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Tools for Ply-split Braiding

Bradshaw CordMaker  Gripfid for ply-split braiding

    Bradshaw Cord Maker                                             Gripfid              

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.  

Cord makers

While cords can be made by hand (see Making Cords for Ply-split Braiding for examples), a cord-maker is a wonderful improvement which is sometimes called a cord-winder.  It twists the plies from yarn or ribbon and counter-twists the plies together to make a stable and attractive cord.   An ideal cord maker is made by Bradshaw Machinery.  Click here to order.    

 

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 inside 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 more 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

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Fine 3.7 mm Gripfid.  Suitable for 4-ply cords made from 8 strands of 10/2 pearl cotton or equivalent.  (Cord up to about 3/32 inch diameter.)

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Medium 4.5 mm Gripfid. Suitable for 4-ply cords made from 12 strands of 10/2 pearl cotton or equivalent or 8 strands of 5/2 pearl cotton or equivalent.  (Cord up to about 3/16 inch diameter.)  We recommend this size for general use and beginners.

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Large 6.5 mm Gripfid.  Suitable for 4-ply cords made from 16  strands of 3/2 pearl cotton or equivalent .  (Cord up to about 1/4 inch diameter)

Free  Gripfid shipping and handling within the USA

To order Gripfids, 

Click here

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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.  Order from Louise while the supply lasts.  Click Here to order.

 
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Contact Louise by e-mail at louise @ louisefrench.com
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