Ply Split Braiding
Ply Split Braiding (Cordwork)
An Ancient Art
Ply-Split braiding dates back nearly 2500 years to the merchant men of Western India. Elaborate braiding of hand-spun wool was used to created harness straps and saddle girths for the camels that carried the wares of their community to the market centers. The most elaborate designs showed prominence in the market. Even today, camel harnesses are decorated with ply-split braids in elaborate patterns.
...in Today's Fibers
The art of ply-split braiding has recently been introduced in the US by a few artisans who have learned the craft of ply-split braiding from the teachings of Peter Collingwood. He has studied the craft and has documented the techniques used by the men of Western India through a number of articles and books.
TaleWeavers is one of only a few artisans in North America who have learned the craft of ply-split braiding and are creating gifts and neckware using various fibers available today. In each item we make, every cord is handmade, using selected colors and fiber types. The cords are then hand-braided, using the ply-split braiding technique, to make each keyring or neckware item.
Ply-split braiding is a hand-weaving technique, using simple tools. A gripfid tool is used to push through the plies (splitting the plies) of a series of cords, to pull a single cord through the middle of the split plies of cord. When varied colors and fibers are used, different designs, patterns, and textures result in the final keyring or neckware item.
We use various natural fibers to create the cords used in ply-split braiding. Bamboo makes a soft texture, while cotton makes a durable braid. We have created a number of Collections of our work, where design and cord color create braids that represent various things within each Collection theme.
- Colors of Presque Isle Collection
- Lake Erie Vineyard Collection
- Cook's Forect Collection
- Tartan Colors Collection
- Show Your Colors Collection (school and team sports colors)
Key Rings
| Keyrings make a great gift. Father's day, birthdays, baby showers, and groomsmen gifts are just a few ideas for gifting someone. Each keyring is made from cord that we make and weave by hand. The rings can be used to hold your keys, store discount keycards, or pocket tools. The length of the braid (12 inches) makes it easy to locate your keyring. You can allow the braid to hang outside your pocket (for the guys) or purse (for the gals). You can personalize your keyring. Let us know if you have specific colors or color sequence you prefer and if you want us to add letter beads to your braid. |
Neckware
Neckware is designed to decorate the person, using cord and beadings to represent various personal traits or interests a person has. Native Americans may include specific woods or stones as part of their neckware, while others may choose to include decorative beads or figures, symbolizing something their life. Each neckpiece is made from cord that we make and weave by hand. You can personalize your selection by contacting us when you order. Let us know if you have specific colors or color sequence you prefer and if you want us to add decorative or symbolic beads to your braid. |
Colors of Presque Isle Collection
Brig Niagara's Braid: he rope design and single color represent the elaborate rope and rigging of the Brig Niagra, an American battleship of the War of 1812 at port in Erie, PA.
Sands of Presque Isle: The design of braiding resembles the patterns in the sand that the wind creates on the Lake Erie beaches of Presque Isle.
Sunset: The colors in the braid show the colors of the beautiful sunsets seen on the beaches of Presque Isle.
Dunes of Presque Isle: The variety of colors in this braid highlight the colors found in the sand dunes of Presque Isle.
Lake Colors: The colors of the braid represent the colors of the lake as the it changes colors throughout the seasons.
Lake Erie Vineyards Collection
Concord: This black-blue grape is a true native to North America, use to make the popular Concord Red Wine.
Niagara: The Niagara is a popular white, seedless grape that grow exceedingly well in the Lake Erie region. It makes a good table grape, but also is used to make a unique white wine.
Fredonia: The Fredonia is similar to the Concord grape with it’s origin an New York. This grape is popular for table and jelly making.
Vineyard Rows: The rows of grapevines inspires the keyring design. It’s quite an amazing sight.
Cook's Forest Collection
Cook Forest is located in western Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania state forest lies adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest where the Pennsylvania Wilds provides space for all types of wildlife. The
Quiet Forest Trails: The natural colors and special braiding represent the quiet paths of Cook Forest that meander through the hills of the region.
Songs of the Air: The colors of the braiding bring to mind the colorful songs of the birds found in Cook Forest.
Autumn Leaves: The colors in the braid show the colors of the autumn leaves in the hills of the Alleghany Plateau.
Waters of the Rivers: The variety of colors in this braid highlight the colors found in the river waters Clarion River and Alleghany River.
Heaven in the Hemlocks: The colors and patterns of the braid represent the colors of Pennsylvania state tree, the Eastern Hemlock.
Tartan Colors Collection
Scottish, Welsh, and Irish heritage is shown through the tartans worn by clan members.
National Pride: Show your Celtic roots with a key ring that includes the flag colors of Ireland, Scotland, or Wales.
USA Proud: Use your US Pride to show off the Red, White, and Blue of the USA. There are also Irish-American, Scottish-American, and Welsh-American color combinations.
Clan Name : Show your clan colors all year long when you use your keys or key tabs. Colors are selected based on the tartan or flag colors of the clan name. Add your family name, too.
County Colors: Show your Irish County pride with a key ring in the colors of a county in the home country.
Sport Leagues: Root for your favorite soccer or rugby team every time you take out keys or key tags. Add your team mascot or name for a few extra points.
Show Your Colors Collection
Team Sports
Support your teams by showing the team colors for high school, college, or professional sports team.
High School Colors: Color combinations for the high school student, graduate, or alumni will show your school spirit each time you take out your keys or use your key tags.
College Colors: Show your college pride with a key ring with the colors of your alma mater. You can even add your school mascot or initials, like PSU or CSU.
Sport Leagues: Root for your favorite team in any sport every time you take out keys or key tags. Add your team mascot or name for a few extra points.
Show Your Colors Collection
School Colors
School Colors
Support your school by showing your school colors.
High School Colors: Color combinations for the high school student, graduate, or alumni will show your school spirit each time you take out your keys or use your key tags.
College Colors: Show your college pride with a key ring with the colors of your alma mater. You can even add your school mascot or initials, like PSU or CSU.
Show Your Colors Collection
Colors You Love: Braids can be made with a number of colors and color combinations. Select a braid that suits your fancy.
Kids Love Colors: Kids love to pull tabs with their favorite colors
Baby Pride: Be Baby Proud with diaper bag pull tabs that show your child’s color. Pastel pull tabs are always a great choice for a baby gift.