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Specimens of straw plait, which were sent to the Great Exhibition held at the Crystal Palace in London in 1851. Plaits were normally named for the number of straws used.  One of the narrowest was called 'sevens' another 'elevens' or even 'thirty-twos'. 

The straw plait industry flourished in Orkney during the 1800s. Black oat straw which was oilier and more pliable that some other sources of straw was used. At its height the plait indusrty employed 7000 women in Orkney and contributed £30,000 to the economy.