Ply Split Braiding originates in the Thar Desert in India/Pakistan and done by the camel herders. The camels are pack animals and the braids made help tie on the articles the camels carry, and used as bridles and decoration. Peter Collingwood researched and documented this historical technique and brought it to the artistic textile community where it has broadened in many directions. I choose to work with making bracelets from the 4ply cords that I twist and prepare for the students. You will use a tool called a gripfid (which is provided) and by splitting the 4-ply cords in different sequences patterns will be created. You will be introduced to this technique through making a bracelet.

Prerequisite skills:  None—just curiosity about an very old textile technique

Pre-class homework:   None

Students bring:  Glasses (if needed), note taking materials, open mind as this is probably a new technique to learn

Class duration: 3 hours

Instructor:  Michele O’Reilly 

MICHELE OREILLY is a textile artist working with weaving, dyeing, knitting, stitching and braiding.  She was introduced to Ply Split Braiding and has since explored making jewelry and 3D objects. She sometimes dyes her threads and then twists them into 3 or 4-ply cords to work with. She also weaves fabric for making her own garment designs that she often decorates with the ply split braids. She has been teaching braiding for over 20 years and thoroughly enjoys introducing this unique technique to people and love seeing what directions they take it to.

Date and time:  Saturday, June 6, 2026 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Materials fee:  $15.00 for unique tool, patterns and twisted cords

Class fee: $45.00

6 to 12 students