The technique has been likened to "embroidery on the loom", as it consists of carefully inserting and 'picking' weft threads of different colors through the warp threads to make complex, colorful patterns that run around the skirt hem. This weaver is using a porcupine quill as a pick, and works on the back of the cloth, with the finished side on the underside. Both silk and cotton are used in the patterned areas, with the lower edge usually in red cotton.