The knotting & braiding bible : the complete guide to creative knotting including kumihimo, macrame and plaiting

481 Pages·2014·19.36 MB·English

by  Wood

Contents
Introduction
Essential Equipment
General Techniques
Finishing Techniques
Knotting
Knotting Basics
Individual Knots
Basic Knots
Chinese Knots
Flower Knots
Ring Knots
Knotted Braids
Basic Knotted Braids
Switchback Braids
Slip Knot Braids
Box Braids
Beaded Knotted Braids
Macramé
Macramé Basics
Square Knot Variations
Multistrand Macramé
Half-hitch Variations
Adding Beads to Macramé
Finishing Techniques for Knotting
Braiding
Plaiting
Plaiting with Beads and Chain
Kumihimo
Equipment and Materials
Preparing to Braid
Basic Moves
Round Braids
Helix Spiral Braids
Hollow Braids
Flat Braids
Woven Flat Braids
Beaded Kumihimo Braids
Working with Wire
Finishing Techniques for Braiding
Projects
Suppliers
Acknowledgments
Copyright
All full-size templates can be found at
www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/patterns
Introduction
Knotting and braiding are skills that have been around for centuries, and interest
in the way they can be used in craft applications has grown in recent years.
in the way they can be used in craft applications has grown in recent years.
Although quite different, knots and braids are interlinked in many ways: they use
cords or threads as a base, they are constructed with simple moves that can be
combined to create quite complex structures, and they may benefit from being
embellished with beads.
I’ve been fascinated by knotting and braiding for many years: I remember
watching my brother make his own toggle for his scout neckerchief and loved
learning to tie knots myself in the Girl Guides, and at art college I used knotting
techniques such as macramé as a medium for some exciting wall hangings. In
my first bible title, The Beader’s Bible, I began to explore macramé as a
jewellery-making technique, so I am delighted to be able to build on these skills,
researching and learning new techniques that I could share with you in this new
book. I’ve chosen an eclectic mix of knots and braids that are particularly suited
to making jewellery, accessories and home-style applications and I hope that you
will become just as enthusiastic as I am about trying out different techniques
such as plaiting, Kumihimo and macramé.
It is easier than ever to source materials for knotting and braiding –
gorgeous cords and threads in wonderful colours, interesting findings and
fastenings, and easy-to-use equipment such as the disks and plates for
Kumihimo. Whether you start at the beginning or dip in and out, you’ll find each
technique clearly explained with step-by-step instructions illustrated with
hundreds of photographs and diagrams. There are a dozen fabulous projects
using the knots and braids in innovative ways, described in step-by-step detail
with ‘you will need’ requirements (see Projects), and as an added bonus, there
are lots of additional mini ideas included throughout so that you can learn a
technique and make something straight away!
Essential Equipment
If you are already a keen beader or craft person, much of the equipment and
many of the materials listed are things that you will generally have in your
workbox. You don’t need to get everything at once as you can always improvise,
but for best results it is better to use a similar material or the equipment and tools
listed.
Cords and Threads
Knotting and braiding techniques can be worked in a huge variety of different
threads and cords. The choices available are reviewed in this section, and for
information about the most popular cords and threads used for Kumihimo see
Cords and Threads for Kumihimo.
CHOOSING CORDS
Once you have learnt a technique, do experiment with different materials as you
will be surprised at the results. Knots can lose definition when worked with a
soft cord such as satin rattail or embroidery cottons, and the shape can be much
more distinct when a stiffer cord such as Superlon™, wax cotton, or round
leather thong is used. Before you start, consider how you want the finished item
to look and choose your cord or thread accordingly. Remember that each of
these cords are available in a range of thicknesses and can be worked singly or in
multiple bundles.