Woolschool - An Introduction To Ply-Split Braiding 

Saturday 24th April 2027

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

REQUIREMENTS: 

Notebook & pen. It is close work, so remember your glasses if you need them. Tutor will supply cotton cords to work with and gripfids, but bring your own 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 traditionally used 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, using 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 to her work.
Julie published ‘Ply-Split Braiding, an introduction’ in 2006, ‘Ply Split Braiding, Further Techniques’ in 2011 and ‘Ply Splitting in 3 Dimensions in 2013. Further books, Ply-Split Braided Jewellery and More techniques were published in 2015 and More techniques were published in 2015 and 2025.
www.juliehedges.co.uk