Braiding

A Few Medieval Braids

Braiding is a easy, medieval and quite practical way to make laces, straps, ties, and many other narrow wares. There are far more possibilities than just the simple 3-strand braid that everyone knows. Although there are many ways to make cords and narrow strips of fabric, this discussion is limited to a few of the most common braids made from a set of elements and using no equipment.

Basic Flat Braid

The elements are divided into two equal or nearly equal groups, and the outside element from one group is carried over the rest of that group and added to the inside of the other group.

Type: 3-strand This is the "basic" braid, virtually ubiquitous in time and place.

Construction: over 1

three-strand braid diagram

Examples:

  1. Medieval London: worsted wool, each element composed of 5 strands (Crowfoot et al. 1992)
  2. Medieval York: interesting example made from hair moss (Walton 1989)
  3. Medieval York: as part of a more complex diamond mesh structure (Walton 1989)

Type: 5-strand

Construction: over 2

five-strand braid diagram

Examples:

  1. Durham, early 10th c. silk edging sewn to tablet-woven band (Crowfoot 1939)

Type: 8-strand

Construction: over 3/over 4

eight-strand braid diagram

Examples:

  1. Durham, early 10th c. silk edging sewn to tablet-woven band (Crowfoot 1939)