Gimp Braiding Projects

General Directions

Standard and wide gimps have a seam on one face. Always start braiding with this seam next to the core and be careful at the edge of the braid to fold each strand so that the seam remains inside or on the back of the work. Titan lacing is seamless, and therefore can be used with either surface on the outside of the braid. A well-made article, however, should have no twisted strands, whether made of standard gimp, or of seamless Titan lacing.

In all work with gimp it is essential to keep all the strands pulled tight, and to adjust every row of stitches, in order to ensure that the braid will be uniform.

Long working strands may be tied in coils to keep them from snarling. If it is necessary to splice a strand, slice away half the thickness of the gimp on both of the ends to be joined. Overlap the two ends and lead them through several stitches, then trim off the extra material. (Fig. 1.) If it is necessary to set the braid aside before it is finished, use ordinary paper clips or knot the strands to keep them in place.