They can be rectangular or the same shape as the pattern or motif that will be seen on the ngatu. Motifs can be created to commemorate special occasions or can be more abstract. Tonga is one of very few pacific cultures where historical events are recorded in tapa designs. Large sheets of ngatu are made by joining two layers of feta'aki on top of each other. The bottom layer is placed length-ways on the papa.
Brown dye is rubbed on the feta'aki, which is then covered with glue.
Each woman on one side of the table, with a roll of feta'aki on her lap, passes one end to her partner across the table. This forms the top layer and the two strips are glued together where their edges overlap. The joined feta'aki is then rubbed with scrap pieces of feta'aki. The women dip these pieces in brown dye then rub gain. This second rubbing reveals the design of the kupesi underneath.