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
Sept 8, 15, 22, 29, and Oct 6, 2023
Instructor: Christine Manges
Description:
In this 5-session class, learn how to braid wool rugs with left opening folds. We will start with tearing strips and choosing fabrics, and each class will add to your knowledge and skill. Note: this instructor recommends the use of braid-master braid-aids for beginning braiders.
Class Dates: Fridays 3 pm EST: Sept 8, 15, 22, 29, and Oct 6, 2023, over Zoom.
Cost: $75 for 5 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites: None
Skills You Will Learn:
• Tearing wool into strips
• Braiding with braid-master braid-aids
• T-Start, double corners, shoe-lacing the center line, lacing straight and lacing around curves, adding length to strips
• Working with different wool weights
• Changing colors
• Putting patterns in the braids
• Tapering
• If time: we will learn one butt method.
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Supply List: 5 yards wool fabric of at least 3 different colors; fabrics should feel the same thickness (12 to 18 oz is best for this class). Wool blends are fine but fabrics should be at least 80-90% wool. Braid-master braid-aids (3), braid stand or clamp, 5 or 6" hemostat, braidkin lacer, fabric scissors, #16 tapestry needle, rubber bands, safety pins. A handout will tell you where to order these items.
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Recordings: All classes are recorded over Zoom and available to students only within 48 hours of a class (usually) in unedited form. These videos are available for a year or more.
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Zigzaggy Strip Rug
Oct 20, 27, & Nov 3
Instructor: Christine Manges
Level: Confident Beginner on up
Description:
In this 3-session class, learn how to braid and lace together these double-cornered strip rugs. Fringed and finished endings will be taught. Learn how to change 3 colors at once (seen in the flag).
Class Dates: Fridays 3 pm EST: Oct 20, 27, & Nov 3 over Zoom.
Cost: $45 for 3 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites: This is a class for confident early braiders on up. Please have braided at least one rug before taking this class.
Skills You Will Learn:
• T-Start, Counting loops
• Double Corners: left side of braid, and right side
• Lacing corners to keep them aligned
• Changing 3 colors at once (flag)
• Finishing techniques for strip rugs:
Fringed: machine-sewn or tied
Unfringed: blunt ending and Reverse-T
Folds: LO & RO. 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.
Recordings: All classes are recorded over Zoom and available to students only within 48 hours of a class (usually) in unedited form. These videos are available for a year or more.
Whirling Multistrand Rug
Sept 8, 15, 22, and 29
Instructor: Christine Manges
Level: Intermediate Braider
Description:
In this 4-session class, learn how to make these gorgeous swirling rugs! Start with a continuous 3-strand braid and add strands -- 1 or 2 at a time -- to make the multistrand braid as large as you would like. In the last row, lose strands until you complete the rug with a 3-strand taper. Optional: add a butted multistrand border (diagonal butt method will be demonstrated). Clear diagrams illustrate the instructions.
Class Dates: Fridays 1 pm EST: Sept 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2023, over Zoom.
Cost: $60 for 4 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites: This is a class for intermediate braiders. Please have braided at least two rugs before taking this class.
Skills You Will Learn:
• "Braiding" and "weaving" MS braids.
• Adding and losing strands, one at a time or two at a time.
• E-lacing for short stretches.
• Lacing over added strands.
• Tapering a large multistrand.
• Lacing a 3-strand braid to a MS braid.
• Lacing a MS braid to a 3-strand braid.
• Butting an odd-numbered MS braid.
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.
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Recordings: All classes are recorded over Zoom and available to students only within 48 hours of a class (usually) in unedited form. These videos are available for a year or more.
Spiral Square & Variations
Oct 20, 27, Nov 3 & 10
Instructor: Christine Manges
Level: Advanced Braider
Note: This class is advanced because of the alternating triple corners, which are laced differently every other row, and the need for counting loops with accuracy. If you are comfortable with these skills, you are capable of taking this class.
Description:
In this 4-session class, learn how to braid a spiral square with many variations: adding additional spokes (green and black rug) or combining them to braid a Greek Key design.
Class Dates: Fridays 1 pm EST: Oct 20, 27, Nov 3 & 10, over Zoom.
Cost: $60 for 4 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites: Accuracy in counting loops and alternating triple corners.
Skills You Will Learn:
• Using two braids in contrasting colors, braid a spiral square.
• Optionally add spokes to increase the complexity
• Consider repeating the spiral squares to make a Greek Key border... and variations on the Greek Key.
• Blunt and Reverse-T endings will be reviewed, for the spokes and the ends.
• We'll look at images of square labyrinths and plan out how those could be braided (these labyrinths will not be braided in class, but the theory of how to braid them will be explored).
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.
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Recordings: All classes are recorded over Zoom and available to students only within 48 hours of a class (usually) in unedited form. These videos are available for a year or more.
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.
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