Andean Sling Braids: New Designs for Textile Artists

Learn to make the decorative braids used in the sling-making traditions of Peru and Bolivia.

This detailed guide, including over 400 step-by-step photographs and hundreds of diagrams, teaches the traditional braiding technique of Peru and Bolivia. Over 100 braid designs are included for weavers, craftspeople, jewelry designers, basket weavers, and others interested in using braids for embellishment.

In-depth instructions are given, along with clear diagrams, recommended braiding yarns for slings and kumihimo, detailed set-up instructions, and many fascinating contemporary applications. This book introduces a new piece of equipment, the core frame, and gives instructions for making it from wood and dowels.

When the core frame is used with a braiding stand and bobbins, a wide variety of core-carrying braids become accessible to kumihimo braiders. Most of the braids, from 4 to 40 strands, can be made on the included 32-slot braiding card designed specifically for Andean braiding, and 50 patterns can be made on the stand without a frame. 

Rodrick Owen is an internationally respected braiding instructor who popularized kumihimo through his teaching and books. Textile artist and art educator Terry Newhouse Flynn focuses on woven, braided, and knitted textiles. She enjoys teaching students a variety of braiding skills.