The Yupik Eskimos of the Southwestern regions of Alaska used beach grass for their coiled or sewed baskets. They have to protect the grass when they hang them , because the grass would turn into a brownish yellow with black spots. That happens when it gets wet or moist. It takes two or more months or more to dry. For dyes they use crepe paper.They boil the grass with the paper for 2 days or more for bright colors. The elders use berries, skin of shrub, tea, and soot. Berries are still used for dyes. Coiled baskets are made of bundles of grass. The stitches pass through the foundation. They continue doing this to make a spiral. Each coil interlocks with the coil beneath it.

This is my mother's directions to make a basket. You need straw, water, a needle and a thimble. First you take 2 or more strands of grass and tie a knot at the end. Then you split one of the grass blades to sew with. Use the water to moisten the split grass. Put the needle through the knot, then repeat this pattern.