TST pity | nd "Bs ie < Mr 2Acknowledgements te Thanks to m and attractive book has been produced. at teani, another easy-to-follow The team, pictured below, in no particular order: Thérése Tobin, editor, and her nieces who helped her understand the braiding instructions. Toni Goffe, illustrator and cartoonist extraordinaire Philip Chambers, photographer of the clearest pictures I have ever seen Hose and Sophie Tani and Mu smonstating that the plates d anywhere 1 aa lesigner; it is thanks to Janet Janet McCallum, and her layout expertise that the instructions are s0 easy to follow Marie a ticking over while I played with braids. ind Bruno, who once again kept everything Michael, the ever patient, supportive partner and head cook and bottle washer. Telephone 65618 philipchambers@philpch £9.couk www philipchambers (9 Designed by Janet McCallum Edited by Thérése Tobin erwise circulated in an # bind cover other than that in which it i published and withe 1 condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser Publi Crossways Patch Printed and bound by Borcombe SR Premier Way, Abbey Park Industrial Estate Hampshire SO51 9AQ lephone 01794 830112Contents crt An introduction Using the Kumihimo disk ‘Types of yarn or thread Preparing to braid with the disk Braiding Finishing off Sixteen-thread braid Getting different patterns More ideas for using the Ku Reversing the spiral Hollow braid with no counting Hollow braid with counting Hollow braid with cord inserts Hollow braid with wire inserts Triangular braid Using the Kumihimo plate Types of yarn or thread Getting 2 good tension Ten-thread chevron Twelve-thread chevron Sixteen-thread chevron : Twenty-fourthread chevron More ideas for using the Kumihimo plate Eight thread flat braid with a diagonal stripe Eight-thread flat braid with a vertical stripe Eight thread flat braid with a zig-zag pattem Eight-thread square braid Straight woven braids - ten threads Straight woven braids - twelve threads Zig-zag braid Braiding with beads Beads Sixteen-thread braid Basic eight-thread braid Twelve-thread straight woven braid Sixteen-thread chevron braid List of supy 39[GREE ER ERE. An introduction lone Braids prot like so many things, out of came into being, necessity. The hunter-gatherers of bygone years realised that two fibres twisted together were much tronger than a single strand Human nature being what itis, it was not long before these tilitariar f power, beauty or wealth. Many an be ts became symbols examples of t n in the beautiful and intricate ancient braids from Peru and Japan Braids have been used in many rituals and religious ceremonies ne world. They are > have protective powers, particularly against witches and the evil eye. The more elaborate the weaving, knotting and lacing the this makes it impossible better stitches and wer. Braiding techniques developed indepe world. According to Rodrick Jently in many parts of the Owen: “Beaded chiefs’ costumes from Nigeria have the same appearance as some Peruvian structures and are reminiscent of the Yin Yan interlacing from Japan. These are echoed in the Celtic interlacing found engraved in stone and as painted in illuminate manuscripts. Braids are universal and powerful symbols indeed Textiles have been an important part of my life for as long as I ca remember and I have always loved threads, yarns and braids. | made many a knotted Friendship bracelet, using a safety pin denimed knee as my anchor — those were the days! Then I saw the wonderful structures created by Rodrick Owen, Jacqui Carey and thi and progr wooden Marudai. I came across the Kumihimo disks while visiting Australia and later discov Simple little tools for making beautiful bra there were also square ones — the plates h here — on a bus, on a plane, in the park or even in front of your favourite soapMany of my students, previously put off by complex instructions and expensive equipment, have been thrilled at the braids they have made using these simple little tools. Encouraged by this, I decided to write yet another ‘Made Easy’ book. It is written for people, like my students, who love the idea of braiding but want the simple route. After doing it the easy way, you may be encouraged to take things further ~ there is a whole world of wonderful techniques out there and at the end of the book I have given some directions of where to go next. But in the meantime, have fun, relax and get braiding Note Readers who are familiar with my books will be aware of my penchant for breaking bones, usually before starting a book. This to think I am only an author when sporting a plaster cast! time I waited until after the second chapter before falling. I am beginningLOL Using the Kumihimo disk The disk is a simple, light and versatile little tool hat can be used anywhere. It is easy to slip in your bag fof those moments you are kept waiting with nothing to do. There is no need for weights or tension adjusters as the threads are held quite firmly in the little slots and therefore create their own tension. Each slot is numbered, although for some techniques I ignore all-the numbers — much easier. You can order a disk from the address on page 47. le to make your own version out of thin Ie is poss card — simply copy the diagram below and cut slots for the threads and a hole in the middle. threadsTypes of yarn or thread Any yam can be used as long as it is thin enough to fit in the slots. Cotton, silk or wool knitting yarns The variety of colours and textures re great as they are readily available and come in such a Dyed yarns Iprefer to dye most of the yarns I use. I like the rainbow colours that can be achieved and the fact that if they have been dyed using the same source colours, they will all ‘go’ together so well. Fabric Strips of fabric can be braided « articularly useful i ¢ . andles for a patchwork bag. Fabric is tom into 2 inch wide strips and then used as yarn. Ofcourse all of the above can be mixed to create interesting braid. Look at the effects achieved by using threads of different thickness, Using the Kumihimo diskPreparing to braid with the disk Threads The working th plus about 6 inc ad must be twice the length of the finished braid (15 cm) For example Finished braid: 6 inches Thread length: (6 in x 2 = 12 in) + 6 in = 18 in Finished braid: 15 cms Thread length: (15 cm x 2 = 30cm) +15 cm = 45cm It is difficult to join lengths during the braiding. I found it pretty near impossible to hide the join and so prefer to cut the length required at the start. If this is well over a yard/metre, wind each thread onto a little piece of card. Make a couple of nicks in the card to hold the thread in place and stop it from unwinding while work is in progress. Threads can be cut as single lengths or as double lengths and folded in half - see below For this first example use two colours. fh colour | yard/metre long. This will give you an eight-thread braid. Cut 2 lengths of e: You will also need to cut a fixing thread about 8 in (20 cm) long. This can be the same colour as one of the braiding ads or j 1 an odd piece as it can be removed after braiding. Fold the braiding threads in half and use the fixing thread to keep them together. Ss When using single lengths of braiding thread, just tie in a knot before you start.Arranging the threads on the disk 1 Toarrange threads on the disk, pass the knot or fixing thread through the hole in the middle of the disk, so that the working threads are on the top and the fixing thread is at the bottom. 2. Hold the knot or fixing thread firmly with the left hand below the disk and arrange threads as shown with the right hand either side of the dots. Reverse hands if left-handed. 3. To begin, it is easier if you have the colours arranged in groups as shown on the right Later or ill explain how, just by arranging the different positions at this stage, different patterns can be achieved colours Make sure the threads are really in the notches d are held firm. Adjust threads so the knot is in: the middle of the hole and do not let it rise above the level of the top of the disk. Tip ¢ Tea) | ee | ee ee CHIRGIAN |Braiding For this technique ignore the numbers on the disk. Threads are moved in tur, being taken completely out of one slot and into another. | find it better to get hold of the thread from below the disk, and then move it to the opposite side over the top of the disk, and pull it into the new slot. Make sure that the knot staysin the middle of the hole. Basically, you work on opposite pairs. ‘Take the top right thread out and place it in the notch at the bottom, to the right of the bottom threads. Take the bottom left thread out and into the notch to the left of the top thread, Top right to bottom right and bottom left to top left ~ say this to yourself as you do it. | ‘ede? SLD Turn the disk a quarter turn to the left to work on the next set of threads, or to the right, but always in the same direction. Top right to bottom right and bottom left to top left. ‘The thread positions will change as you work, i.e. they do not stay either side of the dots. 10 Tip Top right to bottom right and bottom left to top left ~| find it helps to say this to yourself asFinishing off bg Remove the braid from the disk. 1 Cuta piece of 2 About 4 in 3° Do about 5 loop thread (5 cm) below turns and then about 6 in (15 the end of the slip the end of cm) long. This braid, start to the winding can be wind one of thread through anything but the braiding ,-- = the loop of the does need to threads around *+« loop thread. be strong. Fold all the other in half and threads, place on the including the braid, near the loop thread. end. 4 Pull the two 5 Continue 6 Dispose of the ends of the loop pulling until loop thread and trim the tassel threads to one length. thread. the loop with the winding thread is pulled right through the 5 turns of binding. Tip To find out your next move after a break, you can either: ‘Look to see which threads are on the top - that would have been your last move. + Or: leave the move half way through. pases WSixteen-thread braid SS Once you have mastered eight-thread braids, have a go at using sixteen threads. Itis easier to start with four colours. Cut 2 lengths of each colour, approximately 1 yard/metre long. Secure the threads as before (page 9) and then arrange them on the disk. No need to look at the numbers ~ just put eight in pairs either side of the dots, and the other eight in pairs, between the dots. ‘Work on opposite pairs and do as you did before. Top right to bottom right and bottom left to top left. ! =H ‘Turn the disk to the left to the next set of pairs and repeat the sequence. Top right to bottom right and bottom left to top left. Finish off (see page 11) Tip Remember ~ ignore the numbers. It might help if, using a permanent marker, you make extra dots on your disk to show these other positions. yourself as you do it. Tip Top right to bottom right and bottom left to top left ind it helps to say this toGetting different patterns the great news: by just using differe Top right to bottom right and bottom left to top left. = =a pe ae a, mS 2calout lattice A 2. 2-Hollow braid with no counting This is a very easy braid.to make. No counting! The disk must be set up with an odd number of threads. For this example I have used 9. This means that each thread must be cut as a separate thread and tied in a simple over-hand knot to start. Ihave selected 4 different colours and have cut the following: 2 white, 2 turquoise, 2 lilac and 3 blue. Starting positions Arrange on the disk as shown. You will see that 8 threads are spread evenly around the disk and the last thread goes to the left of one of the threads. It really doesn't matter which one this is. This extra thread is always the one to be moved. Working moves ‘ Begitf’by moving thread A over Move thread C over A and D Band C and putting it next toC. and put it next to D. Continue like this, moving the extra thread round. If you take a break from braiding, itis easy to see where to start. Just find the pair of threads and then move the one on the left clockwise over 2 threads. Finishing off The braid is finished in the usual way. Ifyou want to have a tassel at each end, simply untie the starting knot and make a tassel in the same way as you did for finishing the braid (see page 11). 18 Next thread to moveHollow braid with counting GLLALLA LAMA EE ILA ILL AMAA EMSA EBM LESS This is another way to make a hollow braid. is e ’ Eight threads have been used. Thave used two colours. ColourA 32 1 16 17 Cut 2 lengths of each colour and fold in half to create 8 working -«COlOUFB 8 9 24 25 threads. Starting positions Fix as described on page 9 and place on the disk in the way shown on the right. é z Working moves Note: this is the first time I have asked you to look at the numbers = when using the disk — don’t panic, it is quite easy once you have Move! 92-97 done it a few times. Each number is written to the right of the slot 23 to which it refers. ‘ a allow the moves described on the right. 1 7 Continue in this way, repeating the moves until the braid reaches Reposition the desired length or you have run out of thread. 029 Finishing off 26 + 25 Finish off in the usual way (see page 11).‘More ideas for using the Kumihimo disk Hollow braids with cord inserts Cord can be inserted into hollow braids as they are worked, giving the braid more strength. This is useful when making bag haridles, light pulls or anything that needs that extra strength. Use a strong cotton or nylon cord. Cut cord to the required length and bind both ends with thread. Leave the ends of the thread overhanging the end of the cord by about 3 in (7 em). Tie the braiding threads and the thread from the cend of the cord in a simple knot or bind together to make a tassel (see page 11). Pass the knot or tassel through the hole in the disk and arrange the braiding threads in the slots. (See the instructions on page 18.) The cord insert will just hang there and will be covered as you braid. Finish by either binding or knotting. 20More ideas for using the Kumihimo disk Hollow braids with wire inserts Wire can also be used to add strength and can be bent into spec hat can be bent quite easily with a pair of plie Its ideal for bag handles. c shapes. Use non-corrosive w Cut wire about an inch or required length. With plier either end.of the wire and a m longer that the make a small loop ich some thread. Tie the braiding threads and the thread from the end of the wire in a simple knot or bind together te to make a tassel Continue braiding as for the cord insert, covering the wire as you go. Finish with a knot or a tassel Memory wire its original shape ~ great for bracelets. fun to use as it springs back intoTriangular braid This is a little more complex and not for the faint hearted! Starting position Cur 11 threads. ColourA 10 11 22 23 Thave used 2 colours and cut 7 threads in colour A and so 2 4 in colour B. ColourB 16 17 28 6 Tie in a simple over-hand knot ready to start. sa Starting positions Arrange the threads on the disk as shown. Working moves There’s lots of repositioning with this braid but if you follow the moves described on the right, you will soon get the hang of it. Continue in this way, repeating the moves until the braid reaches the desired length or you have run out of thread. Finish off in the usual way (see page 11). : Move I 12 r"Page 15 Cotton kiting ya 2 Page 15 Differ 22 Different-textured yarns Forecqe Yar xtured yarnsUsing the Kumihimo plate 12345678 910N12 ilar to the disk only square. This makes it easier to make flat braids. As with the disk, there is no need for weights or tension adjusters as the threads are held quite firmly in the litele slots and therefore create their ‘own tension, Each slot is marked either by a D) number or a letter. The same numbers appear on opposite edges, but Slots to hold the on the bottom edge the numbers are circled. The same applies to threads the letters on the other two edges. You can order a plate from the address on page 47. Ic is possible to make your own version out of thin card — simply copy the diagram abdve and cut slots for the threads and a hole in the middle. Types of yarn or thread As with the disk, any yarn can be used as long as itis thin enough to fit in the slots. See page 7 for more information.Getting a good tension ‘To get a good tension, it is better to get into the habit . of holding the braid under the disk with one hand and working the threads with the other. And that, as they say, is that! / Continue working until the braid reaches the desired length or you run out of thread. | Icis important when working with the plate that you hold either the fixing thread, or the braid as it grows, with your left or non-working hand underneath the plate. You can then work the threads on top with the other hand. To make an even braid, it is necessary to create a bit of tension by pulling gently with the hand underneath the plate as you work on top with the other. Try and keep the working area of the braid in the centre of the hole and do not let it rise above the level ofthe top of the plate. 25Ten-thread chevron Threads Cut 5 threads about 1 yard/ metre long. For this design I have used 3 blue, 1 yellow and 1 pink. Fold in half and join with a fixing thread. Starting positions Starting Positions Pass the knot or fixing thread through the hole in the middle of the Colour «6 7 plate, as for the disk (see page 9), and arrange the threads in the starting positions earn on’ the sights ColourB (6)(7) Colour 4 5 8 9 Working moves Go through the moves on the right, making sure each thread is firmly pulled into each new slot. Repeat these 4 moves until either the braid has reached the desired Tength or you have run out of thread. 26Twelve-thread chevron a Threads Cut 6 threads about 1 yard/metre long For this design I have used 2 red, 2 lilac and 2 blue. Fold in half and join with a fixing thread. Starting positions Starting positions ColourA 6 7 Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. ColourB 5 8 | Colourc 4 9 (4)(9 Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right Notice that the threads in move 4 end up in the bottom row instead of the top.oo ees fa’ | Using Ramin pie Sixteen-thread chevron Cut 8 threads about 1 Stating poaons yard/metre long, fold in half and secure with a fixing thread. ColourA 6 7 ColourB 5 8 Starting positions Cie 4-9 Place threads ready to start in bar < 3108) their home slots as on the right. Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right. Move2 (6) 6 Notice chet the ae in move 4 end up in the bottom ‘ s FO) 25 i 435 ara 394 Twenty-four-thread chevron eee . Move3 (7) 7 8 4(7) 848 9 48) Qaa 24 threads can also be used, following the same sequences. 104 @ Move | is the same. 40) + 10 Moves ead aes until all the vertical threads have Move g gp ® Move 4 is the same as for the sixteen-thread design. @-+@More ideas for using the Kumihimo plate Covered in this chapter fight-thread flat braid with a diagonal stripe Fight-thread flat braid with a vertical stripe Kight-thread flat braid with a zig-zag pattern fight-thread square braid Straight woven braids - ten threads Straight woven braids — twelve threads Zigzag braid , can be used for A few examples-are given in this there are plenty more, I am Sure.Eight-thread flat braid with a diagonal stripe Thave used two colours for this example. Cut 2 lengths of each colour and fold in half to make 8 threads. Starting positions Starting position Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. ColourA 6 7 (6)(7) ColourB A D Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right. Finishing off Remove the braid from the plate and finish off as described on page 11. Once you get the hang of this, try some more with different colour ways. ooecegt Move! 6 +(B) @2c¢ Two-colour variation @-@ D296 Starting positions i Moved a8 Colo 6 A) 7) 0 AA! ©+®© ColourB 7 (D) (6) A O47 Aw6) Three-colour variation Reposition Starting positions BAA) ColourA 6 7 (6) (7) ROA, 20) ColourB (D) A BOA Colourc (A) D c7#D 30. or ies sig Komi pte Eight-thread flat braid with a vertical stripe Thave used two colours for this example. Cut 2 lengths of each colour and fold in half to make 8 threads Starting positions Starting position Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. ColourA 6 7 (C)C 7 ColourB (6)(7) B (B) Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right Finishing off Remove the braid from the plate. Finish as described on page 11 Once you get the hang of this, try some more with different colour ways Move! 6 (D) Two-colour variation 700 Starting positions @7aA ColourA 6 7 BB ©7@ ColourB (6)(7) C (© Movez (@)>@ B+ 6) ©+7 Three-colour variation cw6 Starting positions Reposition ColourA 6 7 ®sace ColourC | 8 ColourB (6) @Eight-thread flat braid with a zig-zag pattern Thave used two colours for this example. Cut 2 lengths of each colour and fold in half to make 8 threads. Starting positions Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right. Finishing off Remove braid from disk Finish as described on page Ll. Once you get the hang of this, try some more with different colour ways. Two-colour variation Starting positions ColourA 6 7 C (C) Colour B | Three-colour variation Starting positions ColourA 6 7 (6)(7) ColourB (B)(B) Colour (C) Four-colour variation Starting positions ColourA 6 7 Colour B @ Colourc (B) B ColourD (C) C 32 Starting position ColourA 6 7 B ColourB (6)(7) C a oe “ ® ——— ° ® 000009000808 2) (@) Move! 6 (5) @> 6 79@ @r7 ®-@ B66) Reposition O28) c7B @+0 Bec Move 2 Move 3Eight-thread square braid Ihave used two colours for this example. Cut 2 lengths of each colour and fold in half to make 8 threads. Starting positions Starting position Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. ColourA 6 7 (6)(7 ColourB BC (B)(C Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right. Finishing off Remove the braid from the plate. Finish off as described on page 11. Once you get the hang of this, try some more with different colour Three-colour variation Starting positions ColourA 6 7 (6)(7) WIV Wy ColourB B C Colourc (B)(C) Four-colour variation Starting positions ' ColourA 6 7 ColourB (6)(7) Colourc (B)(C) ColourrD B C 33ma Se Straight woven braids - ten threads Ihave used 5 colours for this first braid. Cut | length of each colour and fold in half to make 10 working threads. Starting positions Starting position Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. ColourA 4 (4) ColourB 5 (5) ( Working moves Colour C Co Threads are moved as shown on the right. es " Colour D ® Continue by just 2 and 3 — (ie. dainet. Colour E @) Finishing off Finish in the usual way. Ti Ih The braid naturally comes If, however, you’ pull the braid so it ut at an angle from the ¢ comes down straight, you get a plate, giving the woven look different look. 34Straight woven braids - twelve threads Thave used 3 colours for this braid. Cut 2 lengths of each colour and fold in half to make 12 working threads. x ed Starting position Starting positions = ColourA 4 (4) 5 (5 Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. = ColourB 6 (6) 7 (7 Colourc 8 (8) 9 (9 Working moves Move 1 Thre re moved as shown on the right. Continue by just repeating moves 2 and 3 Move 2 (ie. do not do move I again). Finishing off Finish in the usual way Once you have mastered these two braids, try with other colour combinations.‘More ideas for using the Kumihimo plate Zig-zag braid This is made in much the same way as the straight woven braids ~ you just turn the whole plate round after so many moves. 5 lengths of yarn are folded in half to make 10 threads. I have used five different colours for this example but zig-zag braids look just as, good with only two or three colours. Starting positions Join the threads as normal with a fixing thread and place in the starting slots Tip After so many moves, it is necessary to stop and turn the plate round and work from the other side. | found it difficult to remember how magyrmoves I-had counted so | started marking one thread, which then meant there was no need to count ~ a perfect solution! Before starting to braid, tie a little knot in the end of the thread in position 8. This is now the marker thread, Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right. Repeat moves 2 and 3 eight more times or until the marker thread is in (B). Repeat move 2 once ~ marker thread is still in |B). Moveg (B)> 8 Marker thread is now back in 8. 36 Starting position Colour A Colour B Colour C Colour D Colour E‘Turn the plate round so that you are working from the opposite side, with the numbers etc. all upside-down. Upside-down moves Repeat moves 2 and 3 eight more times or until the marker thread isin (B). :: . ‘ Repeat move 2 once - the marker thread is still in (B). Moved B (4) (> 8 { Tur the plate round - the marker thread is in 8 and the threads are all ready to start again! Finishing off Finish in the usual way. Move 3 4+® B +(4) ®8)>B8 ore)More ideas for using the Kumihimo plate Gallery 5 Page 27 Diflesent-textured yarns 10" Pages® Fabric strips 1 Page 31 Different-textfed yal 6s aBes6 Rayon thread TI? Page 36°Cotton knitting yarn 2 Knitting yarn sive I Page 30 Rayon thread’ 12. Page 27 Different-textured yarns nd B Page 36 Rayon thread 13. Page 26 Cotton knitting yarn 3, Pope.26 Fine nia 9 Page 28 Rayon thread. 4 Pope 30 Different textbred yams. acer: nnn et Oe “ea pectcemialaaaa RNs: EASTBraiding with beads Beads can be added to braids while braiding. Thave only scratched the surface of this exciting aspect of braiding but hope the techniques described will give you the incentive to take things further and the book Beads and Braids, by Jacqui Carey, would be a great place to start. Beads Beads come in all shapes and sizes and, as long as the hole is big enough to take a braiding thread, they are suitable for using in braids of this type. For the examples in this book I have used Rocaille (or seed) beads size 6. They have a good hol id come in such an enormous , variety of colours; it is sometimes difficult t6 make a choice. In the techniques that follow, beads are threaded onto the braiding thread prior to setting up the disk or plate Note I would suggest that you make a few braids without beads before you start on these designs. | | Te In some cases, where the braiding thread is too thick, a thinner thread can be substituted to take the beads. This works well and does not detract from the | finished design 39Sixteen-thread braid This is the same braid as described on page 12 but with added beads. Preparing the threads Instructions are given for a braid about 9 in (23 cm) long. For longer braids, cut longer threads. See page 8. Cut 7 threads 1 yard/metre long, 4 in colour A and 3 in colour B. Cut another thread in colour B 114 yards/metres ong (this is to allow for the beads). Thread 120 beads onto this longer thread. Tie one bead on either end and then divide the beads equally between the two ends. Starting positions Prepare the threads and arrange them on the disk as for the basic * sixteert“thread braid described on page 12. Beaded threads are placed in diagonally opposite positions with some beads ready to go. See the Tip box opposite. Both beaded threads are used in the same move. Braiding Start to braid as normal and P 2@e when you get to one of the j beaded threads, push one bead nx into the middle and tuck itin as close to the braiding point as possible.Basic eight-thread braid ‘ / ITs te Heeieeanne beanctiea detcribed starting Gui pege 10 but with added beads. i Note: This is a bit more complicated than the sixteen-thread braid Preparing the threads because | have used a different thickness of thread for the Instructions are given for a braid about 9 in (23 cm) long. For beading thread, longer braids, cut longer threads. See page 8. For this braid I have used a slightly thicker rayon cord — too thick to take the beads ~ so one thread has been replaced by a finer thread ina similar colour. ‘Cut 3 threads 1 yard/metre long, 2 in colour A and 1 in colour B. Cut another thinner thread in colour B 1/2 yards/metres long (this is to allow for the beads). Thread 120 beads onto this longer thread. (See tip on page 39.) Tie one bead on either end and then divide the beads equally between the two ends. See the photo on the previous page. Starting positions ’ Prepiife the threads and arrange them on the disk as for the basic oa See) cight-thread braid described on page 9. Beaded threads are placed in diagonally opposite positions with some beads ready to go. Braiding Start to braid as normal and when you get to one of the beaded threads, push one bead into the middle and tuck it in as close to the braiding point as possible. See the photo on the previous page. Tip Have 4-5 beads on top of the disk, ready to slip into position when their time comes. Continue like this, bringing up one bead each time you get to a beaded thread. 41Braiding with beads Twelve-thread straight woven braid This is the same braid as described on page 35 but with added beads. Preparing the threads Tip Cut 2 threads in colour A. I It doesn't matter if you Cut 2 threads in colour B. don't get the correct ‘number of beads threaded on at the start. It is easy to either add more or put the unused ones back in the box. Cut 1 thread in colour C. Cut 1 more thread in colour C, about 20 in (50 cm) longer than the other braids to allow for the beads. For a 12 in (30 em) braid you will need 60 beads. Thread the beads onto this longer thread. Tie one bead on one end and let all the:beads go to this end. 2Starting positions Starting position Place threads ready to start in their home slots as on the right. The beaded thread is in @ and (9 ColourA 4 (4) 5 (5 Colour B 6677 It doesn't matter whith one has the end with the beads. Colour sila) 9\ fs Working moves Threads are moved as shown on the right When the thread with the beads gets to slot B, do the following: Move 2 as normal Moves B>9 Then bring up 5 beads and place them across the braid as you move the thread from. Bo BS SS Move 1 as B 498 @78) Repeat move 2, placing threads so they lie between the Move2 (5) 4 beads, one up and one down thread in each gap. 5 315) Finish with (9) +8 and 9 (9) @r5 on the end after the last bead. 6 416) Continue like this, bringing up beads each time the beaded ®@ a ie thread gets to slot B. 797) @)>7 8 48) @>8 949) Moves (8B) 9 BB) 4798 Repeat moves 2 and 3 (i.e. do not do move I again) Moves (5) > 4 5326 1 between. the beads. 43— ee Sixteen-thread chevron braid This is the same braid as described on page 28 but with added beads. This is a great way to add beads and create a chevron pattern. It works best with the wider designs. Preparing the threads Cut 3 threads in colour A. Cur 3 threads in colour B. Cut 1 thread ineolour C. Cut | more thread in colour C; about 20 in (50 cm) longer than the other braids to allow for the beads. For a 12 in (30 em) braid you will need 160 beads, Thread the beads onto the longer thread. Tie one bead on either end and then divide the beads equally Between the two ends. Move | with beads Moves 2 and 3 completed ”Starting positions Starting position Place threads ready to start in ColourA 3, their home slots as on the right The beaded threads are in 6 = * and 7. 4)(5)(8) Colourc 6 7 Working moves Start to braid following the Move! 6 > (B)) Bring up 4 beads on each thread working moves on the right but whe id push the beads into the centre. with no beads. Work until all the threads are back in their starting positions Moye 2 (6) 6 > Go between the first 2 beads and the beaded threads are in 6 J eorraiae and 7. Then go back to move | 5 36 and bring up the beads. See the photographs on the 5) fv Sa Galena thcivene 2 beads opposte page and belov: a eh ontielanl aaa 3 So perneen the net 2 beads 3 9(4)5 onthe let. (3) 3 Goto the left of the outside bead. Move 3 (7) 7 y Go between the first 2 beads 3 4(7)5 onthe right. 8) 8 ) Go between the next 2 beads 94 (O} on the right. g ay Go between the next 2 beads an 56 on the right. (10) + 10 Goto the right of the outside bead. Move 4 Alter the beads are in place with threads between, the next move must go either in front of or behind Continue brai the beads. This is to make all beads _ time the beaded threads are back in the starting positions. lie on the same side of the brai. ing normally, just bringing up beads eachSixteen thread chevron page 44 latbraid with zig-zag Bead gallery 4 Saxteen-thited braid page 40. Sixteen thread braid page 40 BUT beads only brought up every other time. Zig-zag braid page 36. 2 bead threads ~ same colour on each 2 at brad with vertical stripe Bead thvead starting position 8 (4) Sparking Bing up 3 beads on move (4)-9(6) ads ~ same colour on each Lay down (Right way up) 4 stating postion. (© (Right w Bead moves C4 7 and (C)-46 Lay down 4 beads (Wrong way up) 3 Eghtthvead flat braid with diagona Bien bead 2 PRMRIT a ow ii, sale Keep beads ina litle cluster tthe end bead Place and move beads as for sateen 12 ight thread lt braid with diagonal , Bead thread starting position 7 thread braid page 40 stipe page 30. See braid 3 above cages pl tw 7 Zig-zag bad page 36 13 Sete bi ge 40= BUT bp See braid 5 above pal bones cero Se AT Seer eee AESuppliers Disks and plates Crossways Patch, Roseglen, Crossways Road, Grayshott, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6HG helendeighan@supanet.com wwwcrosswayspatch.co.uk Empress Mills ~ threads Glen Mill North Valley Road Colne Lancashire BB8 9DT ‘Tel 01282 863181 swww.empressmills.co.uk Rainbow Silks — beads and threads 6 wheelers Yard, High Street Great Missenden Bucks HP16°0A}. Tel: 01494 862111 wwwrainbowsilks.co.uk Winifred Cottage — beads and threads 17 Elms Road, Fleet Hampshire GU13 9EG Tel: 94252 617667 www.winifredcottage.co.uk ‘Texere Yarns — threads College Mill Barkerend Road Bradford BD1 4AU Tel: 01274 722191 www.texereyarns.co.uk Stitch 'n’ Craft ~ beads and threads Swans Yard Craft Centre High Street, Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 8]Q ‘Tel: 01747 852500 wwwstitchneraft.co.uke Carey Company — braiding equipment and materials Summercourt, Ridgeway Ottery St Mary Devon EXL1 1DT Tel: 01404 813486 www.careycompany.com For suppliers in USA Contact Quilter's Resource for details of your nearest stockist Quilters’ Resource Inc 3702 Prairie Lake Court Aurora TL 60504 Tel: 630-820-5695 www.quilterstesource.com If you want to take things further there are some excellent books on. the market. The ones I recommend are as follows. Braids, 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond by Rodrick Owen ISBN 1-893063-08-9. This is the only book available that shows the slotted method of making braids and contains over 250 new designs. Beginners Guide to Braiding by Jacqui Carey ISBN 085532828-2 For step-by-step instructions on how to use a‘ marudai. Creative Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey ISBN 0-9523225-0-1 Beads and Braids by Jacqui Carey ISBN 0-9523225-2-8 47Also by Helen 7 Dyeing in Plastic Bags A useful non-threatening manual particularly for the first- ‘truly a foolproof method’ Sally Bramald Popular Patchwork Dyeing in Plastic Bags iral bound ISBN 0 9540333 0 Perfect bound ISBN 09540333 1 ° Magic Dyeing Made Easy Taking dyeing further with ideas for using dyed fabric, “This is altogether a clear and acce hand-dyed fabties: "Patchwork and Quilting November 2003 sible guide to the ‘Altogether a most happy and ins talented artist.” Vivien Finch, The Quilter Autumn 2003 Madfic Dyeing Made Ee y Spiral bound ISBN 0 9540333 29 Perfect bound ISBN 09540333 37 Textile Coil Pots and Baskets Easy to follow instructions for making fabric pots, bowls and baskets. ‘[can't imagine why everyone And their mother wouldn't want this book.” Mindy Jenson, Quilters’ Resource, Chicago ‘Textile Coil Pots and Baskets Perfect bound ISBN 09540333 45 Books distributed in UK by Crossways Patch Crossways Patch, Roseglen, Crossways Road, Grayshott, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6HG A by Quilters Resource Inc. 3702 Prairie Lake Court Aurora, IL 60504 Tel: 630-820-5695 www.quiltersresource.com Distributed in the 48 ‘everything you need is here’ Celia Eddy www.quilt.co.uk art of creating ring book from a humorous, Turi) bei tae dx) me dyer, Magic Dyeing UVlclela BSY Textile Coil Pots aries Perea Workshops and lectures Helen has now got a purpose-built workshop and studio where she is able to take classes of up to 8 people. Contact her for a list of classes, workshops, demonstrations and lectures, ot visit her website. helendeighan@supanet.com www.crosswayspatch.co.uk