Books for Sale

Braid Society Kumihimo Discs

The Society now stocks kumihimo discs branded with the Society’s logo and website.  These are 32-slot, dense foam kumihimo discs, 11cm (4¼”) diameter, 1cm (3/8”) thick, and with a 2.4cm (15/16”) diameter central hole. 

Prices are £3.00 each plus postage or £25.00 plus postage for a pack of ten.  Please email booksales@braidsociety.com if you would like to order some of these kumihimo discs. 

The Braid Society ed R Spady

Braids, Bands & Beyond - Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Braiding

ISBN 978-0-9573127-1-5, The Braid Society, 2016

Following two successful conferences, the proceedings of the Third International conference is now available.  This wonderful book contains the work of 30 world renowned authors who have shared their knowledge in a series of articles linked to the workshops and lectures given at the conference.  The 37 articles are linked as Braids, Bands and beyond.    Braids contains articles on kumihimo, ply-splitting and other braiding techniques; Bands covers tablet weaving and other weaving including backstrap, inkle and bow loom weaving and Beyond has articles on lace and other techniques.   The contents contain practical information as well as a wealth of knowledge on different techniques.

25.00 GBP 

28 x 21.5 x 1.4 cm    700g     174pp

Threads That Move - Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Braiding

ISBN 978-0-9573127-0-8, The Braid Society, 2012

These are conference proceedings like no other.  Internationally renowned braidmakers came together in 2012 and this beautifully produced book distributes the knowledge and practical techniques they shared in workshops and lectures.  Twenty-five illustrated articles are grouped under the headings of: braids and traditions; kumihimo; loop manipulation braiding; ply splitting; weaving; related techniques; and braidmaking in context.  The contents are timeless and will stimulate readers for many years to come.

20.00 GBP         

30 x 21 x 0.9 cm    572g     160pp   

Advances in Kumihimo and Fiber Arts - Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Braiding

ISBN 9784925252232, The Kumihimo Society, 2019

The proceedings of the fourth International Conference on Braiding are another volume of articles that are incomparable.  The keynote speakers and tutors have all contributed articles that demonstrate their expertise in the subjects on which they write.  Articles cover kumihimo and other types of braids such as ply split braiding, sprang and woven bands.  With 31 contributing authors this book is another treasure for your shelves.  The contents are timeless and will stimulate readers for many years to come.

30.00 GBP         

26 x 19 x 1.6 cm    650g     160pp  

World Kumihimo and Fiber Arts Exhibition

ISBN 9784925252225, The Kumihimo Society, 2019

The catalogue for the exquisite exhibition held alongside the Fourth International Conference on Braiding.   It contains photographs and information about the braided items that were exhibited by tutors, participants of the conference and invited guests.   Over 100 artists' work is given in this catalogue

15.00 GBP         

26 x 19 x 1 cm    335g     80pp   

Nordic and World Braids and Bands

ISBN 9788799207411, Narayana Press, 2022

The proceedings of the fifth International Conference on Braiding are another volume of articles that are incomparable.  The keynote speakers and tutors have all contributed articles that demonstrate their expertise in the subjects on which they write.  Articles cover Nordic bands with detailed talks by Nordic speakers and other types of braids such as kumihimo, ply split braiding, sprang and loop braiding.  With 45 contributing authors this book is another treasure for your shelves.  The contents are timeless and will stimulate readers for many years to come.

38.00 GBP         

30 x 21 x 2 cm    1kg     234pp  

Kongo gumi, the round braid is the first braid any of learn to braid on a disc. This booklet has 19 different colour arrangements, stripes, dots, diamonds and lattices, all made using the same "left up, right down" hand movements. These patterns can also be made on the marudai. Colour photographs of the braids.

6.00 GBP

21 x 14.6 x 0.2 cm    56g    32pp

If you change the way you move the threads around the disc you get new structures - flat, square, lacy, zig-zag, and two straw-plaiting braids: Fill-the-Gap and the Laramie, a raised spiral.

All made on a round disc, with NO re-adjustment moves. Colour photographs of the braids and most of the working diagrams.

6.00 GBP

21 x 14.6 x 0.3 cm    62g    32pp

Ten flat braids to make on a round disc with no re-adjustment moves. The braids range from a 10-strand "easy" one to a 16 strand "not while watching television" one.

The booklet leads you gently from the straightforward "up/down" braids  past "Mountain lace" via Zig-zag to "Freda's Wave".

Colour photos

6.00 GBP

21 x 14.6 x 0.3 cm    62g    32pp

The Laramie is adapted from straw-plaiting techniques and is the big sister of the 7-strand Fill-Gap braid.

This glorified leaflet describes its variations to date: adding beads, braiding with wire, using the core threads as braiding threads and the corkscrew spiral, a threading variation. Colour photographs.

6.00 GBP

212 x 14.6 x 0.1 cm    22g    12pp

35.00 GBP   including postage, ordered directly from Shirley Berlin

28 x 23 x 1.5 cm    700g    100pp

Jacqui Carey

Braids & Beyond - A broad look at narrow wares

ISBN 0 9523225 4 4, Carey Company, 2003

This richly illustrated book describes the origins, structure, making and use of many forms of braiding and narrow wares. It also includes modern developments of traditional techniques. 

It was produced to accompany an exhibition of the same name which marked the Braid Society's 10th Anniversary and remains an interesting and informative reference resource.

7.95 GBP         

27 x 21 x 0.3 cm    218g    56pp

Creative Kumihimo - A new approach to the ancient art of Japanese braiding

ISBN 0-9523225-0-1, Carey Company, 1994

This book provides set up instructions fro the Marudai and a step by step guide to braiding for the complete beginner.  There are tips for improving technique plus work instructions for more than 50 illustrated braid structures.  The unique drafting system is invaluable for the more experienced braider too, so that the design possibilities can be explored.  A chapter is also devoted to finishing braids. 

14.95 GBP         

27 x 21 x 0.8 cm    469g     100pp  

Round the Twist - Creative cordmaking

ISBN 0 9523225 3 6, Carey Company, 2002

This book presents new ideas for the simple twisted cords.  It is suited to any textile enthusiast wishing to create complementary embellishments.  From discussion of S and Z twists, the twist and fold method, colour mixing, textures, retwisting, wrapping, ends and joins are all addressed with an interesting range of samples.

7.95 GBP         

26.2 x 18.4 x 0.3 cm    108g     28pp

The Book of Braids - A new approach to creating kumihimo

ISBN 0 9523225 9 5, Carey Company, 2014 

This book provides a new way of looking at braidmaking.  An innovative 'shorthand' notation offers an aid to memorising complex sequences of moves.  It also simplifies the expansion of traditional braids. Over 130 specific examples of beautiful braids reveal the concepts behind the making of kuumihimo and how they can be adapted to create new designs. Basic knowledge of making kumihimo on a marudai is assumed.

21.95 GBP         

28 x 21 x 1 cm    514g     128pp

Inkle-Loom Weaving - The basics and design

ISBN 1 899972 08 0, Anne Dixon, 1995

This booklet provides an essential introduction to inkle weaving describing the loom then how to warp up and weave samples. Advice on designing inkles and design charts are also given.

2.50 GBP         

21 x 15 x 0.2 cm    31g     20pp

Lettering on the  Inkle-Loom

ISBN 1 899972 00 5, Anne Dixon, 1995

Lettering requires the displacement of warp threads so they 'float' over the background threads.  This useful booklet covers letter shapes, colours, specific designs, tips for working with light or dark threads uppermost, word spacing and designing motifs.

2.50 GBP         

21 x 15 x 0.2 cm    31g     20pp     

Baltic-Style Patterns on the Inkle Loom

ISBN 1 899972 09 9, Anne Dixon, 1998

This booklet focuses on these textural patterned woven bands which originated in countries bordering the Baltic Sea.  Warping the inkle loom is covered with sample design motifs.  Tips for developing designs and 'breaking the rules' are included. 

2.50 GBP         

21 x 15 x 0.2 cm    30g     20pp

A brief History of the Inkle - what, why, when and where

Anne Dixon, 2012

This fascinating booklet charts the history of inkles from Neolithic connections through to the Mediaeval period and on through the 18th Century to the 20th Century revival and thoughts on the future of narrow woven bands. A useful Bibliography is included. 

2.50 GBP         

21 x 15 x 0.2 cm    30g     20pp

Finishes & Fringes for Inkles

Anne Dixon, 2012

This booklet is packed with 'how to' ideas for finishes at the ends of inkles or fringes along the edges.  Knotted, braided, woven or adorned with beads, there are a variety of techniques to try. 

2.50 GBP   

21 x 15 x 0.2 cm    30g     20pp

Susi Dunsmore

Notes on Nepal’s Creative Basketry

ISBN 0-9552900-1-5, J Dunsmore Nepalese Textile Trust, 2016

Susi Dunsmore, a long-time supporter of the textile trade in Nepal and friend of NLT, has produced a booklet about the impressive work of Nepalese basket makers. Many of these craftsmen rely on income from basketry to subsidise what they earn from farming. This beautifully produced booklet, Notes on Nepal’s Creative Basketry, is full of interesting information and colourful images, aiming to highlight the skill and variety involved in the impressive craft of basketry, and evoke new interest in this trade from potential buyers. 

7.00 GBP

21 x 15 x 0.5 cm    96g     37pp

Susan Foulkes       

Weaving Hearts and Flowers using the double slotted heddle to weave patterned bands

ISBN Self Published C S.J. Foulkes 2014 

This book contains designs for 11 and 13 thread heart patterns, heart meanders, joining motifs and also 11 and 13 thread flower patterns. 

6.00 GBP  

29.5 x 21 x 0.02 cm    75g     24pp 

Susan Foulkes       

Weaving Messages

ISBN  Durham Weaver Publishing 2020

This booklet is designed for weavers who can weave narrow patterned bands using a pick up technique and provides pattern charts for letters and numbers using 13 pattern threads.  The instructions are for a backstrap loom with a heddle with 13 pattern slots but all of the patterns can also be used on an inkle loom or with a standard heddle.  Lots of illustrations and charts, all in colour.   

5.00 GBP      

21x 14.8 x 0.02 cm    75g     20pp

Susan Foulkes       

Weaving Patterned Bands

ISBN 978-0-7643-5550-9 , Schiffer Publishing Ltd 2014 

This book focuses on weaving traditional bands of the Baltic region using the double slotted heddle, using a backstrap loom.  It has an inspirational introduction to the bands of this region, followed by clear detailed and well illustrated instructions for each stage of your journey.  Here you will find all you need to get started and then progress to more complex designs.  As a taster, look on YouTube for her videos.

18.00 GBP         

26 x 19 x 2cm. 152 pp     790g    

Julie Hedges        

Ply-Split Braiding - An introduction to design in single course twining

ISBN 13:978-0-9554187-0-9, Julie Hedges Books, 2006

This is the essential reference for novice and practised ply-split braiders alike.  It contains practical information on getting started with instructions for working different structures.  The lavish illustrations of finished items are an inspiration.  Practical information about methods for making and designing cords, on estimating cord lengths and for finishing braids will be returned to repeatedly through a ply-splitters career.

12.99 GBP    

30 x 22.5 x 1 cm    271g     48pp spiral bound for ready reference

Julie Hedges                

Ply-Split Braiding - Further techniques

ISBN 13:978-0-9554187-1-6, Julie Hedges Books, 2011

As well as further structures created with Single Course Oblique twining (SCOT), this book introduces Ply Split Darning (PSD), Plain Oblique Twining (POT), and the use of 3 ply cords to create POT 'holes' and hexagons. Going beyond technique, the pages are also packed with instructions for making jewellery, tassels, bags, hats and scarves, and offer ideas for further development.

As with her first book, the instructional diagrams are clear and the gallery pages are packed with inspirational pieces.

20.00 GBP         

30 x 22.5 x 1.2 cm    421g     80pp spiral bound for ready reference

Julie Hedges                        

Ply-Splitting in 3 Dimensions - An introduction to making vessels and sculptural forms

ISBN 13:978-0-9554187-2-3, Julie Hedges Books, 2013

20.00 GBP  

30 x 22.5 x 1.5 cm    354g     64pp spiral bound for ready reference

Julie Hedges                        

Ply-Split Braided Jewellery   

ISBN 13:978-0-9554187-3-0, Julie Hedges Books, 2015

10.00 GBP         

29.7 x 21.0 x 1.5 cm    94g     12pp

Giovanna Imperia                       

Kumihimo Wire Jewelry - Essential technqiues and 20 jewelry projects for the Japanese art of braiding

ISBN 978-0-8230-8551-4, Potter Craft, 2011

16.50 GBP         

28 x 22 x 1 cm    602g     144pp

Fingerweaving Untangled - An illustrated beginner's guide including detailed patterns & common mistakes

ISBN 978-0-9784695-0-4, Carol James, 2011

As the title indicates, this is a practical book helping you to get fingerweaving.  It opens describing different working methods and these are followed by invaluable tips and tricks for trouble-shooting.  A series of traditional geometric patterns are presented, complete with detailed instructions.

12.00 GBP         

25.5 x 20.5 x 0.5 cm    225g     64pp

Sprang Unsprung - An illustrated guide to interlinking, interlacing and intertwining

ISBN 978-0-9784695-2-8, Carol James, 2011

This book shows readers the exciting possibilities of Sprang beginning with detailed instructions for free-end and fixed end working methods. Ways to achieve different textile structures and patterns by interlinking, interlacing or intertwining are shown with pattern instructions for items from coasters to socks!

18.0 GBP        

25.5 x 20.5 x 0.5 cm    269g     80pp

Sprang Lace Patterns 

ISBN , Carol James, 2016

This book is a follow on to the basic instruction manual, Sprang Unsprung.  It offers initiation into the world of sprang lace.  Patterns in this book draw on motifs from museums in North America and Europe to invite you to explore the wealth of the richly varied global historic record.

11.00 GBP     

28 x 21.8 x 0.5 cm    149g     27pp

Steve Kennett                 

Making Inkle Braids An introduction to weaving inkle braids

ISBN self published, Steve Kennett, 2017

The book starts with an introduction to inkle looms and basic instructions.  It then progresses to warping for patterns, then pick up and drop down for patterning with some ideas for use. He also looks at the pros and cons of using different types of yarn.The book is clearly illustrated with diagrams and photographs.

13.00 GBP  

29.7 x 21.5 x 0.8cm       230g     36pp

Kumihimo - Japanese silk braiding techniques

ISBN 0-94653403 9, Old Hall Press, 2nd Edn 1991

The author's skill and insight to Kumihimo derived from her studies at the Domyo School in Japan.  In addition to practical information from warping up to braiding with a Marudai, the book conveys the sense of Kumihimo as a discipline as well as a craft.  Twelve specific braid structures are presented in detail.

7.00 GBP     

24.5 x 16 x 0.7 cm    237g     93pp

The Twenty-Four Interlacements of Edo Yatsu Gumi

ISBN 978-0-9664863-1-5, Orion's Plumage, 2011

One of the most familiar round Kumihimo braids is Edo Yatsu Gumi.  This books explores the (24) patterns that can be achieved by combining just two colours within the structure.

15.00 GBP   

17 x 11 x 0.6 cm    106g     38pp

Averil Otiv

Fibre Basketry Techniques

Self-published by Averil Otiv, 2017

This inspiring book shows several projects using plaiting structures.  It has a good introduction to the use and preparation of plant fibres and Averil shows how these can be used in bias plaited baskets, twining techniques and a three-element plaiting method, based on baskets from Périgord, France.  With more braiders and weavers wishing to use natural fibres in their work, the instructions for making cordage from plant fibres is also very helpful.

16.00 GBP

30 x 22 x 1.0 cm    300g    45pp

OUT OF STOCK

Roderick Owen & Terry Newhouse Flynn

Andean Sling Braids – New Designs for Textile Artists

ISBN 978-0-7643-5103-7, Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 2016

We have managed to only obtain a few copies of this book and have 2 remaining in stock – so first come first served.

This detailed guide, including 400+ step-by-step photos, teaches the technique and over 100 designs for weavers, crafts people, jewelry designers, basket weavers, and other interested in using braids for embellishment.

In-depth instructions are given, along with clear diagrams; recommended braiding yarns for slings and kumihimo; detailed set-up instructions; and many fascinating contemporary applications.

It introduces a new piece of equipment, the core frame, and give instructions for making it.

28.00 GBP

29 x 22 x 2.5 cm    1362g  216pp

Textures & Edges for Takadai Braids

Jennie Parry, 2005

The takadai offers many possibilities for braid structures and different edges.  This book illustrates many patterns in a logical sequence with clear instructions.  It goes on to show how you can design your own takadai braids and even provides bobbin paper for this purpose. 

9.00 GBP    

22.3 x 16.6 x 1.3 cm    148g     48pp

Handwoven Decorative Trim - An introduction to weaving passementerie trims

ISBN 978-0-9842675-0-7, Spady Studios, 2009

This monograph takes as its basis a warp-faced plain weave narrow band and demonstrates the construction of a wonderful variety of 30 decorative trims.  The designs are complemented by equipment information, ideas for cording, a reference list, and useful answers to some 'frequently asked questions'.

12.00 GBP

28 x 22 x 1.3 cm    150g     36pp

Loop-Manipulation Braiding - Basic instructions

Published by Jennie Parry, 200

This introductory booklet concentrates on the basic but essential knowledge to take the reader step by step through the techniques of loop-manipulation braiding.  It presents a practical approach to give reader the confidence and understanding to continue their explorations of braids using Noemi Speiser's specialist books.

4.00 GBP         

21 x 14.5 x 0.2 cm    47g     24pp

Noemi Speiser

An Annotated Classification of Textile Techniques

ISBN 978-3-258-60289-9,  Haupt,  2024

The internationally renowned textile artist and researcher Noemi Speiser has been working with textile techniques for over 70 years.  In this book, she publishes for long-awaited classification of textile techniques, which she divides into three Super categories: “Working with a single element”, “Interworking multiple elements” and “Working elements into a starting set”.  Noemi Speiser focuses on the working process, ie the production of the textile structure.

Hand-drawn illustrations by the author accompany the  system with its numerous subcategories and provide a profound  overview of the variety of textile techniques.

50.00 GBP

31 x 22 x 2.5 cm    1540 g   280pp

Claudia Wollny               

A Lily Grove

ISBN  978-3-948315-11-5    Claudia Wollny Edition, 3rd edition

164 weaving patterns for tablet weaving (technique: 3/1 broken twill)
more than 30 border designs (threaded-in patterns)

Bilingual - German and English

19.00 GBP         

18 x 25 x 1.5 cm    600g  176pp   Hardcover

Claudia Wollny               

A Lily Grove 2

ISBN  978-3-948315-10-8    Claudia Wollny Edition, 3rd edition

272 weaving patterns for tablet weaving (technique: 3/1 twill)

Bilingual - German and English

25.00 GBP         

18 x 25 x 1.5 cm    600g  176pp   Softcover

Claudia Wollny               

roslein und wecklein

ISBN  978-3-948315-12-2    Claudia Wollny Edition, 3rd edition

222 facsimiles of the original manuscript
343 weaving patterns, for tablet weaving (technique: brocading, in parts with pearls)

Bilingual - German and English

30.00 GBP         

18 x 25 x 2.5 cm    800g  272pp   Hardcover

Claudia Wollny               

Tablets at Work

ISBN  978-3-948315-09-2   Claudia Wollny Edition, 4th edition 2023

20 tablet weaving techniques + 2 Andean weaving techniques adapted to tablet weaving.  Techniques include threaded in patterns, double faced, double cloth, twill, diagonals, Kivrim, Sulawesi, Floatwork, 3 hole, 2 hole, cable work, structure weave and brocading,

Basics in detail.    Each technique contains quick start intro, prep work, weaving, turning rules, variations, survey, design your own weaving patterns, weaving patterns.   More than 180 photos,  approximately 435 illustrations and about 910 weaving patterns

45.00 GBP         

17 x 24 x 2 cm    1,655g  704pp   Hardcover

Claudia Wollny               

The Secrets of Kikko

ISBN  978-3-948315-01-6    Claudia Wollny Edition, 3rd edition

1 Kikko braiding pattern, 85 new pattern proposals
1 Blank pattern grid for own patterns
Detailed basic course

Bilingual - German and English

17.00 GBP         

21.5 x 22 x 1 cm    500g  96pp   Hardcover

Claudia Wollny               

The Transformations of Sakura

ISBN  978-3-948315-02-3    Claudia Wollny Edition, 3rd edition

48 variations for Hira Genji including braiding diagrams
1 Blank pattern sheet for own patterns
Detailed basic course

Bilingual - German and English

25.00 GBP         

21.5 x 22 x 1.5 cm    800g  180pp   Hardcover

Claudia Wollny   

The Wonderful World of the Tablet-Woven Stole and Maniple of St Donat, Arlon          

ISBN  978-3-00-047682-2    Claudia Wollny Edition, 3rd edition

29 weaving patterns (technique: 3/1 twill) for tablet weaving

Bilingual - German and English

34.00 GBP         

35 x 25 x 0.5 cm    800g  128pp   Hardcover

Claudia Wollny  

Who is Afraid of Twill?

  ISBN      Claudia Wollny Edition, 1st edition

At first glance, twill seems to be a mysterious technique shrouded in secrets. This workshop is designed to demystify twill. In this book, all twill techniques for tablet weaving are examined: the most well-known is 2-Color Twill. It shares the background with 3-­Color Twill, Empty-­Hole Twill, and Line Twill—a new, ­previously undocumented twill variant. All offer fantastic design opportunities for the motif area.
In addition to the basics and setup, twill‘s special structure is illuminated with ­photos and illustrations. A total of 219 practice weaving ­patterns plus ­solutions will help you ­learn how to draft weaving patterns and design your own motifs. Discover the “­minimum units“ and the “crumple zone.“ The ­mechanics follow simple rules that help you master even the trickiest ­situations. You‘ll find out quickly: Twill is very ­simple—just add 1+1.
 

inclusive Downloads (QR Code) : Patterns + Tablets 
Skill level: Intermediate

Bilingual - German and English

30.00 GBP    

35 x 25 x yy cm    1,200g  448pp   Hardcover