Welcome to the web page for Carol James' interlacing class at the North House Folk School
We will meet on three Fridays, starting February 12.
We will meet on three Fridays, starting February 12.
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You will learn to create an interlaced structure, the structure in many sashes from the Great Lakes region.
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Materials needed for this class include a thick yarn, scissors, tape, and sticks (chop sticks, popsicle sticks, or even pencils).
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Week 1 we worked with nine threads cut, and then placed around a stick. That method works for a few threads.
Week 2 I will show you another way to set up your threads.
Week 2 I will show you another way to set up your threads.
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If you later want to work with a much larger number of threads, you will want a way to organize the threads while you measure them out. The video and PDF at the left offers exactly that, a method to set in the cross while you measure out the threads. | ||
Week 1, we placed the threads on the table, and one-by-one picked up, or placed the threads on the table. This method is good at the beginning. Some people want a more efficient way to use your fingers to hold and manipulate threads.
Week 2, I will show you a more efficient way to use your fingers.
Week 3, we will explore 2-2 interlacing. I will also give you a brief introduction to sprang ... a technique where you do not untangle that false-weave, indeed, it is a mirror-image piece of cloth.
Week 2, I will show you a more efficient way to use your fingers.
Week 3, we will explore 2-2 interlacing. I will also give you a brief introduction to sprang ... a technique where you do not untangle that false-weave, indeed, it is a mirror-image piece of cloth.
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The video at the left offers a more efficient way to use your fingers to manipulate the threads. I call it the "Scissor & Pinch" method |
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The 1-1 interlace structure does not always require an odd number of threads. You can create this structure with an even number of threads. Generally an even number of threads means rules for two different, alternating, rows. There is a row on which all threads have a partner, and another row where there is a "bachelor" thread (no partner) at either edge.
At the left you will find instructions for this type of work. Make yourself a "cheat card" with information for one row on one side of the card, information for the other row on the other side. Flip the card at the end of each row. My "cheat card" starts with an overview of the just-finished row (as I cannot always remember whether or not I flipped the card). This is the "situation" the condition of the threads before starting the row. I then write information that will help me work the next row. | ||
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One side of the cheat card could read:
Situation: bachelors at either side, S-crossings Work: Pinch-scissor to create Z-crossings Everyone will find a partner on this row. |
The other side of the cheat card could read:
Situation: all threads have partners, Z-crossings Work: start the row by passing a bachelor, then scissor-pinch all the way across, leaving another bachelor at the end of the row |
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At the left you will find PDFs containing instructions, the handouts for class for Friday, Feb 12, instructions to set up for and create the 1-1 interlaced braid.
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Click on the photo at the left to find the instructions in video format
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2-2 interlacing looks like woven twill. It has a fair bit more "forgiveness" in that it is easier to create an even structure with 2-2 than with 1-1 interlacing. Many students prefer 2-2 interlacing ... but the directions are a bit more complicated.
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Instructions for 2-2 interlacing
These directions show you how to work with an even number of threads. These directions have you work right-to-left, and then you use the same instructions to work left-to-right. | ||
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Not everyone can work ambidextrously. This second set of instructions have you always working in the same direction, getting the same over-two, under-two interlaced structure.
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Click on the image at the left for a video showing you how to create the over 2, under 2 interlace sprang structure. The video was prepared for the 2021 Braid Society Sprang-a-long.
To jump to the place that interests you: 00:00 Instructions for working right-to-left, and then left-to-right. 05:47 Instructions for always working in the same right-to-left direction. 09:23 Finishing technique instructions, inserting a weft line |
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And what's Sprang????
This video gives you an introduction to sprang ... creating a 1-1 interlaced strap, using the sprang technique: two rows of cloth for every row of work. |