Begin Braiding Issue 3
Start with Scoobie-dou page 4
There is a current craze among student for making scoobie- dou plaits
with coloured plastic strands and you can obtain pictures of the
techniques on the internet. The basic knot for these braids is a crown
knot and can easily be tied with cords instead. Shiny threads are best
avoided as they can slip.
To start the plait you can cross two cords when using two colours or
tie a knot with four separate cords of different colours. The diagram
shows the knot tied in a
clockwise direction. Tucking
in the very last strand locks
the whole knot then you
should pull all the strands up
tight.. A little checked square,
in the centre of the diagram,
shows the correct appearance
of the previous round when all
the strands have been
tightened. Repeating the
moves – the first clockwise
and the second anticlockwise
will result in a four square
cord with opposite sides the
same colour. Tie the knot continuously in the same direction –here
clockwise and the colours will spiral and the form will be more
rounded.
Example by Maureen Jennings
Begin Braiding is published by Felicity Tregear
62 Glenarm Road
London E5 0LZ
Begin Braiding Issue 3
Welcome to Begin Braiding Issue 3. the publication that introduces you to the
world of braids and bands and associated matters, You may make copies to
give to others. Write to the address below if you would like copies of issues
1 and 2.
Rick Rack Braid or Zigzag Plait
Rick rack is woven from side to side leaving a central strand taking a
straight path. Pin the threads down on to a piece of soft board and weave as
per the diagram. If you weave with soft threads the edge threads will follow
a curvy silhouette round the corners but if you use stiff material the corners
will have to be folded over (mitred) to turn the corner and double mitred at
the point to make the return journey. The pictured example is woven with
florists ribbon with 4 blue ends and 4 white ends and there are 7 steps to the
right and then 7 steps to the left repeated and the eighth thread follows the
straight path.You can have fun with the type of threads and the colours
chosen. Copy the diagram and colour it in and see what effects you will
obtain once the threads are pulled up firmly. (Hint alternate colours will give
straight lines).You can use thick or thin threads, multiple strands, straw,
raffia, and ribbons or rags. Experiment and have fun.
Diagram 8 threads Example 8 threads
Begin Braiding is published by Felicity Tregear
62 Glenarm Road
London E5 0LZ
Begin Braiding Issue 3
Introducing tablet Weaving page 2
Tablet weaving requires the use of equipment, but you can make the tablets
yourself using a pack of playing cards cut to be square. In this example each
square tablet is threaded from one side with four threads and assembled as a
pack of tablets. One end of the group of threads can be tied to a handy hook
and the other end secured to your waist. (or if you are a much interrupted
person, the back of your chair) You can obtain very strong bands with tablet
weaving useful for handles on bags or luggage straps. The width of the band
depends on the number of tablets and the thickness of thread used
Cut a square
tablet from each
playing card
and use a hole
punch to pierce
4 holes as
shown above. You can pierce a centre hole as well so you can tie the
tablets together when not in use. You can write the letters on the tablets to
help you in checking they are all correctly threaded from one side and
both placed and facing the correct way. When threaded they can face all
the same way \\\\\ or ///// be alternate \ /\
/\ / or grouped like this \\ // to
suit this pattern illustrated below provided by Annelese Hart. Iinstructions
are on page 3.
Begin Braiding is published by Felicity Tregear
62 Glenarm Road
London E5 0LZ
Begin Braiding Issue 3
Pattern Instruction for a 4 tablet pattern page3
L =light thread and D= dark thread
The holes in the tablets can be threaded in the two sequences, three light and
one dark thread and three dark one light thread and then placed in the order
of the diagram. Wind the longitudinal (warp) threads round the back of chair
or round a clothes horse to get an appropriate length. say 2 metres. Use
smooth yarns and bright colours
Line up the tablets together,
Thread Pattern remembering to place the same lettered
Tablet 1 2 3 4 holes side by side. In this instance two
Tablet hole D L.D.D L tablets face left and two face right.
Tablet hole C D L.L.D. Practise turning the tablets forwards and
back again as a group, one quarter turn.
Tablet hole B D L.L.D.
Weaving is done by passing a narrow
Tablet hole A D.L.L.D. (weft) thread through the space created
Thread direction \ \ / / by the quarter turn from one side to the
other side giving the tablets a quarter
turn each time. The weft will only show fleetingly at the side of the work.
Wind the weft on a stiff cardboard shuttle and give firm beat after each turn
on the threads to compact them.
The colours in the top rear holes lie on the surface producing the pattern. As
you work, twist builds up behind the tablets. To eliminate this twist you
count the number of directional turns, turning first forward and then in
reverse, for a specific number. This will provide alteration in the pattern,
which you can study to see which combinations are most attractive.
If you have never heard of this very old technique before, it may seem
strange, so you can ask your library to order a book to help you understand it.
Card Weaving by Candace Crockett was published by the Interweave Press
in 1992. You will also find some information on the internet.Type card
Weaving or tablet weaving into your browser.
Part of a tablet band by Margot Lees
Begin Braiding is published by Felicity Tregear
62 Glenarm Road
London E5 0LZ
