Instructor: Carolyn Oliver
Moving from one braid structure to another in a single length of braiding material is a great way to add visual and tactile interest to a project. In this class students will learn how to make seamless transitions from one structure to another, including how to read the point of braiding to determine when transitions should occur and how to choose the next structure. A mix of favorite and lesser-known braid structures will be taught.
Master the Flow Class Video
Master the Flow Q&A
Kit: No kit, see Student Supplies & Tools.
Student Supplies: 1 rope (4 sections/bundles) Japanese metallic kumihimo threads*, 2.8 or 2.7m long, with approx. 20 to 24 threads per tama. Thread for tying thread bundles; about 3 ft. (1m) of size 20 crochet cotton or similar, scissors, and writing materials. If you wish to make a necklace of your class sample you will need a bead with a 6 to 8mm hole, 6mm end caps, and a clasp.
* Other options are Japanese silk, Imposter or Biron. Also any bundled threads such as embroidery threads will work. Rattail or similar fibers do not transition well between braids.
Optional Tools: If you need to split your package of metallic thread to get sections/bundles of 20 – 24 threads per tama, a square kumihimo plate or an octo plate is useful to help separate the bundles neatly. This technique will be briefly covered in class.
Student Equipment: Marudai of comfortable working height, 8 tama of equal weight with leaders (70, 85, or 100 grams are recommended), adjustable counterweight of 35 to 60% of your total tama weight, chopstick.
Skill Level: Intermediate marudai braider
Prerequisites: This is a marudai class and students should be familiar with setting up a marudai and using leaders to attach fiber. Students should know the braid structures kongo gumi and Edo yatsu as they will be referenced but not taught in class.