Woolschool - An Introduction To Ply-Split Braiding 

Saturday 25th April 2026

Time: 1pm – 4pm | Places available: 10 | Level of experience required: Beginners and Intermediate students | Tutor: Julie Hedges – The Braid Society

REQUIREMENTS: 

Notebook and pen. It is close work, so remember your glasses if you wear them. Tutor will supply cotton cords to work with and gripfids, but bring your gripfid if you have one. Ply-Split Braiding books and Gripfids will be available to buy from the tutor.

DESCRIPTION:

Following an introduction to the origins and development of Ply-Split Braiding, you will learn some of the basic methods of ply-splitting that have been used traditionally to make camel girths and animal harnesses. Using prepared 4 ply cotton cords you will make samples of several different designs suitable for key fobs and bracelets. You will see how this technique can be developed with reference to my collection of samples and finished pieces. There will also be a demonstration of cord making on the Kipu cord maker.

AIMS OF WORKSHOP:

To introduce the basic technique of Ply-Split Braiding by making some sample braids in different designs.

TUTOR’S BACKGROUND:

Julie Hedges is an experienced weaver, braidmaker and teacher who has been researching the Indian technique of Ply-Split Braiding, used traditionally for animal harnesses. She has been developing it to make wearable and sculptural pieces in a variety of yarns. The importance of yarn selection and use of colour in relation to structure is vital in her work.

Julie published ‘Ply-Split Braiding, an introduction’ in 2006, ‘Ply-Split Braiding, Further techniques’ in 2011, ‘Ply-Split Braiding in 3 Dimensions’ in 2013 and ‘Ply-Split Braiding Jewellery and more techniques’ in 2015 & 2025.