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Tools for Ply-split Braiding

New to Ply-split Braiding?  See Getting Started in Ply-split Braiding.  

The basic tools for ply-split braiding are a Cord Maker and a Gripfid hand tool.  

    Bradshaw Cord Maker                                             Gripfid              

Cord makers

Cords may be made by hand (see Making Cords for Ply-split Braiding for examples), however a cord maker, or cord winder, is more efficient and reliably makes perfect cords. In two easy steps the cord maker applies an initial overtwist and then twists the individual plies into a smooth even cord.   An ideal cord maker is made by Bradshaw Machinery.  Click here to order.  For a beginner wanting to try out Ply-Split Braiding before buying a cord maker, we offer a limited selection of ready-made cords.   
  

Gripfids

The Gripfid is an invention of Stuart Grainger.  A  small knotter's fid has an added "grip", a hollow shaft that ends near the point with a vee that acts as a jamming cleat.  After using the point to separate plies, another cord is tucked onto the Gripfid and pulled back through the split cord. Although a latchhook may be used instead of a Gripfid, the latter is much preferred.  

We have developed an improved gripfid design.  Our gripfids start with a hollow knitting needle rather than a tube. Thus the point is already perfectly formed. We need only make the hollow cord channel and interior vee-groove.  For further discussion on making gripfids, see our Making Gripfids page.  Our Gripfids can be purchased from our ply-splitting tool catalog.

We offer gripfids in three standard sizes; special sizes may be ordered.

    Standard Sizes  $10.00 each

Free  Gripfid shipping and handling within the USA

Questions?  E-mail us at PSB-tools @ louisefrench.com

Books

A great place to start Ply-splitting or enhance your skill is Julie Hedges' book:
         Ply-Split Braiding, An introduction to designs in single course twining; including methods for Waves, Zigzags, Basket Weave Designs and Cordmaking

This wonderful book is published in the UK, but Louise French has a few of these hard-to-find books for sale.    Click Here to order.

Julie Hedges has recently added another book with equally high quality photos of more advanced techniques: Ply-Split Braiding, Further Techniques .  Detailed instructions on advanced techniques including Ply-Split Darning, Single Course Oblique Twining, Plain Oblique Twining, and Ply-Split Hexagons.    Click Here to order.