Prior to the weaving process, there are several steps to follow, one is to make the karagumoy strips pliable and soft enough to weave. The 'hiyod' a bamboo stick used for softening is still the old and reliable method of making the strips soft. It is done by pressing the strips against the bamboo stick. The tension of pulling them in the opposite direction makes the strips more soft to the touch of the weaver.
Other weavers go to the extent of making the strips soft and pliable by letting the strips be ran over by vehicles. This is a recent development due mainly with the increase of vehicles passing along the road of Bulusan. Not a good idea though for a weaver who likes her/his karagumoy strips clean--the chance of a vehicle running over it with a fresh carabao dung is not remote.
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