The Valley Forge Rug Braiding Guild
Online Classes via Zoom
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" tab's 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: Continuous 2' X 3' Oval
Feb 25, Mar 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2024
Instructor: Mary Hibbard
Description:
The course is 5 classes. By the end of the 5th class you will have completed a beautiful oval rug!
Class Dates: Sundays at 2 pm EST over Zoom. Feb 25, Mar 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2024
Cost: $80 for 5 sessions (recorded for viewing up to 6 months after course).
NOTE: If you are a VF Guild Member, AND this is your first beginner class with the guild, then use the Promo Code: "Beginner50%" to get half off the price of the class at Checkout. Paid for by the Fundraising/Scholarship Committee. (You only get to use one coupon at a time).
Supplies: 5 to 6 yards of wool fabric. See "More Info" button for additional supplies, or purchase $25 tool kit from instructor.
Prerequisites: None!
Folds: Left Opening Folds
Max number of students: 12
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.
6-Braid Hexagon Spiral Trivet
May 3 & 10, 2024
Instructor: Christine Manges
Description:
In this 2-session course, create a pretty 6-braid spiral trivet. The double corners fit together to create the cornered spiral look. A little tricky to braid and lace, but the instructor will guide you through it!
Class Dates: Fridays at 3 pm EST over Zoom: May 3 & 10, 2024, (recorded for later viewing).
Cost: $30 for 2 sessions
Level: Intermediate
Supplies: For each of the braids, you will need 90" of thin fabric. Consider thin wool, denim, heavy cottons. Tear strips to 1.25" wide.
Prerequisites: Must have braided at least one rug before.
Folds: Left Opening Folds will be demonstrated in class. A diagrammed handout will be available for both Left and Right Opening Braiders, but the diagrams show lacing from the front for both.
Continuous Rectangle with Cornered Multistrand Border
March 22, 29, April 12, 26, & May 10, 2024
This 5-session class is spread out over 8 weeks to give you more time between classes for braiding! Learn to braid a continuous rectangle, with arrowhead, zigzag, and diamond designs, and finish with a cornered and butted multistrand border. Skills to learn include: triple corner alternation, changing colors on corners, braiding and butting a multistrand braid, making multistrand corners and where to make them within the braid (which is the tricky part).
Instructor: Christine Manges
Level: Intermediate Braiders. Must be able to count loops between corners accurately... or learn it quickly!
Folds: Left Opening. Right Opening braiders are welcome but RO handouts will have lacing diagrams from the FRONT of the rug, not the back. All technique demos will be left opening.
Class Dates: Fridays 1 pm EST: March 22, 29, April 12, 26, and May 10, over Zoom.
Cost: $75 for 5 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
NOTE: if you have an idea for a class that you would like to take OR teach, please email Christine Manges, the Education Chair. If you would like private lessons over Zoom in a technique, also email the Education Chair.