Classes from "beginner" to "advanced" are available for rug braiders.   Scroll down to see all the class options!
     Classes are $5 off for members (see coupon under "Members Only" info).
     Classes range from one-time events... to weekly sessions with Homework!
     Payment options:  Paypal, Credit Card, or Check/Money Order (US only).
 

Beginner Rug Braiding Class via Zoom

Instructor:  Rose Robertson-Smith
   Learn the basics of traditional rug braiding in this 5-session course.  You will learn step-by-step with teaching samples:  how to braid with left opening folds, how to lace the braids together into a continuous oval mat, how to taper, and how to add on a final butted row.  Make a 9" X 16" mat as shown above, OR make a 2' X 3' oval rug.
    Learn how to deconstruct wool and wool-blend garments, and repurpose the wool into an heirloom rug.  You will also have access to wool collections or a Fabric Kit to create your project.

Cost:  $80 for 5 online sessions
Dates:  5 Wednesdays at 7p EST, (6p Central, 5p Mountain, 4 p Pacific, and 3p Alaska).  Sept 7, Sept 21, Sept 28, Oct 5, & Oct 12 (NOTE:  no class Sept 14).
Kit:  Both a Braid Kit and a Fabric Kit are available from the instructor; you can also collect your own equipment and fabric (about 1 yd for small mat, about 4.5 yds for 2' X 3' oval).  Click on More Info Button.
Folds:  Left Opening Folds

Max Number of Students:  8
Minimum Number of Students:  6
Prerequisites for the Class:  None
Teacher Bio:  click on "more info" button

Beginner Rug Braiding:  2' X 3' Oval 

Instructor:  Mary Hibbard
Each session is 5 classes.  By the end of the 5th class you will have completed a beautiful oval rug!   

Cost:  $80 for 5 online sessions (recorded for viewing up to 6 months after course).  Members of VF Guild get $5 off with coupon.
Dates:  5 Sundays at 2 pm EST.  See below for dates of each course.
Supplies:   5 to 6 yards of wool.  See "More Info" below for additional supplies, or purchase $23 tool kit from instructor.                
Folds:  Left Opening Folds
Max Number of Students:  12
Prerequisites for the Class:  None!

Session #1:  October 30, November 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2022, at 2 pm EST on Sundays over Zoom.

 

Session #2:  January 8, 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 2023 at 2 pm EST on Sundays over Zoom.

 

Session #3:  February 12, 19, 26, and March 5 & 12, 2023 at 2 pm EST on Sundays over Zoom.

 

Teacher Bio:  Teacher Bio:  Mary Hibbard took her first braiding class 10 years ago at New England Braids in Methuen, MA.  Since that time she has attended many Braiding events and taken classes to advance her skills.  She is a member of the Valley Forge Rug Braiding Guild.  Mary began teaching beginning rug braiding last year via zoom.

Braiding & Butting an ODD-Numbered Multistrand Border  via Zoom

Instructor: 
Christine Manges
 
Description:  
In this 2-session class, learn how to braid and butt an odd-numbered multistrand (5, 7, 9, 11...) for bordering a chair pad or oval rug.

Classes:  Fridays at 1 pm EST over Zoom on Sept 30 and Oct 7
Cost:  $35 for 2 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites:  You must have successfully braided one regular 3-strand rug prior to taking this class.
Folds:  Teacher is Left Opening and illustrates diagrams for Left Opening Braiders.  Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds.  The butt technique is diagrammed for Rt Opening Braiders from the front of the work. The RO Butt illustrated in the handout will be similar to the LO technique shown in class, but not identical.

                                               Supplies, and More Info:       

Braiding & Butting an EVEN-Numbered Multistrand Border  via Zoom

Instructor: 
Christine Manges
 
Description:  
In this 2-session class, learn how to braid and butt an even-numbered multistrand (4, 6, 8, 10 strands...) for bordering a chair pad or oval rug.

Classes:  Fridays at 1 pm EST over Zoom on Oct 21 & 28
Cost:  $35 for 2 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites:  You must have successfully braided one regular 3-strand rug prior to taking this class.
Folds:  Teacher is Left Opening and illustrates diagrams for Left Opening Braiders.  Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds.  The butt technique is diagrammed for Rt Opening Braiders from the front of the work. The RO Butt illustrated in the handout will be similar to the LO technique shown in class, but not identical.

Supplies, and More Info:

October Braid-Along:   ZigZag Bag II via Zoom

Instructor:   Christine Manges
 
Description:  
In this 4-session class, learn how to make a zigzag patterned tote bag with a 2-braid spiral.  Start with two 3-strand braids..... increase the strands to 4 in each braid, making diagonal stripes in different directions.... and then go back to 3-strand braids for the top and handles.  

Yes, this is the same class offered in person at the Methuen braid in.... so if you can't make it there, take the online course!

Class Dates:  Wednesdays 1 pm EST:  Oct 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2022 over Zoom
Cost:  $45 for 4 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites:  Must have braided 1 oval rug before
Folds:  Teacher is Left Opening.  Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds.  A diagrammed handout is available for Right Opening braiders but shows lacing techniques on the FRONT of the braids, and demos will be with left opening folds.  

November Braid-Along:   3-Circle Rug via Zoom

Instructor:   Christine Manges
 
Description:  
In this 4-session class, learn how to connect 3 (or more) circles in a perfectly straight line, and fill in the canyons where circles meet with either braided triangles, or stacked rows of cornered braids, and/or a multistrand braid (4 or 5 strands at most) with 90° corners.  We'll butt the multistrand and, if there is time, cover how to braid a tetracuspid (the curvy diamond shape between 4 circles).

Class Dates:  Wednesdays 1 pm EST:  Nov 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2022 over Zoom
Cost:  $45 for 4 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites:  Must have braided 1 round rug or pad before
Folds:  Teacher is Left Opening.  Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds.  A diagrammed handout is available for Right Opening braiders but shows lacing techniques on the FRONT of the braids, and demos will be with left opening folds.  

December-January Braid-Along:   All-Butted Octagon Rug with 120° Cornered Multistrand Border

Instructor:   Christine Manges
 
Description:  
In this 5-session class, learn how to Butt braids via 3 different methods while you make braids for the octagon rows.  The methods are:  Enclosed End Butt, Annie's Fanny, and Triangle Butt.  Learn how to stack rows of dot pattern and slash pattern despite the 8 sets of double corners.  Learn how to create a maze pattern if desired with rapid color changes to create the walls.  Finally, finish with a multistrand and learn how to make  120 - 135° corners.... a technique that has not been taught before!  For an example see the hexagon multistrand braid around hooking, shown below right.

Class Dates:  Fridays 1 pm EST:  Dec 2, 9, 16, 2022 and then Jan 6 & 13, 2023, over Zoom
Cost:  $55 for 5 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites:  This is an advanced class and covers a lot of information about butting and multistrands.  Please have braided at least 3 rugs before taking this class.
Folds:  Teacher is Left Opening.  Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds.  A diagrammed handout is available for Right Opening braiders but shows lacing techniques on the FRONT of the braids, and demos will be with left opening folds.  

NOTE:  if you have an idea for a class that you would like to take OR teach, please email Christine Manges, the Education Chair.  

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