Braiding Clamp

[Sassafras]

I promised in another thread a while back to post a pic of the braiding clamp dh made for me a few years ago. As I said it is not a pretty thing, but helps tremendously. I sit at the end where the brace is propped against the upright, using the brace as a floor brace as well. When I put my foot on that brace it keep the entire clamp from toppling when I tug tightly. The large hole is where the braid is fed through and on the very top there is a small whole drilled down into the large one through to the bottom of the large hole. In that small hole is suppose to be a length of dowel with the one end softened up a bit to fit easily into the bottom hole. That is the actual 'clamp' that holds the braid in place. I misplaced my dowel in the last move and need another. On the backside where the wood sits on the floor I usually place a bushel basket to catch the braid. That bottom piece of wood doesn't have to be as long as mine, but I found the way I work I needed the longer piece for balance. I had a shorter piece in the beginning, but the entire thing kept falling into my lap.

I'm not good at explaining things, but maybe you'll get the general idea. Nor am I a good photographer. Don't mind the cobwebs and dust bunnies in the photo. I have not cleaned since dd has been home on leave nor do I intend to until she returns. There's plenty of time for cleaning later.

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab122/Sassafras0711/DSCN2716.jpg

[SheWoff]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post that while you family is in on leave! I like the idea behind this. very easy to recreate I would imagine. Are those 2x4's or 2x6's or would that matter? I bet I could get the hubby to make me one like that. It would be a lot easier than having it hanging down off a door frame or the side of a shelving unit. My arms just don't do well above a 45 degree angle.

She

[Sassafras]

The beauty of this is it can be made to a comfortable height for you. Adjust the height of the upright to fit your range of motion.

The wood is 2X6's...of sorts. It's actually rough-cut lumber that was never shaved to retail measurements. Dh got it out of the trash pile at one of those backwoods mom and pop sawmills when we lived in Missouri. This was suppose to be a working copy until dh made a nicer one, but life got in the way and the nicer one never got made. That's why the brace is a bit primitive. He was planning to refine it with the next one, but it works. I personally like the 2X6's. The basket that I use to catch the braid balances nicely with the wider width.

[organicfarmer]

Thank you for posting. I have always wanted to braid rugs as I don't like the look of the crocheted ones (they look somewhat sloppy IMHO). Just a personal preference. Have you every tried to use more than three tails for the braid. I have a book that shows how to do many different braids. I thought some of them would look interesting made into rugs.

[Animal Lover]

It is wonderful fun to make braided rugs. When you sew them together, lay them flat on the floor and sew "s" shaped. keep flat and it will be an heirloom and wonderful to look at. A joy forever. AL

[momof23goats]

that is pretty darn cool for sure. and it would be so handy.

[Sassafras]

Thank you for posting. I have always wanted to braid rugs as I don't like the look of the crocheted ones (they look somewhat sloppy IMHO). Just a personal preference. Have you every tried to use more than three tails for the braid. I have a book that shows how to do many different braids. I thought some of them would look interesting made into rugs.

I haven't done much more than the usual three-strand flat braid. One day I might get bored and try doing something different. I should probably buy a book to have on hand for when the time comes. Any suggestions?

[Ms. American]

Does anybody have instructions for making braided rugs? I used to watch a friend of my mom's when I was a kid...but that was a long time ago and CRS is moving in! Thanks!

[Sassafras]

I use this site a lot...

http://www.netw.com/~rafter4/article.htm

[Ms. American]

Thank-you Sassafras! That IS a nice little site!!