This braiding technique allows the craftsman to make a braid free-hand without the aid of equipment, although for long braids another person may beat the braid. Loops of threads are attached to a center point. The loops are then placed over the fingers. Interlacements are created by moving loops from one hand to the other […]

In many cultures (e.g., Native Americans) sashes, bands and straps are created using a technique called fingerweaving. No loom is involved in the process. Rather, threads can be arranged on a stick or bar, or knotted to a stationary object at one end. The rest of the threads hang freely. The artisan braids the threads […]

Also called slip knot, slipping hitch the half-hitch is the knot used to hold the threads on the Tama while braiding.  The benefit of this type of knot is that the length of the bundles can be adjusted while braiding without having to rewind the yarn on the Tama every time more length is needed.

An interlacement occurs when a yarn is moved through a group of yarns by going over and under them — for instance: over 1 under 1, over 2 under 3, and so on. Braids are typically oblique interlaced structures which distinguishes a braided structure vs. a woven one. Pictured is a woven interlacement.