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