Braids 2019, Iga City, Japan 13th - 18th October 2019




Braids 2019 will be held in Iga City, Japan from 13- 18 October 2019 
organised by the Kumihimo
Society of Japan and the Braid Society


Braids 2019 at Iga City will provide you a deep knowledge of Kumihimo through discussions and criticism by the Iga Kumihimo artisans and of course many types of Kumihimo tools as well. Immediately after Braids 2019, the Tenjin Festival will be held from 19 to 20 October so you may wish to plan this unique event into your itinerary.

This promises to be a wonderful event.  I had an amazing time in Tacoma in 2015 and I am looking forward to Japan in 2019.

I will be presenting a two day workshop.

Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th October 2019


Sending Messages: Weaving Motifs and Words with 9 Pattern Threads.

a workshop with 



The 9 patttern slot heddle is very versatile and can be used to weave patterned bands with 5, 7 and 9 pattern threads. used with a backstrap, it is very portable.  I have devised an alphabet for 9 pattern threads for this workshop. Participants will learn how to create their own message band.

On the first day participants will be taken through the process of weaving simple and more complex motifs with 9 pattern threads. We will examine letters and numbers and I will explain how these can be combined to form messages. A simple message will be provided for practice.

Participants will design their own message band from charts. What message will you choose to send?

The cost of the workshop includes:

  • a 9 pattern slot Sunna heddle and a shuttle  (see picture)
  • warp and weft
  • simple back strap cord
  • booklet 
  • handout
  • band width checker



9 pattern slot Sunna heddle and Gehpa shuttle 

These items will enable participants to continue the craft at home.  They are light and portable for transporting home in luggage.

Participants are asked to bring a g-clamp for attaching the warp to the table. I will be bringing a couple of G clamps to the workshop.


Two G clamps 

It would also be helpful if you could bring paper, some coloured pencils and scissors. As there will be a number of handouts and two booklets a folder for these would keep everything in order.

A camera is ideal for recording the day.  I will be bringing samples for participants to examine and I am sure that you will want to take pictures for future reference. The Conference Proceedings will have my article about message bands. They are fascinating and take many different forms around the Baltic region.

I am making a YouTube video for the workshop so that participants can see the process once they get home.


I look forward to seeing you in Iga, Japan in 2019

Happy Weaving



The Braid Society has an online discussion group at https://groups.io/g/braidsandbands

Do join us.







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