Table of Contents
Introduction
Everyone needs a braid at some time in their life – whether to finish
off a beautifully handcrafted project or just to tie things together.
How to use this book
The book is divided into two parts. To begin with you will find useful
information on yarns and beads and all of the core techniques required
to make the braids shown in the book. The Braid and Trim Collection is
divided into smaller sections showing examples of braids that have been
twisted, knotted, looped, woven, braided, or ply-split.
Yarns
Narrow wares can be made from any fiber or thread. Each different
texture will produce a different result, so you can get just the effect
you are after.
Beads
There are many different types of beads available today. They come in a
whole range of shapes, sizes, and materials.
Section One: Techniques
Before you can begin to create your own beautiful braids, you need to
discover the basic techniques involved in twisting, knotting,
interlooping, weaving, braiding, and ply-split darning.
Twisting
Twisting elements together is one of the oldest and most basic textile
techniques.
Knotting
Broadly speaking, knotting is a technique where elements make loops, and
the ends of the elements are then taken through these loops and
tightened.
Interlooping
Interlooping can be made with one or more elements and covers techniques
such as crochet and knitting. Simple narrow wares using one or two loops
can easily be made with your fingers.
Weaving
Weaving is made from a warp and weft. The warp is a group of elements
that work from the top to bottom of the weaving, running parallel to the
outer edges, while the weft lies perpendicular to these edges, and works
its way back and forth across the warp threads.
Braiding
A wide range of different braiding techniques have developed all over
the world, including “Kumihimo” from Japan, “Slentre” from
Denmark, and “Tili” from the Middle East.
Ply-split darning
Ply-splitting is the process of taking an element between the plies of a
twisted cord. The technique can be used to make either a braid structure
or a “warp twined” structure.
Working with beads
Threads and beads make wonderful combinations. The hard, shiny, lustrous
quality of the bead contrast against the soft, textural qualities of
thread, providing unique design possibilities.
Beginnings and ends
Many of the samples shown in this book will unravel if he ends are not
secured. It is normal to make a temporary tie (with thread or even
sticky tape) before taking the time to make a more permanent fixing.
Using narrow wares
Narrow wares can be put to many uses, either as a finishing touch to
other projects, or as items in their own right.
Section Two: The Braid and Trim Collection
The braids within this collection are grouped together in smaller
sections of Twisting, Knotting, Loopwork, Weaving, Braiding, and
Ply-split darning.
Braid and trim selector
All of the braids featured in the book appear on the following pages.
Just pick the one you’d like to make and turn to the page number for
more information.
Twisting
Simple twisted cords are an easy introduction for the beginner, yet
beautiful results can be created by combining colors and textures in
different ways.
Knotting
Variations of functional knots create interesting results. Begin with
the simpler varieties such as overhand knots and progress onto more
challenging knots like the crown sinnets.
Loopwork
You can use your fingers if you are creating a simple narrow ware with
one of two loops. More complicated loops can be made using a lucet or
knitting spool.
Weaving
Create woven bands of different sizes using simple techniques. Altering
the thickness of the warp or weft elements, and incorporating beads into
the designs produces interesting results.
Braiding
Braids can be created with any number of elements from three of above.
Experiment with different yarns in different starting positions and
watch your results change.
Ply-split darning
This is an unusual technique made from a weft element running through
the plies of twisted cords. If possible, try to use handmade two-ply
cords as these give a more satisfactory overall result.
Resources
Index and credits
$28.00
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