Loop Braiding

Class 2D6

Joy Boutrup

The workshop will give a short historical insight into the tradition of loop braiding in Europe. The principles of working with loops will be demonstrated and explained. In the beginning all will work individually. Later when a certain proficiency has been obtained (normally after ½ day) there will be possibilities for two or three participants to work together. Different instructions based on historical manuscripts and on recent research will be provided and can be tried individually or in small groups. Many actual samples will be shown and explained.

The types covered are: oblique interlacing: flat single layered, flat double layered, round double layered with exchange of layers, unorthodox structures, round compact, plain and mixed interlacing. Oblique twining in different sections and with change of direction.

Crosswise exchange of loops. Orthodox and unorthodox exchange of loops between workers.

Some experience with loop braiding is fine but not necessary. Loop braiding is easy to learn, the basics take around an hour to master manually. The more intricate features take a little longer time. In two days, several samples of diverse types can be produced by all.

Each student brings: The students should bring samples of the yarns or materials they normally use in their work.

Materials fee: 100 Dkr. This fee includes natural dyed silk yarn, embroidery yarns for samples, photocopy of instructions and recipes.

Kute-uchi - Samurai Armour

Class 2D1

Jacqui Carey

This workshop is an introduction to samurai armour braids. It starts with a brief look at some of the historical evidence, before embarking on a more detailed explanation of the loop-manipulation technique known as kute-uchi.

Jacqui’s accessible approach uses ‘tab handles’ that will allow total beginners to manipulate multiple loops with confidence. Focusing on flat braids, students will have the opportunity to recreate patterns that have been found on surviving suits of armour.

The process will cover initial details relating to materials and equipment, before learning how to prepare warps. Students will be shown how to make several different braids, so that they can build up an understanding of how to master the moves, tensioning, working with long lengths and finishing techniques.

The practical work will be supplemented with a brief detour into structural analysis, to look at the idiosyncrasies of kute-uchi, discovering how and why the moves create flat structures. Instruction will also be given on documenting flat braids, identifying their precise structure, and how to use this information to recreate patterns, or make new designs. Finally, students will be able to extend their practical skills by making a couple of solid braids associated with the term genji, with Jacqui offering a new interpretation of this term, based on documented evidence and object-based research.

Materials fee: 95 Dkr. this fee includes threads and instruction leaflets

Faroe Island Braiding

Class 1D12

Noomi i Dali

On the Faroe Islands, there has been a long tradition of knitted women’s jackets, often in red and black, with intricate, small patterns. They are decorated with expensive silver ornaments and chains, and the edges are bound with specially made loop-braided bands, which we’ll practice. We will also learn to braid the 12-element braid Tolvtáttaband, which is a round cord used to carry the knife. It is not possible to trace how long these bands have been used in the Faroe Islands, very likely since the Viking ages. Loop-braided bands have been found as edging on garments from Herjolfsnes in Greenland, dating from the late 10^th century. Suitable for beginners.

Each student brings: Scissors, a large-eyed blunt needle, plain wool yarn in several colors. Yarn sets will also be available to purchase from the tutor.

Materials fee: ca. 75 Dkr. This fee includes yarn sets for completing 4 different patterns, handout.

Introduction to finger loop braiding

Taster - T8

Jean Leader

A taster workshop for students with no experience of fingerloop braiding where they will be introduced to the basics of working square and flat braids using either 3 or 5 loops (see 3-loop braids and 5-loop braids above). Topics covered would include threads, starting and finishing a braid, and working with single-colour and bi-colour loops.

Each student brings: G-clamp (C-clamp in US) and cardboard or similar to protect the table

Notepad, pencil, pen to take notes. Camera. Scissors, threads e.g. double knitting wool, pearl cotton 5, or something similar (optional, I will bring some with me).

Materials fee: 10 Dkr. this fee includes instruction sheets and some thread