Beginning and Intermediate Braiding on the Takadai

Dates: October 19 - October 20

Cost per ticket: $285.00

About Class

The takadai is a Japanese braiding loom designed for making flat braids. Takadais can produce a wider variety of braid widths than can be made on the marudai, from narrow sashes or garment trims to scarves. Since the hand movements are linear, the tama/bobbin movements are often easier to memorize than those of marudai braids. While experience weaving is not necessary, weavers will find the takadai uses familiar weave structures i.e., plain weave, twill, rep weaves, single and double cloth. However, because each takadai warp takes a turn as weft, the rules change and there are a whole new set of possibilities for fabric design.

Students will learn how to read and interpret the diagrams as well as how to use your computer or tablet to reformat and notate to suit your particular learning and working style. Students will learn several methods of beginning braids as well as how to finish off.

I bring lots of samples that help illustrate the similarities and differences in weave structures and especially the role of color interaction.

Along with exploring simple plain weave and twill braids, beginners will focus on several braid families:

• Shadow weave, a plain-weave based structure where dark and light threads create pinstriped blocks. I originated these takadai patterns in 1995 based on my knowledge of the woven patterns. Two colors yield lots of pattern possibilities. I will discuss strategies for adding additional colors, or using thick and thin thread groups to create a sense of depth.
• Rep braid designs are created when threads are closely packed so that one group of threads is concealed and another revealed. (While these braids appear similar to marudai braids, the structures are different and these lay nice and flat.) We will use 36 tama with Owen’s Design 27, and his Design 16B (45 tama). I will help you understand how the structures work so that you will be inspired to add additional colors to other rep braids and create your own versions.
• Briads that use two levels of the takadai allow the creation of embossed stitches and textures (Owen #51 and #52) and for experienced beginners 3-D leaf designs (Owen #48 and #49).

Intermediate Braiders can continue with explorations of the above braids or with the instructor’s advance permission, start on a new challenge or project. One option is to explore wider drapable fabrics for scarves. This requires 9-peg koma and lightweight bobbins. Weighted EZ-bobs are an option. Shadow weave adapts well to this as do any of the plain-weave based structures including leno (from the weaving tradition). This could also be an exploration of color and/or texture in your work. Contact the instructor if you want to try this option.

Equipment and Materials:

• Takada with a minimum of 36 bobbins for beginners. Instructions for braids using up to 48 bobbins for single layer braids or for double braids, 52 for leaf design #48, and 66 for leaf design #49. Bobbins can weigh 70g, 85g or 100g. I suggest 100g for firm single braids and firm double-layer twill braids. I find 85g a good all-purpose bobbin for takadai work. It gives medium firmness. I like 70g tama for scarves and lighter work. If you are not making obijime or guitar straps, the weight of the tama is not critical. However, the physical diameter of the bobbins is important. Bring only standard bobbins. (The large tama are intended for use on marudais with beads or specialty threads or wire, not for takadai.)
• If you are planning to use 48 tama, you will need 10 / 6-peg koma, or 8 / 9-peg koma. If you are ordering a new takadai, unless you want to make soft fabrics like scarves, you will want traditional 6-pin koma. They allow you to see the threads more easily.

Alternative to wooden bobbins are ceramic insulators used with electric fencing. See separate handout for using these.

• Warping Equipment and Notions:
• Equipment for measuring the warp: 2 -3 warping posts (warping boards will be available but we may have many people warping at once.
• A raddle that fits your takadai for spreading threads while warping. If you don’t have one, a sturdy stick of wood approximately ¾” x 1” x a length that is 4” longer than the width between the outer arms of your takadai

Threads: Size 10/2, pearl cotton or 8/2Tencel supplied by the Glen unless you wish to bring your own thread.

Bring a copy of Rodrick Owen’s Making Kumihimo – Japanese Interlaced Braids, (out of print but still available second hand) is our text. Annotated handouts with additional designs are included

• Measuring tape
• Sharp scissors for cutting across warp bundle after winding
• Tapestry needle size 18
• Graph paper with a grid that is easy for you to see. This is for mapping out color order, and for brainstorming
• Colored pencils or fine tip markers if you like to color code
• Cell phone or tablet for documenting your work, or videoing demonstrations.

Equipment will be available for rental at a first come first serve basis if you do not have on already. Please email the office ASAP to be placed on a list. 

All materials included with tuition.

Cancellation Policies

Class Times

All classes run 9am - 5pm unless otherwise indicated in the description above.

Wait List

For class dates that are full, please feel free to call us here at the studio and have your name place on the wait list.

Class Cancellations & Refunds