o t recommended for the o r dina r y shops fo r the simple reason th at the

r r sh i nkage is not app eciable .

t o The frame i llustrated i n Fig . 3 5 is pu rely supplementary the

t t h e C steps , bu t as wi h S even S teps i n aning , it shou ld be used i n demonstrating the processes to classes . I t materially assists in mak

r e t t o allo wm ing the p ocess s clear to the stu den s , previous g work o n t o f thei r p roj ec s , and assu res a general u nderstanding , at least ,

r f r fo r proper p roced u e . The di fe ent panels are lettered conven ience an d need no elaborate explanation

A is the open frame wi t h grooves cut for the webbing .

B r r is the webbing inserted wi th agged edges exposed , eady for cutting . C is t h e webbing wi t h edges p r operly trimmed and a spline in

sc r t e d .

D is the comple t ed panel . I nserts o f cane webbing may be uti lized o n pi eces Of fu r n itu r e

n other than seats . These i nserts could be used o every ar t icle i llus t r at e d C f in hapters I an d I I , with simila r pleasing e fects , and with

r less labo . However , there is an Obvious element i n hand can ing wh ich n atu rally and logically gives it p r ecedence over t h e inserted cane .

42 SEAT WEAVING

seated ch airs at an early date , an d many were constructed in th is

1 a country in early colon ial days , prior to 776 , as well s later . S uch chai r s were u ndoubtedly patterned after those brough t over f rom E Holland , France , an d ngland to the early settlements i n America both before and after the Revo

u i n l t o ary War .

I n ea r ly times rush always served a function in t h e seats

o f ch airs an d stools , an d was very seldom i f ever used o n th e

bette r class Of fu rn iture . The use o f cane or r ush on fu r n i tu re for decorative p u rposes

' only is disti nctly a mode r n i dea; Uti lity r ather th an beau t y prompted the introduction

O f seats Of rush .

Modern f urn itu r e Of excel lent design and workmansh ip

employs rush seats . These are ei t her woven over a separate frame an d inserted o r are an O F F . 3 6 . A A A I N A E A IG D PT T O L DD R B CK be i n t eg r al part of the ch ai r , CHAIR . i ng woven over th e seat rai ls

o f o f the ch ai r itself . Fig . 3 6 shows a modern adaptation a ladder

o n back ch ai r with rush seat . Th e rush th is ch ai r is woven over

f V . the rails . Fig . 3 7 shows a lat iew of the seat

— ﬁst u l ar Ru sh . Rush is t h e name applied to many , stemlike plants O f similar o r like growth . Properly , rush belongs to th e sedge ; fam ily . The d ifferen t species vary greatly i n appearance some are

lo w and slender , some are tal l and leafless , and some are broad

leaved . They are fou nd in wet places th ruou t th e northern hemi

O f sphere , along banks sl uggish streams , and i n lowlands an d marsh RUSH SEATING 43

r es . The g eat bu lrush is common and familiar , wh ile the ch ai r ’ ' maker s rush is not as well known . The plants most commonly known as rush are called by the names of flag an d cattail . I n fact , f flag and ca t t ail are very generally used o r rush seating . The techn ical names o f t h e different species o f rush ar e not pe r tinen t o r desi r able he r e . l —M O t h e r Ma t e ria s . ateri als o t her than rush may be used for

. O F FIG 3 7 . SEAT LADDER BACK CHAIR .

t r rush seating , as h as been stated . Rush is ra her ha d t o manage in that no appreci able lengt h may be h andled because of the shortness f o . y . o r r i the leaf Twisting is necessar Fiber , simi lar mate ials , s t o be r ecommended fo r shop use because a great length 15 p rocu r

f - . I o able , an d th e twist is m ade t is made mach i ne twisted paper ,

t . I and comes in long in deﬁnite leng hs t is tough , strong , and ser v ic e abl e f , and p rocu rable in spools o about one h und red pounds

. . 8 t r t f each Fig 3 shows such a spool toge he wi h a bundle o rush .

I t is manu factu r ed with o r without a flexible wire cente r an d costs 44 SEAT WEAVING

1 0 1 from to 5 cents a pound . I t may be h ad in several colors an d

sizes .

Raffia is well known th ru it s gene r al use in basketry and allied

. I work n rush seating it h as no conspicuous place , altho i t may be

t o . f utilized great advantage Ra fia is the leaf of a certain palm , r r t 2 t cut in na ow widths and varying i n leng h from o 5 feet . I t is

bough t in hanks by th e pound ,

n bleached or unbleach ed , a d in

r colo s . The nat u ral unbleached r aﬁi a costs about 2 5 cents per

pound ; colored about 75 cents . The h anks should not be u ntied bu t as stran ds are needed t hey

should be pu lled out f r om t h e h m head end of t e hank . I f i

r r r fi b p ope ly h an dled , af a will e

come badly tangled .

C r o n h usks , taken f rom close to

r the ear , may be used , pa ticularly

fo r t r r sea ing ch ai s of toy fu rn itu e . The h usks nea r t h e ear are not

as coa r se and brittle as those o u t

r f side . The sho tness o t h e h usks

t r t p recludes hei general use , al ho 8 O F A FIG . 3 . SPOOL FIBER N D r O F they p oduce an excellent sea t BUNDLE RUSH . r r when p ope ly woven . The materi als men t ioned by no means exhaust t h e list o f avai l

r bu t fi able medi ums for ush seating , will give consi derable and suf

t o t cient variety fo r shopwork . As th e weaver comes app reci a e the

limits and advantages O f t h e various medi ums fo r certain grade

r t r t r . wo k , h e may uti lize local plan s and g asses sui able for such wo k

Pr e a r — in p a t io n o f Ma t e r ia l s . Rush an d in the term are cluded cattai l and flag is common to almost any locali t y in o u r

r t r l northe n sta es . I t should be g a t hered when full g own and stil RUS H SEATING 45

r I f r t o f t o g een . t is read y o cutting when the ips th e leaves begin f t urn brown . Th is is usu ally about th e middle o August . Th e leaves are tied i n loose bun dles for conven ience in han dling , an d

r r r r . r e d ied i n the shade , prefe ably a da kened oom They shou ld

B r t h e r t h r o l d r . main he e un i l t o y y efo e using , soak rush about

t e n r L t r r . hou s i n water . ess ime is equ i ed if warm water is used i f When t is sof t an d pliable it is r eady o r weaving .

OF . FIG . 3 9 . ISO M ETRIC DRAWING FRA M E RUSH SEATING

h e t h e ar e o ff Befo r e weaving , t butt ends of leaves cut abou t a

' ar e t o fo o t fr o m t h e base . These too coarse and sti ff weave proper O t t t ly. ne leaf may be used or two leaves may be wis ed toge her to

r r t wo make a st r and . Th ree leaves make a coa se st and , a med i um ,

t r r an d o ne a ﬁne strand . A long , tight twis is necessa y to p od uce

d ir e c t r . an even , smoo h st and The twisting is always done in one

O fo r r r t fo r tion . ne leaf is r ecommended beginne s i n ush sea ing , adding t o one is much simpler t han add ing t o seve r al . The under si de o f t h e seat need no t be as smoo t h and as well woven as t h e t o p .

I r t at t h e n fact , twisting need not be done u nde nea h all unless ind ivi dual wo r ke r so desi res . ff t Ra ia is easy to manipu late because of its pliabili y , even when

r t dry . S eve al leng hs will need to be twisted toget her t o produce a 46 SEAT . WE AVI NG

stran d of su fficient size . I t requi res little soaking to make it ready

f r o f a for use . Ra fia p roduces an even , smooth su face pleasing p

e ar an c e p , an d is ve ry desirable i n a seat .

m i 1 Fiber may be woven as i t comes fro the spool . H owever , t 3 better t o dampen i t by plunging a quantity i n water an d removing

4 O F . T 0. FIG M ETHOD WEAVING HE FIRST STRAND .

. t at once When i t dries after weaving , a sl igh t sh rinkage resu l s ,

r thereby making a tauter seat than could be woven wi th d y strands .

I nasmuch as the ﬁber is paper , it cannot be soaked in water .

n — Th e We a v i g Pro c e ss . With the frame ready and rush i n

p roper con dition the weaving may be started . Fig . 3 9 shows an isom etric d r awing o n wh ich corners are lettered and th e rails

0 r n n umbered i n order . Fig . 4 shows another d awing o wh ich the

r corne s and rails are simil arly lettered an d numbered , showing

f r graph ically the method o weaving the ﬁrst st and . The arrows

f c o m indicate the di rection o weave . The operation is practically

l e t e t h e r p once arou nd f rame . Refe ence may be made to either drawing i n the following detai led di rect ions for weaving .

S o f A. tart arbitrarily at any corner in th is case , A stran d rush tigh tly twisted is laid over rail 1 next t o the cap with its short en d turned down . The beginner may ﬁn d it advantageous to tack RU S H SEATING 47

o f the end in place . D raw the strand over the edge an d bottom

1 t o o f rail and up at th e inner corner , then over the p and edge rail

2 . Th is binds the loose en d in place i f i t h as not been previously

r t t h e tacked . Pull the st an d d i rec ly across frame opening to the

B it t h e t o p o f rail 3 at corner . D raw over edge of the same rai l

t t h e r r t o and under , hen up at inne co ner and over the p and edge

r t o t o o f of rai l 1 . Pull d i rectly ac oss the frame open ing the p rail

r r D 4 at co ner C . The Operations at co ners C an d are identical to

1 F O R T F 4 . . I G. STICK STUFFING I N ERIOR OF SEATS

A B t t those at and , and these repeat h emselves in deﬁni ely at each

r r o r t t h e . co ne , u n i l seat is completed Th is applies to square seats

f r t only . Th e end o the last st and may be secu red wi h a tack u nder

t h e o r . proper rai l , twisted around a strand un derneath the seat

The st r an d is twis t ed as the weaving progresses . Th is may be f ‘ t done wi t h the palm o th e hand and h igh , in much the same man

r n n e r as a shoemake r waxes h is th ead . I f o e leaf Of rush is used to

t h e ar e b make strand , new leaves added y tying the two ends in a

o r square knot at a corner , wherever such j oining will not show on

o n e o f the ﬁn ished seat . When more th an p iece rush is used for a f t strand the pieces should be o uneven leng hs initially . O ne leaf or

p iece at a time is then added . The upper or top end of th e leaf is

used t o begin the seat ing and each leaf added is attached at i ts top

end .

t r d no t Some expert rush sea e s o tie knots in mak ing strands , bu t add leaves by twist ing t h e en d of the p receding leaf about the added “ ” o n e O ld r e , l ike the color on a barber pole , as one rush weaver w t fi marked . Adding by t is ing only is d if cult , and requ i res great f patience and dextrous handling o the material . I n fact rush h should be used by the mo r e skilfu l boys only . Oth ers m ay use t e

ﬁ . excellent substitute , ber 48 SEAT WEAVING

Ca r e mus t be exe r cised t o keep t h e s t rands f r om ove r lapp in g im

h r r t prope r ly at t e co ne s . The s rands should ﬁt snugly where they

T O r t r go ove r the rai ls . assu e h is , tap them sh a ply with a mallet

m a t used ove r a block of sof t wood . Th is y be done at frequen in t e r vals o r when seve r al st r ands h ave been woven ove r each rail .

M O F N F I G 42. I . ETHOD FILLING CENTER .

r h e r r t Unifo m tension on t st and is desi able and t h is shou ld be tigh .

As the wo r k progresses the inte r io r be t ween t h e uppe r and lower

f t r rows o st ran ds is stu ffed . Th is is done with the same ma e ial as h f t ha t used in t e weaving . The butt ends of rush are used to stu f t h e seat of r ush ; r affia is used to stu ff a raffia seat ; craft pape r to

f n t r stu f a ﬁber seat ; and so o . The packing shou ld be done in a ho o

fo r t h e r manner , i t bu i lds up seat and prevents its b eaking down at f t O . the inner edges the rails , and sag ging wi h continued use A

t o slightly cu r ved ha r dwood s t ick about 1 2 in . long may be used

1 . advantage to do t h is work . Fig . 4 shows a sketch of such a stick 3 t r . . at I t is A in . i n diame er at one end and tape ed to V2 in by in

5 0 SEAT WE AVI NG

’ r f over a separate f ame and inserted . Fig . 46 is a ch i ld s ch air o

t r oak , with a sea of ﬁbe woven over the rails of th e ch ai r . — I rre g ul a r S e a t s . The usual o r standard sh ape o f ch ai r seat is

o n e t t h e . . like th e illus rated in drawing , Fig 47 The front rai l is

TOP OF FIG . 44. CO M PLETED FIBER .

longer th an the back , and the side rai ls are equal in length . Seats of th is sh ape are rath er diffi cult t o weave because special treatment is necessary to ﬁll up portions of certai n rails .

With reference made to the drawing , the method employed in

r locating lines for ush ing , an d for rush ing such a seat is th is : With the beam o f a square laid against rail 4 with i ts corner against the

S im il ar l m ar k A s 2 . cap at corner , scribe a penci l li ne acros rail y, . S the same rail using the square against rail 4 at co r ner D . tated in f other words , these lines may be Obtained by determin ing the d i fer

o ff ence in length between the front and back rails , and laying one RUSH SEATING 5 1

f n r half th is d i ference from each corner o the front ai l . Th is dis tance is i ndicated by the brackets i n th e drawing . No w ti e with a string as many stran ds o f rush as wi ll be needed t f r o ﬁll in th is di ference between f ont and back rails . Fasten them

r A . unde neath the rai l at corner Then use one strand , twisted ,

FIG . 45 . CO M PLETED RUSH SEATED

STOOL . and weave around corners B and ’ I FIG . 46 . CH LD S CHAIR WITH C and fast en under t h e rai l at B FI ER SEAT . D corner . The weaving is i den tical t o t h at described in square seats . Weave in each strand in

’ the bundle at the same corners and tie u nder th e rai l at corner D ; or unti l the spaces marked o ff o n th e front rai l are ﬁlled . I t may be necessa ry t o add t o o r t o remove strands from the bundle i f

r r calculations as to n umber Of strands necessa y were inaccu ate .

D s o ff Ti e all loose ends together at corner , fa ten securely an d cut r . all ext a lengths b

S n o w o n tart as in beginn ing a weave a square seat , weaving

r around all corne s in the regular way . The ﬁrst strand around will

f f A D . e fectively bind t—he bundles o en ds at corners an d S ug g e st io n s . I n using paper ﬁber o r similar m aterials wh ich

2 0 o r 2 . come i n long lengths , a strand 5 ft i n length may be used 5 2 SE AT WEAVING

o n e t at ime in weaving . For conven ience in h andling i t should be

r t r fo med i n a loop an d held toge her with a st ong rubber band . The s t ran d may be u nlooped a l ittle at a time as th e weaving pro

r e sse s . I r fi r h e g n using rush , af a , and like mate ials , t strand is made

. 47 O F R O N O F FIG . M ETHOD STA TI NG WEAVE SEAT IRREGUL AR SHAPE .

r f t t . as the weaver wo ks , so at no time is there a s rand exceeding 5

so t o or i n length handle . No special expedient is t herefo r e needed . fi r e t c . r Raf a , ﬁbe , , may be pu rchased f om supply houses and in

r h many cases di ect from t e manu facturers . Rush may be gathered t b t t in many comm un i ies V an energe ic ins ructor and pupils , and t t properly cured . I n fac , ga heri ng the raw material an d prepa r ing

t o it for use is desi rable in many ways , an d is be encou raged . O r d in ar il t r t r r f y rush may be Ob ained f om manu fac u e s O rush seats .

1 . I t costs 5 cen ts per pound , d ry

o f t Fig . 48 is a working d rawing a s ool o r seat . The constructed

r h e n e t o t o . problem wou ld appear ve y similar shown i n Fig 45 .

t t o The seat frame is fas ened the base with concealed screws . The

r m u pp er caps are tempo arily fastened unti l the weaving is co pleted , RUS H SEATING 5 3

-1 1

6 - “T 1 l z

F i O F A F O R . G. 48 . WORKING DRAWING STOOL RUSHING 5 4 SEAT WEAVING when they are removed and the frame fastened to the base as indi

. G c at e d . The caps are then replaced permanently enerally speak

r ing , for in itial wo k i n rush seating i t is advisable to weave over a separate frame . S uch a frame is conveniently h andled , and better work will result . — Fin ish . Some agent t o preserve a rush seat is necessary . Rush

f il r shoul d be coated with equal parts o O and tu pentine , followed

r m by two coats Of tough , elastic varn ish . The necessa y ti e should elapse between coats . S ome manu factu rers do not use oil , and apply varnish only . Raffi a and h usk seats should be treated as rush . t Fiber is varn ished only . A bri tle varnish is to be avoided , for it

ff i t o . wi ll ch ip o wi th a l ttle use , an d a seat is subj ect h ard wear

SUGGESTIVE PRO$ ECTS . C H A PTE R V I

R E ED A N D S PLI NT W E AVI NG

Reeds wh ich are used extensively for basket - making an d weaving i n general are p rocu red f r om th e species o f palm descri bed i n Ch ap

n ter I . Th ese reeds should o t be confused with the term reed l f app ied to several distinct species o large water loving grasses . f S uch reeds are usually designated under th e name o grasses . There are a thousand species o f palm distributed over the tropical regions

r ar e t S of the entire wo ld , bu t only a few n a ive i n the Un ited tates ,

f r and these are o no distinct commercial value . Th e rattan o cane

o f M palms I ndia and the alay I slands grow to an u nusual height , an d are impo r ted into th is count r y i n great quantities . These rat tans and th e trai ling palm o f the species Ca l a m us h ave as main

x r ar e e po t centers S ingapore an d Calcutta . These palms stripped o f leaves and bark an d split into r ound an d fi at strips o f d i fferent

t r r diameters an d wi d t hs . The ou e bark , when st ipped into proper

s size , is known as chai r cane ; the enti re palm , with leaves removed , is commercially known as rattan ; an d the ﬂat r eeds are frequently i sold as fl at rattan and p i t h cane . I nasmuch as these f at an d round

r r U o f st ips , split f om th e palm plant and exported nder the name r ar e r e attan called eeds , we sh all refer to them u nd r that name in

t wo t o f o n all d iscussions to follow . There are quali ies reed the market sold u n der th e names O f Ch ina reed and German reed . The

r fo r mer is in ferior in qu ality and the latter is superior , being st ong ,

r tough an d d urable . The Ph i lippine I slands give p omise of pro

$ d ucin g a l iberal supply o f reed o f good quali ty that is claimed to

G o ne o f equal the erman p r oduct . The problem , however , is gath ering an d marketing the p roduct . The government h as made a partial su rvey of th e rattan supply , and th is j ustiﬁes the belief th at th e I slands wil l eventually compet e wi t h the world market .

5 5 5 6 SEAT WEAVING

~ Prim it iv e Me th o d s . B r ieﬂy the p r imitive process o f convert

o r t r t h e ing the rattan , raw ma erial , i nto cane and reeds , o ﬁnished

: t h r l r o r p roduct , is th is Th e rattan stems are o o y d ied seasoned , ff an d th e nodules are pared O with a peculiar native kni fe . Then the rattan is sorted in to sizes and selection made as to grade . The sort ing is based upon ext ernal color an d diameter of t h e rattan . The t s rattan is then immersed i n wa er , and the stem is rubbed vigorou ly with san d and cocoanut husks t o r emove d i rt and foreign substances .

t o r I t is hen bleached by means of su lph u r fumes , ei th er in th e stem af t er the peel an d co r e h ave been prepared .

t f : The me hod o preparing the peel an d core is th is The peel , or

v t o outer co ering , is removed with a h eavy kn ife ; i t is then stripped

‘ se l e c t e d t h ic k n e sse s an d widths by d rawing it by h and th ru two

a - r r knives set t requ i red d istances apa t . Th is peel is comme cially

r r t called c ane . The co e is then st ipped in o as man y strands as necessary , depending upon th e diameter of the cores requ i red .

These are r o im d e d by d rawing them th ru a sh e e t ' o f tin o r i ron

r f pe forated with holes of d i f eren t diameters . The rounded cores

r are called eeds . Considerable r attan is still converted into th e ﬁn ish ed products

r M by han d processes th ru these labo ious stages . ach ines h ave been

r r perfected wh ich do p r actically the enti r e wo r k . Pa ticula ly h ave

r the Germans b ough t th is industry to a perfected state . S till in

C t h e r various sections of I ndia . h ina , an d Ph ilippines h and wo k ing o f rattan is a th riving in dustry ; an indust ry seemingly pecul iarly

o f r r adapted t o t h e nati ves . Th e Ph ilippi ne method p epa ing th e raw material va r ies somewhat from t h e Ch inese method in t hat th e n h natives do o t bleach t e r attan .

m r r r Reed ay be procu ed in la ge o small h anks , in coils and in S bundles , with the cost determined by weigh t . chools generally

o o f will ﬁnd it advantageous t buy i t in small h anks , because ease in f h andl ing and o r economic reasons . Round reeds are shown

- t 0 . h ree fou rths size in Fig . 49 , from No . to and incl ud ing No 7 ,

- r . r also winding , half round and flat eeds Winding eed is th in and

5 8 SEAT WEAVING

h o ro l 4 hou rs . Remove it from the tub an d wash t y i n runn ing

n water . The best way t o do th is is to lay the reed o an inclined f su rface an d tu rn a forcefu l stream o water upon i t . Chlori de of lime h as a bad effect upon the h ands i n that it makes th em so r e and

so . ten der , care must be taken to properly rinse the reed A little

tallow rubbed ove r the han ds wi ll materi ally offset th e tendency to

t t tenderness , an d generally keep hem i n good condi ion . — S t a in in g B leach ed reed t akes stain much more readily and

evenly th an does th e natu ral o r u nbleached . I t may be stained any

color with prepared stains , but ord inarily these leave the reed

mu ddy i n appearance due p rimari ly to the d ifficul t y in b r ush ing in

o r wiping o ff the stain i n t h e recesses wh ich weaving leaves . Per

r haps the best agent for coloring reed , and at least a ve y desi rable

o n e r t , especially after i t h as been woven , is naptha . The p epara ion of the stain and t h e process of colo ring is as follows : Obtain t h e

necessa ry amount and va r iet y of colo r s groun d i n o il ; mix the r e qu i r ed colors wi t h a lit t le nap t h a ; then t o determine the sh ade o f f t . r t o colo r test wi h a reed Reed abso bs a given amoun color ,

therefore th e sh ade will p r ove o u t p r actically t h e same wh en tested

t o f o u t r with a small quanti y napth a , as when tried with a g eater

. r o f amou nt Add the equ i red amount napth a to the solution , avoid “ ” in g th inn ing t o o much ; othe rwise the color produced wi ll be sickly

r f in appea ance . Five pounds of colo r to abou t 3 gallons o napth a t h t will p rove about e ri gh t ratio . For instance , o obtain a rich nu t

brown mix 1 poun d o f ch rome yellow and 5 poun ds o f bu rnt umber t h wi a small amou nt o f napth a . S tir u ntil the colors are liqu i d ,

o f . then gradually add 4 gallons or so napth a , and sti r well The

intensity o f the b r own may be varied by usin g more o r less ch rome yel low .

C f im m e d i oiled h anks o reed may be immersed in the sol ution ,

h r t h e ately wit d rawn and h ung to d ain d ry above receptacle , th us perm itting su rplus stain to d r ai n back into it . The stain may be

used repeatedly , and as it is very volatile i t should be kept i n a tigh tly corked red can when no t in use . I t is also h ighly inflam REED AN D SPLINT WEAVING 5 9

c mable , and should be used in a room in wh ich there is free cir ula t t o ion of ai r . I f colors have been mixed properly an d th inned the r r igh t consistency , the eed will dry rapi dly an d the color will be f sharp and clear , free f rom mu ddy e fects . A woven article such as a basket o r woven top footstool may be

o r d r . d ipped , th e color pou red over an d allowed to drip y I n some ff r o . instances it is good policy to wipe su plus stain ligh tly Then ,

of t r r r so in the case the foots ool o similar p oj ect , i f th e wo ker desi res he may stain the wood a da r ke r sh ade th an the t o p wi th a

r f f p epared stain . Reed is very e fecti ve withou t stain ; many o the

t o r s ools shown herewi t h are left n atu ral . Reed may be shellacked

r B f va n ished . ecause o its porosi t y i t soi ls very easily u nless some

t r o f r r e c o m ﬁnish ing agen is used , an d a good g ade elastic va nish is

a t h e r mended as ﬁn ish , especially when woven a ticle is subj ect to

r seve e use . — O th e r Ma t e ria l s . Reed is not t h e only good medi um adapted

t o r . t o weaving . ei t her in correlation wi h wood when used alone

On t h e stools illust r ated several other materials h ave been used B t r . as inne r h icko r y ba r k an d I ndian spli n s and ﬁbe in ding cane ,

r . ope , and even willow may be uti lized wi th success Paper ﬁber

r was discussed i n detail in Ch apte r V and needs no elabo ation .

r t t r . Fi g . 60 shows a stool pa tly woven wi h h is se viceable material S uffi cient to say that th is ﬁber adapts itself admi rably t o almost

al l wo rk wh ere reed is commonly employed , an d in many instances

is , commerci ally , supplanting reed . I nner h ickory bark may be Obtained o f man ufactu re r s o f rustic

fu r n i t u re either di rectly o r indi r ec t ly . They may be obtained ﬁrst

r t t han d i f h icko r y t r ees g ow in th e locali y , h us enhancing the edu

t h e c at io n al value of weaving . I n spring or early summer when

r t h e sap is up and th e bark slips easi ly , a h icko y tree may be cut

r down , and th e rou gh outer ba k sh aved with a d raw knife from t t h e top o f th e l o g t h e full leng h of the tru nk , leaving a su rface

f r om 8 in . to 1 0 in . wide . With a h eavy kn i fe split the inner bark

on eithe r si de o f th e sh aved st r i p ; th en beginn ing at o ne en d peel 60 SEAT WE AVI NG

back the inner bark the full length o f th e log Th is process may

be repeated u nti l the log is stripped . The th ickness of the inner

f r M bark depends upon th e size o the t ee and the species . anu

fac t u r e rs o f h ickory fu r nitu re claim th at the pign ut possesses a

th icker bark than any other species , th e bark runn ing from i n .

in . i n th ickness , an d they accordingly use th is tree i n pref

OF AN . 0. FIG . 5 SKETCH HAND STRIPPER D GAGE

o f e r ence to others when available . The rolls th ick inner bark are

f r . allowed to d ry o several weeks Then they are placed in water ,

to remai n u ntil pliable . They are then split into strips of proper m th ickness an d wi dth . Factories use a very si ple motor d riven

fo r mach ine making th e strips , an d any manual trai ning shop can

devise some sch eme fo r accompl ish ing th is work . These strips cut in i ndeﬁn ite lengths must be made pliant by a thoro soaking j ust t p revious o use . I n weaving t hey should be p ressed close togeth er

t t h e o f r a r e c i with the ﬁngers or wi h ai d a h amme , as there is an pp

in r able sh rinkage especially thei r width u pon drying . S uch st ips are used mainly by bu ilders o f rustic outdoor an d porch fu rniture

o f for th e weaving the backs , arms an d seats of ch ai rs , and h ave

r at present no gene al use in school shops . Thei r use here S hould f be encou raged . I f bou gh t o th e manufacturer these strips cost 40

d r r e 3 a . cents per pou nd , y. They put u p in coils , and are 4 in wide and in . th ick . Th ey may be stripped i nto narrower wi dths

m r r r by eans of a h an d st ippe , soon to be desc ibed . I ndian spl ints of ash and h ickory may be obtained from dealers RE ED AN D SPLINT WEAVING 6 1

e f i n the raw products . Thes e strips are cu t from t h wood o th e t r ee i n long shavings in a manner similar to obtain ing the inner

r r h icko y ba k , and stripped i nto desi red wi dths an d th icknesses .

O o r ne kin d of ash splint is made i n th ree weigh ts th icknesses , ﬁne ,

v 1 . . I I s medi um an d h ea y , an d in strips % in wide t sol d in

O F A N . FIG . 5 1 . WORKING DRAWI NG HAND STRIPPER D GAGE

f r t o r . coils o f 2 00 ft . each a ft The st ips are a number

r ar e o f of feet in lengt h . H icko y splints sold in coils a dozen

t . 8 . 1 0 . . s rands each These stran ds are ft to ft long by 72 in wide , and slightly less t h an i n . th ick . A coi l weighs abou t th ree f fou rths o a pound and costs 5 cents .

t r e st r i e d Th e ash splints par icularly , need to be pp to widths

r needed by the worker . For ord inary pu rposes the h ickory st ips

f r o f ar e r igh t o r seating purposes . The st ipping is done by mean s

0. A a combi nation hand stripper and gage shown i n Fig . 5 work

r 1 . m ing d awing Of i t is shown i n Fi g . 5 I t is made of aple pref

l r e r e r ab . a y The cutters of a watch sp ing , pointed and sha rpened as indicated . The en d piece is removable t o permit ch anges o f th e

r T o r cutte s . use , me ely hold th e splint ﬂat between the righ t h and

o n t h an d stripper , press the stran d down e cutter and pull it ac ross t h e cutters with the left h and . TW O persons may do the operation more readi ly an d speedily th an one . I t is a good policy to make several o f these devi c es with c utters at different distances apart so 62 SEAT WEAVING splints o f va r ious wi dths may be cut wi t hout resort to a change

Of cutters . S plints need to be soaked in water for a number Of mi nutes before using . They will be found to be somewh at less pl iable th an inner

. 5 2. OF AN FIG ROLLS SPLINTS , IN NER BARK , D REED .

f h ickory bark , and d i ferent i n color , varying f rom almost wh i t e to

n u t a ligh t brown . I nner bark is a brown i n color . The splin t s t stai n well , and may be d ipped i n i den ically the same manner as

n reeds . I nner bark needs o stain ; i n fac t is more pleasing i f lef t natural .

Ash splints are extensi vely gat h ered an d prepa r ed by the I ndians f in certain sections o Canada and the northern states . There they

r are woven into baskets of int icate design and beau tiful colors ,

t r . S usually in combination wi h other mate i als , as sweet grass plints

r may be used for almost every pu rpose for wh ich ﬂ at eed is u tilized , and i n nume r ous cases is superior and preferable t o reed .

I . 2 r n Fig 5 is shown i n orde , two rolls of h ickory splints , a

o f r r r o f . bundle inner h icko y ba k st ips , an d a small h ank ﬂ at reed

These ar e in the original bundles as they come f rom th e dealers . C H A PTE R V I I

S E ATS O F R E E DS A N D S PLI NTS

Th e d iscussion o f t h e weaving p r ocesses to follow is conﬁned . h f t e t o t o r . . in main , s ools seats Fig 5 3 shows several stools di ferent

in in design both i n wood construction and i n weaving . I n two

t t r t s ances it wi ll be no ed th at weavin g is done ove \ a separa e frame ,

r t h e t h e t o n t o one being inse ted between rails , o her fastened p ,

t o leaving a li t t le p r oj ection . Reference is made several possible weaving designs an d t h e use o f various med i ums an d combi na t ions . The possible combinations of mate r ials a re me r ely suggestive o f

t r t h e r possible o he ones , an d in divid ual wo ker wi ll ﬁn d th at many

o f r m r designs va ying complexity ay be wo ked out . An excellent method fo r working ou t possible designs is that of usi ng black and

t . wh ite paper st rips V2 in . in wid h The design wi ll show up very

x e ri clearly because of the contrast of the black an d wh i te . E p m e n t in g with the weave on the seat i t self is r ath er tedious and

r r e . unsatisfacto y . The paper strips a an excellent means to an end — Th e stool t o p i llust r ated i n Fig . 5 4 employs a simple over and

r u nder weave , utilizing ﬂat reed . The wo ker needs to deci de at the outset o n t h e ch aract er o f weave t o be used u nless i t be o f

t h e r t h r e un usu al design . I n th is instance weaver runs ove e and

t h r e e t h r e . under strands , an d the wrapping done in a series Of e To begi n the Operation tack an en d of ﬂat reed un der a short rail

t r o u t t h e at a corner , hen b ing the strand and over rail , the $ across

r i r - f ame open ing to the oppos te rail , u nder th is rail , ac oss u nder i t t m neath the frame opening to the bo om of the ﬁrst rail . Th is c o

t h e r pletes process once a ou nd . Repeat t h r ee times ; then wrap th e

t wo r h stran d arou nd the rails , without unn in g i t across t e t o p .

r t h e Th us eve y fou rth strand across t o p is omitted . I t is no t

r t o t h e necessa y cut th e strand ; wrapping is continuous . Repeat

6 3 64 SEAT WEAVING these series o f th ree st r ands u ntil opposite short rails are en t i rely

o u t t h e w r apped . When a stran d runs tack en d with the beginn ing

o n e of a new one underneat h a rail . Use a ounce ﬂat h ead wi re

TOP . FIG . 5 3 . WOVEN STOOLS

t tack fo r th is pu rpose i f available , o herwise a one ounce cut tack

no w . will do . The weavi ng proper begins t Tack a strand u nderneath a long rai l at a corner , hen weave

r ov e r t h r e e strands and u nd e r t h e e . Repeat i n the same manner

6 6 SEAT WEAVING th at t h e shor t rai ls h ave been wrapped ; then the weaving wi ll i h r h an d begin over t e long rails , and as indicated , at the uppe left

t o corner . The stran ds h ave been numbered make the description

” ” r o f cleare r . The diagonal is dete mined at the edges th e upper

TOP OF H . FIG . 5 5 . STOOL INNER ICKORY STRIPS

rail . The method Of weaving may be expressed in the following manner : — O 2 2 2 so o n . S trand I ver 1 , u nder , over , under , and — n O 2 2 2 2 o . S tran d 2 ver , under , over , under , and so — n 1 2 2 2 so o . S trand 3 Under , over , u nder , over , and — 2 2 2 r 2 . S trand 4 Under , over , under , ove , an d so on t Th is completes the se r ies o r un it , an d th is un it repeats i self unti l

the are a is woven . For i nstance , the ﬁfth weaver follows the same cou rse as th e ﬁrst ; the sixth weaver follows the same cou rse as the second ; th e seven t h the same as the t h i r d ; and so on . The diagonal effect will remain the same were t h e weaver to run Over SEATS OF REEDS AND SPLINTS 6 7

t t o r r t I s h ree s rands more , provid ing the igh t s art made at the edges

r r r of the f ame . I n using i nner h ickory bark ca e must be exe cised t t t fo r r r o keep the strands close oge her , they sh ink app eciably in A t drying . brad hammer with square face is an excellent ool to f use o r keeping t h e st r ands snu gly toget her .

- TOP OF AN . FIG . 5 6 . STOOL FLAT D HALF ROUND REEDS

- A combina t ion of half r ound an d ﬂ at reed is illustrated in Fig .

- r 5 6 . The h alf roun d eed is wrapped about the frame ﬁrst , and

t t t r r a in h is case every o her s an d is w pped around the opposite rail ,b

T h e ~ crossing unde r neat h t h e f r ame only . diagonal weave is em f t t h e . ployed , and is iden ical to one j ust described i n general e fect

t h e r r t r . H owever , weave u ns over h ree and u nder th ee i n the body

Note the difference in the weave at the edges o f the rai ls . When using h alf - round r eed i t is necessary th at every o t her strand be 6 8 SEAT WEAVING

r r wrapped completely around the ai ls , for othe wise i t would p r ove p r act ically impossible t o weave th e a r ea because of the t h ickness f o . A r the reed wind ing reed as shown in Fi g . 49 o bi nder cane

t t r r could be run con in uously , inasmuch as ei he is elatively t h in .

Weaving wi th two kin ds of reed will produce an a r ea of pleasing h igh relief .

FIG . 5 7 . DIA M OND DES IG N IN FLAT REED .

Fig . 5 7 illustrates a stool woven in ﬂ at reed . The diagonal weave is used ru nni ng toward a common center , and i t forms a B di amond pattern o r design . egin wrapping on the long rails , skipp ing every other strand o n the t o p as in dicated . To weave th is patte r n i t is necessary to locate the center o f the short rail s and

f r th e center stran d o those runn ing ac oss the frame . I n th is instance t h e t h e no t strands are even i n n umber , so pattern does begin at

r r t h e . the actual center , bu t a little to the igh t o left as case may be

B ov e r u nd e r ov e r u n d e r eginning at the center , count by twos , , an d , an d so o n to determine t h e n umber o f stran ds to go over o r u nder SEATS OF REEDS AN D SPLINTS 69

r o n e at the edge of the f ame . The ﬁrst strand runs over at the t center , and over two and u nder two on ei her si de . The secon d

r t h r e e r o n st and runs under at the cente , and over two , under two either side ; the worker must again count to the edge of the frame

F I G DI A BI O ND I N A ND - . 5 8 . WEAVE FLAT HALF ROUND REEDS .

t h e t th e f r S s to determine beginning weave , un il un it of ou trand

at t h e c e n t e r h as been woven . Then the un it repeats i tsel f and

t ' B t h e r o f a t h e e dg e s Of the f r ame . eginning at igh t side the illust r ation the weaving is as follows

S I —O 2 2 r 2 2 r 2 u 2 tran d ver , under , ove , under , ove , nder ,

1 t f O f then over , and repeat across the o her h al the

r f ame . — S r 2 I 2 2 2 2 r 2 t and Under , over , under , over , under , ove .

t r hen under 3 , and repeat ac oss the frame . 7 0 SEAT WEAVING

— S t 2 2 2 2 2 2 ran d 3 Under , over , u nder , over , under , over ,

1 r r then under , an d epeat ac oss the frame . — S t r O 1 2 2 r 2 2 2 an d 4 ver , under , over , unde , over , u nder ,

r then over 3 , and repeat ac oss the frame .

9 . 5 . N FIG WOVEN DESIGN I FLAT REED .

t t h e it r These fou r s rands comprise u ni t , and is epeated until the C f . o frame is enti rely woven omplete h alf the frame ﬁrst , then

t h e f weave other h alf , wh ich is j ust the reverse o th e ﬁrst h alf .

I t h e 1 n starti ng weave for the second h alf , stran d is omitted , for f h i t is the center O the f rame . After t e worke r h as worked o u t the un it according to the method described , he wi ll ﬁnd it good p r actice to w r ite i t o u t g r aph ically as above to use i n weavi ng the

t h e r seat . The u n it above applies to pa ticu lar stool , and will not

t r t r r E hold good on seats u ilizing mo e s ands , or fewe . rrors are easi ly made in weaving t h is pattern for t h e r eason th at strands need watch ing at t wo places . The seat of the stool at the top of th e SEATS OF REEDS AN D SPLINTS 7 1

. 6 1 t t group shown i n Fig h as a pattern identical wi h h is one , except t that th e s rands both ways are close together .

’ t o r h The p i llust ated in Fig . 5 8 is p ractically t e same in design

o ne r as the j ust descri bed . The weave s run over t h e long rai ls in

0. O TO P . FIG . 6 ST OL WOVEN WITH FIBER

t o f t h e - t his instance , ins ead short ones , and h alf round reed is used

f r . o the weavers , with ﬂ at reed uti lized for the wrapping The

f — r u nd e r ﬁrst weaver o h alf roun d reed uns the center strand , and t h e t wo second weavers ru n o v e r th ree strands o n either si de o f

r t h e c e n t e r r . t the ﬁ st , at of the a ea The combina ion of the h alf r ound and ﬂ at r eeds produces a seat both pleasing and serviceable .

t o Fig . 5 9 illustrates a stool p woven with ﬂat reed enti rely , i n f a design the ve r y opposi t e in e fect of that shown in Fig . 5 7 instead o f evolving a di amond effect t h e diagonals appear t o radiate f r om a f common cen t er . The method of weaving is i dentical to t h at O

h e t t Fig . 5 7 i n t h at t opera ion begins a the center of rails instead

f h r o next to t e posts . The ﬁ st weaver is woven over the center 7 2 SEAT WE AVI NG

o f o n stran d at the center the top , an d th e second weaver , either

ov e r t h r e e . side , is woven strands , at th e center These th ree weavers practically determine the design and effect p roduced . An e r ror Of no vi tal importance exists in th is particular stool top . I t wi ll merely emph asize the fact that particular care is necessary to avoi d mistakes .

f r f Fiber is the material used o the top o the stool shown in Fig . f . o 60. The di agonal weave is employed Th e process weaving h as been explained an d needs n o fu r ther d iscussion . Th e ﬁber is t h e same as th at discussed in Chapter V . I t adapts i tself admi rably t o t th is form Of weaving , and wh en properly ﬁnished wi h varn ish

makes a serviceable seat , pleasing i n every particu lar . The strands wh ich run across the f r ame in th e wrapping must be some distance

r . apart , oth erwise weaving would p ove impossible The th ickness of the strands precl ude thei r being wrapped close together as in the f t case o t h in materials . I n th is case a space equ al to the wid h Of

r t w th ree strands is left . The weave runs over o an d under two strands in the body .

r r t Wh ile reeds an d inner h icko y ba k sh ri nk i n drying , h ey wi ll

n r r sh rink mostly in wi d t h and o t much in length . The efo e it is necessary to pull all strands , both in wrapping and i n weaving , rather tigh t at all times . Only by doing th is will th e worker be f U assu red o an ltimately tau t seat . Th is appl ies also to the I ndian

n w r r splints o to be discussed . As ﬁber is woven p actically d y it needs to be pulled particularly tigh t .

I n d an l n — 1 f i S p i t s . Fig . 6 shows a group o stools and a waste basket constructed in eigh th grade shops . The tops of the stools f and the panels o f th e basket are woven o h icko r y splints V2 in .

. A o f in width variety patterns is shown , an d these will su ggest

t r r o her ones . O ne Of th e st ools has tu ned posts and th e splints a e f h t n carried over the sides o t e r ails . Wi h sligh t mod iﬁcatio of the t r s uctu re , th e sides m igh t be woven in a similar manner to th e top .

o f t h e m h The panels basket were woven over a separate fra e , t en

r o f n they were cu t to ﬁt th e f ames the basket , and ﬁnally tacked o

7 4 SEAT WEAVING

t t h e spli t easily when acked , strands are bound to pu ll loose , and t h e sea t s b r eak down under con t inued use . On such articles as

t r t h e was e baskets, boxes , sc eens an d th e l ike , tacking panels in

r fo r o r place is necessa ry and prope , no app reci able wear service

comes to t hem . The weavi ng o n sea t s needs

r ~ £ v S T R A ND to be contin uous ove an d h un de r t e frame . When a strand of usu al lengt h h as been o w S T RA N D

r “1 115 . 2 OF T O NE FIG 6 . M ETHOD FAS ENING STRAND w apped about the TO ANOTHER of t h e seat a second

r 0 st and needs to be added to continue the wrappin g . Tacking t h e s t ran ds to the u nde r side of

o f r th e rai ls , as in the case eeds , cannot be r eso r ted to wi t h splin t s fo r r t r the easons j us explained . The efore some method o f fastening

t o t r ar strands each o he is necess y . Fig . 62 is a freehand sketch

o t . A sh wing a good me hod s ind icated , a small rectangular piece

o u t B is cut of the used stran d at , one inch from the end . A ch isel or ch ip carving kn ife is good for

u th e p u rpose . C t across the grain of the wood ﬁrst to avoid spl itting t h f e S plin t . The en d O th e new

63 . OF Oi E RL APPI NG FIG . M ETHOD A strand is notched as shown an WEAVERS .

r inch back f om the end , and is then inserted th ru B and t h e two stran ds th us secu red . All sub sequent strands are secu red in t h e same manne r . Another method wh ich works wel l an d i nvolves less l abor th an the o n e j ust described is th at o f fastening t h e strands toge t her with

f ban d h metal staples . Any type o small stapler wi ll accomplis the r t h e esu lt . Th e splints must be ve r y pl iable when staple is inserted

h t t . an d clinc ed , for i f hey are not , the splints are certain to spli

Clips used i n Venetian i ronwo r k ar e excellent fo r th is pu r pose also . SEAT S OF REEDS AN D SPLINTS 7 5

I r t should be unde stood , for reasons very obvious , th at these fasten

r ings are made unde neath the frame .

A o f we av fter the wrapping the opposite rai ls is completed , the ing is begun . The use of tacks here is also u nnecessa r y and is in

F I G 4 I N . 6 . WOVEN DESIG N HICKORY SPLINTS .

t f advisable . Fas en a new stran d by overlappi ng the end o the old

t r r t h e one for several inches ei her on top o u nde nea h t frame . The

r r o r ends Of each will be h i dden u nde c oss strands spokes . Fig . 63 f AA is a sketch i llustrating t h e method o overlapping . shows

r h r B B o v e r t e u nd e r . st ands run ning weave s , an d stran ds ru nning

D o f t h e o ld o r C o n e t h e is the end used strand , and end of new

o n e . C is pulled u ntil th e end is h i dden u nder A . I t is advisable t o ove r lap the dist ance of a n umbe r of st r ands and not merely t wo

as the sketch indicates . The sketch merely shows the met hod .

The end Of the st r an d wh ich completes t h e weaving o f the seat is secu red u nderneath th e f r ame by weaving fo r a short d istance in t h e usual manner . 7 6 SEAT WEAVING

far Fi g . 64 is merely Fig . 5 9 repeated as as the weaving processes

r . ar e a r e conce ned I n th is instance h ickory spli nts used , an d the f rails are wrapped con t in uously across th e top . Note th e d i ferent

f r t h e t wo . e fects p roduced , by compa ing ﬁgu res f r . Fi g . 6 5 shows a ather unusual weave The e fect is that of a

r t h e r Of n umbe of diamond areas over enti e su rface , one wh ich is

FIG . 65 . WOVEN DESIG N . DIA M OND EFFECT .

no t m arked to make the u nit o r design evident . Th is design need

at O f t h e begi n at the center , but may begi n the edge frame as in regular d iagonal weaving shown i n Fi g . 5 5 . The strands com p rising the un it are n umbered for convenience . The process of weaving is as follows

S — n I 1 r 2 u I 2 o . trand Un der , ove , nder , over , and so

S 2— n O 2 r so o . trand ver , u nde 3 , over 3 , under 3 , an d S — 1 r 2 1 2 so o n . trand 3 Over , u nde , over , under , an d

S r — 2 r so . t and 4 Under , over 3 , u nder 3 , ove 3 , and on SEATS OF REEDS AN D SPLINTS 7 7

— S t 1 2 1 2 o n . ran d 5 Under , over , under , over , and so — 2 o n . S t rand 6 Under , over 3 , under 3 , over 3 , and so — S O r 1 2 1 2 . trand 7 ve , under , over , u nder , and so on — S 2 . tran d 8 Over , under 3 , over 3 , u nder 3 , and so on — S r 1 2 1 2 so o n . t and 9 Under , over , u nder , over , and

Nine strands comp rise the u n it . One half of the u n it from

OF . FIG . 66 . DESIGN INDIAN SPLINTS

stran d 5 is a r epetition o f t h e ﬁrst h alf except th at the order is

. 6 2 8 1 reversed Th us strands 4 an d , 3 an d 7 , and , an d and 9 are i dentical i n weave . Repeat the un it u ntil the seat is completed .

The design produced i n Fig . 66 is obtai ned by sk ipping ce r tain

r r r st ands for athe unusu al d istances . Th is may be done in inst anc e S ' t h e at t e r n t f h where p is begun at the cen er o t e a r ea . NO st r an d t should be omi ted its enti re length however . AnV number of

o u t designs may be worked , limited only by th e patience and in

e n u it o f g y the individual wo r ke r . 7 8 SEAT WEAVIN G

A fo r no t design a seat or panel illustrated herei n , but wh ich is

r r f i s f pa ticula ly pleasing i n its general e fect , produced by a u nit O t si x strands repeated i ndeﬁn i ely . The weaving is started as in the d iagonal weave and the process may be ind icat ed as follows

7 OF FIG . 6 . M ETHOD WEAVING SPLINTS .

S I — 1 r O so . tran d ver , under 3 , ove 3 , under 3 , an d on

S r 2— O 2 o n t an d ver , under 3 , over 3 , under 3 , and so .

S t r — O so o n . and 3 ver 3 , under 3 , over 3 , under 3 , and S t — 1 o n . rand 4 Un der , over 3 , u nder 3 , over 3 , and so S — 2 . trand 5 Under , over 3 , under 3 , over 3 , and so on

' S — n 6 a d so o n . trand Under 3 , over 3 , under 3 , over 3 , f o . 6 t The isometric sketch a stool , Fig 7 , shows th e struc u re

r t l e n b pa y wo v . I t will be noticed th at th e splints o r reeds run o t h

t h e r t r e ways underneath f ame as hey do on top . As indicated p SEATS OF REEDS AN D SPLINTS v io u sly these strands u nderneath shou ld be woven in some manner to assu re a seat of maximum strength for the material used . The d iagonal weave was arbitrarily chosen to i llustrate the method of

r weaving the seat frame . The weaving unde neath is not shown

o n on the sketch . I f the rails any seat are run ﬂ ush with the insi de corners of th e posts the woven strands wi ll ﬁll the enti r e space . h O n t e other h and , i f they are

r f o f pe mitted an O fset , a series open spaces are left as shown o n

r the ﬁ r st woven seat i llust ated . The sketch shows the rails ﬂ ush wi th t h e inner co r ner o f t h e posts .

A Ru st ic Ch a ir . The type o f chai r wh ich is particularly adap t ed to splin t weaving is i llustrated i n Fig . 68 . The construction is

r simple , an d the necessa y bend ing of pieces is readily done if a su i t able steaming chest is avai lable

FIG . 68 . PORCH CHAIR WITH BACK 1 “ th e S h OP S uc h a chest may AN D SEAT WOVEN WITH SPLINTS . be made o f a 6 i n . gas p ipe cut

n the requ i red length and th readed at both ends . Cap o e en d per

m an e nt l . fo r t y H ave the cap th e other en d removable , wi h a gasket

it s in to prevent the e cape of steam , an d a su i table h an dle attach ed f r o . S e t ease in removing the pipe upon a standard , then make the necessary steam connections at the closed end an d the drai n at the

o n n other . Place the wood in th e ch est , screw the cap , and turn o ’ ' the steam . The length of time the wood should remai n in the f steam depends upon the wood an d th e size o the piece .

r S u itable wood forms a e e asily made for bending stock . Their cons t ruction needs no elaboration . When the pieces are remo ved

t h e from the chest , clamp them over forms immed iately , and allow 8 0 SEAT WEAVING

d r them to remain clamped i n th is manner for several days in a y, h i wa r m room . I f steam coils o r o t a r r egisters ar e handy the forms

t t o t h r may be placed over or near hem expedi e t e d ying .

‘ r r t Rock elm is a good materi al f om wh ich to const uc such a chai r .

r r f r The wood may be p ocu ed in the rou nd , Of di fe ent d iameters .

The tenons on t h e straight pieces may be made o n the wood lathe ;

r on the curved ones with spokesh ave or draw kni fe . The sho t

n h e f t h i n pieces o t sides shou ld be fully housed . On a ch ai r o th is

r t desc iption it is good policy to assemble the si des ﬁrst . Fin ish bo h the frame and the splints wi t h a good paint composed o f wh ite lead i an d o l . Another excellent material fo r chai rs of similar design and pu r

I t r f r t o f pose is h icko r y . t is the best ma e ial o the const ruc ion

fo r r r fu rnitu re lawns an d porches wh e e weathe ing is constant , an d

r it is pecu liarly adap t ed to splint and inne ba r k weaving . I f a pe r son l ives i n the righ t locali ty he may g ather young second growt h

t r t r r h icko ry saplings i n the fall . An ins uc or cou ld ve y eadily take

- h is classes o u t on such a wood ga t he r ing expedition . The educa t io n al gain i n gathe r ing r aw mate r ials to be fash ioned i nto ﬁnished

r f f t a ticles o use and beauty will j ustify all e for s . I n the fall th e

r f r r ba k o the saplings will adhere ﬁ mly to th e wood . T im and f assort th e d i feren t pieces in accordance with plans , cu t them i nto

r r S app oximate lengths , an d steam an d bend those desi ed . and each

r t t t h e r r e piece smooth , an d p oceed to cons ruc ch air acco ding to p

i u o v o s plans . Glue and nail all important j oints t p revent any possi

No o f bil it y O f separation u nder any wea t her condi tion . ﬁn ish any

n r description is necessa ry or desi red o h ickory fu rn itu e . Weath ering

r t t no t will natu rally da ken bo h frame and spl in s , bu t will detract

t h e . in any way from the rugged , pleasing appearance of article t S assafras is a very desi rable wood for rus ic fu rnitu re , an d well

o f t i d apt e d to splint weaving . The methods ga hering and ﬁn ish ing

r r t ar e i dentical t o h icko y . I t is much ligh te in weigh t han h ickory ,

N r bu t is qu i t e as serviceable . O ﬁn ish ing agent is necessa y , altho the wo rker may o il o r varn ish it at h is d iscretion .

8 2 SEAT WEAVING

r sesses all the attribu tes necessary for such furnitu e , being l igh t in

r weight , du able , an d strong ; and i t takes a good ﬁnish .

o r ar e Willow stems rods cu t when several feet long . They are

t t t h e r r hen soaked in wa er and oute ba k peeled . The rods ar e t hen

sorted , bundled and sh ipped t o the

h e dealer o r user . T peeling is gen e r ally accomplished by hand wi t h a

r t r I m pecul ia ly forked s ick o o d . Co m e r c ially there are wh at ar e termed d ry peeled r ods and steam peeled

r ods , with the former in favor for

fu rnitu re of the better class . They sell for from 6 cents t o 1 5 cents per

o n t pound , depen ding qual i y , length

an d method of peel ing . Willow stems are used extensively in bas

k e t r y, and for porch an d summer

furnitu re . They could be used e f fe c t iv e ly o n such a table as shown . 6 9 . A FIG WOVEN CENTER TABLE . 6 in Fi g . 9 , bu t cannot generally be

f r utilized advantageously in school shops o seating pu rposes only . t However , they h ave very deﬁn i e uses on some structu res , an d an adequate supply shoul d be kept o n hand for use when opportunity f O fers .

With in the zo n ﬁ n e s o f th is book a variety o f materials has been

m t r f suggested , an d any demons ated , for seat weaving o various

kinds and fo r weaving o n struct u r es other than seats . These will ordinari ly afford sufficient latitude for classes o f d i ffe r ent grade in

r r th e school shops , bu t the instructor o r wo ke should not in fer that those in d icated incl ude all . E xperience in weaving with these mate r ials will sugg est new medi ums and combinations withou t SEATS OF REE DS AN D SPLINTS 8 3

t n umber , and experimentation wi h new materials by both instructor and p upil shou ld be encouraged .

SUGGESTIVE PRO$ ECTS . 8 4 SEAT WEAVING

The following ﬁ r ms an d indivi duals can fu r n ish th e va r ious

u n do ubt e dl r weaving materials i ndicated . They may v be p ocured locally in the larger cities .

CA N E C A N D . L U S S KY W H IT E C IDG E . I , OOL h icago , ll

ME R . Y A N D . I N R E ED R N MF . CO . A CA ATTA G B rooklyn , N

E R B R K C Mo . H OOV OS ansas ity ,

AK N . M L . S . DR E I C . , West Newton , ass

CA N E W E B B I NG

L U S S KY W H I E A N D ID E C . , T COOL G h icago , I ll

R E TM R M B . C . S O E FG. CO . V r ancouve ,

FI B E R M T H E F I B ER R ND G r . CO . G A and Rap ids , ich M M . B kl n Y . . H E r $ L A T CO o o v , N . .

R U S H M L . s . DR K E I N C . . I Ve st t . A , New on , ass Y U I K E . E . G T T C . t S AV S L Y as wood , N I NDIA N S PLI NTS

. A R S t . C N . S A A N D . CO 84 Wellington West ,

Toronto , On tario .

D ID RDI N K H . . . AV A Patesvi lle , y

R E E DS

L U S S KY W H IT E A N D C IDG E C I . , OOL . h icago , ll

M R E I C N R E ED A N D R TT N MF B r . A A A A G . CO . . ooklyn , N M . . ME L H T c o B r . $ A ooklyn , N

I N N E R H I C KO RY BA R K

T H E O LD H I K R H I R M C O Y C A CO artinsville , BOOKS ON THE MANUAL ARTS HHNHNHHHHHHHHHHHNNHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHI

E AND R U IN WOOD . B N o . A D S I GN CONST CTION — y yes book full of char m t t . I t t r t r t t r t r t and dis inc ion illus a es a se ies of well designed and a ac ive p ojec s , and t fo r t r r r t t fo r us e t t r i t gives sugges ions o he simila p ojec s , all sui able home , oge he w h r r r t r r info mat ion ega ding ools and p ocesses fo making . A pleasing volume abundant ly

and beaut ifully illust r at ed .

H NDW R K IN WOOD . B No . A r r t r t e c o v A O y yes comp ehensive and schola ly ea is , r - r t t e ing logging , saw milling , seasoning , and measu ing , hand ools , wood fas enings , t r t h e t h r , e t t y t t r , r equipmen and ca e of shop common join s , —pes of wood s uc u es p in c i l e s r . 3 04 t r t e t r p of joine y , and wood ﬁnishing illus a ions xcellen pen d awings and

r t r r fo r t r r . many pho t og aphs . The bes efe ence book eache s of woodwo king

AND F E . B N A r r t fo r r O f r . WOOD OR ST y o y es . efe ence book eache s woodwo king T r t t r t A r r t i t h r t h , , e , t e ea s of $ woods dis ibu ion of me ican fo es s l fe of fo es enemies of r t t r t r t t h e r t t k e t o t h e fo es , des uc ion , conse va ion and uses of fo es , wi h a y common

b F r t R t . D r 6 7 r t t h e woods y ilibe o h esc ibes p incipal species of wood , wi h maps of

- t t r z t r r t r t . r o habi a , leaf d awings , life si e pho og aphs and mic opho og aphs of sec ions P

fus e ly ill ust r at ed .

- E B r f t h . t r t t t fo r t CAR P NTR Y . y G if i A well illus a ed ex book use in voca ional t r t b r t t o t h e t r r t schools , ade schools , echnical schools and y app en ices ade , p esen ing I r t h t h e p r inciples O f house f r ami ng in a clear and fundament al wa y . t; t ea s of t e “ ” “ - — eve ry d a y p r act ical p r oblem of t h e car pent er and house builder f r om t h e laying t $ h “ ” of foun da ions t o t e complet ion of t h e int er ior ﬁnish .

K F E H O B G r i ﬁ i t h . t t fo r WOODWOR O R S CONDAR Y SC O LS . y A ex book high

t . I t t t r t schools , colleges and echnical schools con ains chap e s on woods , ools and r r t r r t t r t h e p ocesses , joine y . u ning , ca ving , inlaying , w—ood ﬁnishing , pa e n making , and O f r . I t t r t t t t re use woodwo king machines is a well balanced and au ho i a ive ex , p r S t t r supposing a knowledge of elemen t ary t ool p ocesses . pecially adap ed o seconda y

schools . COR R E LATE D CO UR S E S IN WOODWOR KING AND ME CH ANI CAL DR AW

B G r iﬁ it h . t r r t r r z t IN G . y Con ains eliable info ma ion conce ning o gani a ion of

- r t t t r t t . I t r t cou ses , subjec ma e , and me hods of eaching cove s classiﬁca ion and r r t O f t r t t t t r r r t a angemen ool ope a ions , s ock bills , cos of ma e ial , eco ds , shop conduc ,

t h e t t t fo r r r . lesson , main enance , e quipmen and lesson ou lines g amma and high schools The most complet e and t ho r o t r eat men t of t h e subject of t eaching woodwor king

ever published .

B ri ff t h . t t r t t S S E NTI AL S O F WOODWOR KING . y G i A ex book w i en especially - t r t t r fo r gr ammar and high school st udent s . The s anda d ex book on element a y wood

r k . A r r t r t t Of r t t r wo ing clea and comp ehensive ea men woodwo king ools , ma e ials

r t o t bu t n o t. t o t t h e t h e t r t b and p ocesses , supplemen , ake place of ins uc ion given y

m a t an r . 7 5 t . t h e t eacher . The book y be used wi h y cou se of models cen s

B G r iﬁ i t h . t t fo r t t t h WOODWOR K F O R B E G INNE R S . y A ex book s uden s in e r r S i r i t r t h sevent h and eigh t h g r ades . In a ema kably mple manne p esen s only t e fun d am e n t al fact s r egar ding t ools and t ool p r ocesses which should be t h o r o ly mast er ed

b t h e r r r bo . I t t r r t t r t t y g amma g ade y is echnically co ec , well illus a ed and is adap ed

5 t . fo r use wi t h a n y cour se of models . 0 cen s K ND ME H PR O$ E CTS F O R B E G INNING WOODWOR A C ANI CAL DR AWIN G . G r ff t h 5 r r w r i r t r t B y i i . A collect ion of 0wo king d a ings and wo king d ec ions of p ojec s wh ich have p r oved of except ional ser vi ce wher e woodwor king and mechanica l d r aw

ar t t t r t t r t h e t t r . ing e augh in a ho o , sys ema ic manne in seven h and eigh h g ades 7 5 cent s . — F UR NITUR E MAKI NG ADVANCE D P R O$ E CTS IN WOODWOR K . B y G A t r r t r i t t r iffit h . collec ion of p oblems in fu ni u e mak ng selec ed and design ed wi h O n t h t t r r 13 r efer ence t o high school use . e pla e wi h each wo king d awing a good r t r t per spect ive sket ch of t h e complet ed object . In d af smanship and eﬁnemen of

r r r r t . A t t 7 5 t . t a e . design , hese p oblems of supe io quali y n excellen collec ion cen s

H B r a h . F UR NITU R E DE S I GN F O R S C H OOLS AND S OPS . y C ws aw A manuai in fu r nit u r e design con t aining a collect ion of plat es S howing per spect ive d r awings O f

t r r t rt r t r t r . E r t y pical designs , ep esen ing pa icula ypes of fu ni u e ach pe spec ive is t o r r r r t t h e h accompanied by sugges ions f ea angemen s and modeling of par t s . T e r t r r t ext d i scusses and illust a es p inciples of design as applied t o fu nit ur e . S hould be

in t h e hands of ever y t eacher of cabinet making and design .

K . B l k r n r r PR O B LE MS IN F AR M WOODWOR y B a c b u . A book of wo king d aw O f 1 00 r t r r t t o r t r r E r s ings p ac ical p oblems ela ing ag icul u e and fa m life . ach p oblem i “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” b t t t r t P r M t r B S t T accompanied y ex ea ing of u pose , a e ial , ill of ock , ools , “ ” “ ” D r t A . O u t o t h e t r r i ec ions , and ssembl y f special val e pupil and eache of ag i

t r r t r r t o t h e bo t h . c ul u e and manual a s in u al schools , and y on e farm B E M I N F M K r - R UR UR E B h a . P O L S NIT A ING . y C aws w Con t ains 43 full page

r r rt r t r . I t t o t h e r r t r wo king d awings of a icles of fu ni u e n addi ion wo king d awings , he e r t t r t t r r 3 is a pe spec ive ske ch of each a icle comple ed . The e a e 6 pages of t ext giving “ ” t t h e t r t r t t r D C no es on cons uc ion of each p ojec , chap e s on t h e esign and onst rue ” “ ” t r t r . T t ion of fu ni u e , and one on Finishes he las chap t er descr ibes 1 5 met hods of t fo r r t r wood ﬁnishing , all adap ed use on fu ni u e . B E M I N M R W W R K G . B u rr a A P O L S OOD O IN y y . collect ion of 40 plat es of wor king d r awings of p r oblems in bench wor k t hat have been successfully wo r ked o u t

b r t o . 7 t y boys in g ades seven nine , inclusive 5 cen s .

- B E M I N W - R UR . B r a h P O L S OOD T NING y C ws aw . Cont ains 25 full page plat es r w r i r t r . of wo k ng d a ings cove ing spindle , facepla e , and chuck t u ning I t gives t h e ’ m a t h e at i ca l fo r t h e t t r t basis cu s used in u ning . A valuable ext book fo r st udent s

. gb t use cen s . — W R K H E - K — N B W DW R KIN . B Gr n A t O S OP OT OO OO O G y ee e . no e book which fu r nishes a few gener al and ext r emely impo rt ant di r ect ions about t ools and r r fo r t t r i r p ocesses , and p ovides space addi ional no es and wo k ng d awings . I t is t t t t t t t r essen ially a collec ion of helps , ideas , hin s , sugges ions , ques ions , fac s , illus a

t e t c . I t t - ions , is full of sugges ions ; shows a keen insight int o subject mat t er and

t t t t t . 1 5 eaching me hods , and is an effec ive eaching ool cent s . H B E M — B S i e e r t . r t t r i r r S OP PR O L S . y p Po folios of pla es wo k ng d awings of p oi ’ t r t t r r t t - r t T ec s p in ed on acing pape and adap ed o be blue p in ed fo r st udent s use . he plat es are t aken fr om t h e S hop Not es and Pr oblems depar t ment of t h e Ma nu a l ai n z e r Tr i n g Maga i n . The p oblems include a wide var iet y of good design and adapt ed

fo r . r S I II III I Pr r 5 t . V . e r 3 shop use e ies , , and have been published ice p se ies , cen s MM R R E B E M I ME H n . G A AR G AD PR O L S N C ANI CAL D R AWING . B y Be n et t A r r r r t t t h e t ema kably simple and ca efully g aded . ex book on fundamen als of mechan r fo r t h I t ical d awing e use of st udent s in t h e sevent h and eigh t h gr ades . combines

t t r b t r t . an abundance of ex and simple p oblems , accompanied y no es and di ec ions I t s use insu r es t h e ear ly for mat ion of cor r ect habit s of t echni que and makes possible t h e development of a s t andar d in gr ammar gr ade mechanical d r awing par allel wi t h

r . A t t r t t 3 8 . woodwo king bundan ly and well illus a ed . cen s

’ R B E M I N ME H n n A t t t NI D IN B t t . t P O L S C A CAL R AW G . y Be e s uden s ex book t 8 0 t r t r r t o r consis ing of pla es of p oblems classiﬁed in o g oups acco ding p inciple , and

rr r t o d iﬁi c u l t ut . E r a anged acco ding y of sol ion ach p oblem is given unsolved and ,

t r r r r r t o t o t h fo r t . T t t he efo e , in p ope fo m hand e pupil solu ion he bes collec ion of

r - - f r r 7 5 t . p oblems o ﬁ st year high school st udent s available . cen s

' M B M r . ANUAL TR AININ G TOYS F O R TH E B OYS WOR KSH OP . y oo e ’ I - t r r A popular boys book . t con t ains 3 5 pages of full page pla es of wo king d awings “ ” t r t 42 r t . A t h e r t a r e r ﬂ t bo t r t a re illus a ing p ojec s ll p ojec s ove owing wi h y in e es , and t h r t t t r t t well adap ed t o t e uppe gr ades of t h e element ary school . The ex ea s of ools

t r t r r r t . and ool p ocesses , and gives ins uct ions fo making each p ojec

KI TE C AF T AND K I E N ME N B M l r . A t r t t R T TOUR A TS . y i le u ho i a ive and com r T t t h e t r t ﬂ t p ehensive . he book deals wi h cons uc ion and ying of all kinds of ki es , and t h e t r A r r r r t r making and using of ki e accesso ies . lso ae oplanes , glide s , p opelle s , mo o s ,

e t c . A t t r t t r t bundan ly illus a ed and a t ac ively bound .

B H U E B AN IL D i r A r r t r t t o . B S e e t . I R D O S S OYS C BU . y p book of a e in e es boys I t is wr it t en in t h e bo y spir it and combines t h e cha r m of nat u r e wi t h t h e allu r ement s

E E M l . ar t t r r fo r t t t H R W K . B A L AT OR y i c ke manual on lea he wo k s uden s , each r I t r h r r ss r e s and cr aft wor ker s . gives det ailed desc ipt ions of t e va ious p oce es of wo k

t r t t o r r $ r t r c u t r . I t ing . ea ing of fla modeling , embossing epouss , ca ved lea he and wo k is well illust r at ed wi t h phot ogr aphs of ﬁnished wor k and wor king d r awings of t went y

7 t . useful and beaut iful ar t icles suit able fo r school and home wor k . 5 cen s

B K ON THE M N A r t r 400 OO S A UAL AR TS . bibliog aphy lis ing and desc ibing books r mailed f ee .

Pu blisbe d b r i a 1 11 y Pe o , Th e Manual Ar t/ S Pr e ss