Braiding wool roving involves separating the unspun fiber into strands and interweaving them to create a cord-like structure, commonly finished by securing the ends to prevent unraveling.
Understanding Wool Roving
Wool roving is a long, narrow bundle of carded or combed wool fibers, prepared for spinning, felting, or other crafts. Unlike spun yarn, the fibers in roving are only lightly processed and hold together through friction. Braiding roving transforms this loose bundle into a more stable and decorative element.
Supplies Needed
- Wool Roving (quantity depends on desired length and thickness of the braid)
- Optional: Scissors (for trimming ends)
Step-by-Step Guide to Braiding Wool Roving
Creating a braided cord from wool roving is a simple process, often using the basic three-strand technique.
Prepare Your Roving
Lay out the roving and decide on the desired thickness of your braid. You will need to work with sections of roving proportional to this thickness.
Separate Into Strands
Carefully divide the roving into the number of strands you wish to braid with, typically three for a standard braid. Try to keep the strands relatively even in thickness for a consistent braid.
Begin Braiding
- Hold the three strands together at one end.
- Take one of the outer strands and cross it over the middle strand, making it the new middle strand.
- Take the other outer strand and cross it over the new middle strand.
- Repeat this process, alternating sides, bringing the outer strand over the middle.
Maintain Tension
As you braid, maintain a consistent, gentle tension on the strands. This helps keep the braid tight and even. Avoid pulling too hard, which can stretch and thin the roving too much.
Finishing the Braid
Once you have braided to your desired length, you need to secure the end to prevent it from unraveling. There are several ways to do this.
One straightforward method, as seen in a demonstration, is to secure the end by pulling the loose fibers through the braid structure itself. When you are at the end of your braid, you can take the end of the roving and bring it through a loop or the final section of the braid. This action effectively locks the braid and, as noted, makes it really easy to roll this up for storage or use.
Optional: Securing with Felting or Tie
Alternatively, you can lightly felt the ends together using a little moisture and friction, or tie off the end securely with a piece of yarn or thread that matches the roving color.
Tips for Success
- Start with good quality roving that drafts easily.
- Keep your hands clean to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the fiber.
- If working with very long pieces, you can secure the starting end to a stable surface (like a table edge) while you braid.
- To join new roving, overlap the ends of the old and new roving and lightly felt or twist them together to create a continuous strand before continuing to braid.
Uses for Braided Roving
Braided wool roving can be used for various crafts and decorations, including:
- Making rugs or trivets
- Creating decorative elements for baskets or wreaths
- Crafting soft cords or handles
- Adding texture to fiber art pieces
Braiding roving is a simple technique that transforms loose fiber into a functional or decorative cord, easily secured at the end for various uses.
