At the mouth of the Yukon and Kuskoquim Rivers grow a slender kind of grass, Rye. Rye grass is gathered in the fall after the first frost and, sometimes, again in the spring where the last year's grass is collected, pulling or cutting it off close to the ground, and making large bundles which are carried home. The big bundles of grass are hung to dry. When the grass has dried, it is combed and hatcheled. This grass is dried and and carefully graded to be put to the correct use.
Some grass is used for sewing, and is sometimes called wrapping grass, it is strong and flexible.
The other grass that does not make the grade as wrapping, or sewing grass, is called filler grass and is used to provide form and structure for the article being made. Sedge is gathered in early August and October when it is ready. Its leaves are dried and used along with rye grass to make things. Sedge has a nicer coloring than does rye grass, and makes a more ornamental piece of work. Women use two weaving techniques that are common throughout the world, twining and coiling.