together to make
a broad handle, or leave them separated to form a double handle.

An easy way to obtain a more uniform shape in constructing this basket
is to have a smooth tumbler or a tin box, and, as you work, fit the
material to the form. When it is finished, dampen it and let it remain
on the form until it dries.

[Illustration: PURSE OR BAG OF PLAITED RAFFIA--(For description see
page 86.)]

[Illustration: BASKET OF PLAITED RAFFIA--(For description see page
86.)]

11 Hat of Plaited Rope

_Problem_--To sew the braid together to form two angles.

_Material_--Raffia.

[Illustration: HAT OF PLAITED RAFFIA]

First plait the raffia together until you have a very long braid. Take
the starting end, make the button, and sew round and round, as in
making the purse. When the top of the crown is as large as you wish it,
turn the braid at right angles and form the sides. When, in your
judgment, the crown is high enough, make a second right angle to form
the brim, which may be wide or narrow as taste dictates. Use a blunt
needle (Smith's tapestry, No. 18).

12 Napkin Ring

_Problem_--To construct a raffia napkin ring.

_Material_--Raffia. A piece of tag-board 1-1/2 or 2 inches
wide and 6 inches long. Quarter-inch ribbon or strip of
paper, or raffia of a contrasting color.

There is mentioned a raffia napkin ring in comparison with the one of
reed.

Take the strip of tag-board, fasten the ends together and wrap with
raffia until the board is covered.

It may be ornamented with a narrow strip of ribbon, paper or colored
raffia woven around the center. If ribbon or raffia is used tie the
ends in a bow. If paper is used the ends must be glued.

13 Indian Basket

_Problem_--To teach construction with twisted raffia rope.
(See page 91.)

_Material_--Two contrasting colors of raffia.

First think of what shape and size you would like a basket; then
roughly sketch a design, in order that an idea of shape, size, and
proportion may be had. Keep the design before you and work as closely
from it as possible.

Take three thick strands of raffia and twist them into a rope. In
starting have the threads unequal in length, as it is much neater to
add one new thread at a time than two or three. Keep the rope of the
same thickness throughout, and as each thread is used up, insert
another overlapping the old one two or three inches. Around this rope,
and twisted in th