Braids: 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru & Beyond

This is a great book if you are interested in braiding. A nice (but not overwhelming) number of braiding structures are covered...as well as the history of the braids and how to make and use equipment. The braids are introduced according to their similarity in complexity and structure..making this a great book to use as you broaden your braiding skills. What is interesting about the braids is that they originate from a number of places in the world...(not just Japan) and Mr. Owen has done a fabulous job of grouping them logically according to the nature of their structures. (ie. ...if you work through the book, you will find yourself building on skills from previous sections.) It should also be noted that he has provided a wonderful starting point for anyone seriously interested in exploring braiding on their own. He gives basic instructions and but does not present formulaic creations which the braider can simply reproduce....Rather, he gives you all the tools you need to find your own way...without the pitfalls....You could not ask for more in a book. :-) Also, if you ever get the chance...take a class with him. He is a lovely gentleman who is a gifted teacher.

The initial chapter describes the materials and equipment needed to weave braids and provides directions for creating three differently shaped braiding looms using cardboard or foam board (round, square, rectangle). The majority of the book is a compilation of braids using varying numbers of threads and color combinations. Color photographs show every braid and charts show the method to use, whether on the traditional Japanese wooden loom or on the cardboard loom. It was fascinating to learn about Peruvian braiding techniques and compare that to the better-known Japanese craft. There are several very good books on braiding available that have specific projects one can create; the strength of this book is the encyclopedic compilation of over 200 patterns and the photographs illustrating each braid. Highly recommended to use as a reference tool.We're using this book as our guide for a family craft program at our library. Participants will create a flat woven bookmark from embroidery thread or 1/8 - 1/4 inch ribbon. We're in the process of cutting out square looms from a cardboard shipping box.

OK. So this book do have 250 bread and its greeeeeat. U get lost trying to choose one to make. The pictures and diagrams are so greatly clear . On the other hand , there is no introduction :sI never made a bread before so i was like , what should i do with all these paintings and doodles , what it mean!I was able to get through it but watching some clearfing examples videos on you tube and here on amazon like these (http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Toys-137W-Friendship-Wheel/dp/B002F9SIUI/ref=pd_sim_t_3) and (http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Friends-Friendship-Bracelet-Colors/dp/B000OVBH48/ref=pd_sim_t_20)I dont regret buying this book but it give me a bit of a headache to know how to use it. Ones i passed that stage, it was Great.Good Luck . Hebah from Ksa/UK

If you are an absolute beginner at braid making, then I might suggest starting out with books by Jacqui Carey. But if you are the least bit familiar with braiding with square or round cards or the Maru Dai, then this book will be a cinch. It is remarkable for the variety of braids offered - 4, 8, 16 or 24 strands; flat; spiral; hollow; triangular; pentagon; Peruvian; Japanese, etc. A color illustration is included for every braid, and there are also several other full page color pictures.This book is a little hard to find. If you come across a copy, grab it. There are enough variations here to challenge you creatively for years!

This book has a complete introduction to complex braids. Rodrick Owen goes from easy to very complex but amazing patterns. it shows you how to start in this wonderful art with proper and alternative tools and equipments. Braiding work is explained to be completed with both either a cardboard or a Marudai. The instructions are very clear and the photographs as well which show what you will get at the end of the task. Peruvian patterns and their variation are really awesome. I love this book. One of my best seller in braiding art.

This book talks about the history of braiding from the ancient cultures and depicts braiding from those ancient cultures. Talks about Equipment to buy and to make, materials required and provides a huge variety of braiding designs. Flat braids, spiral braids, hollow and 6-sided braids and more. Up to 16,20 and 24 strand braids. This should keep me occupied for quite a spell.

Good book, but could have had more 3D braids (solid sinnets, [ABoK]), with a larger variety of cross-section shapes. Could have included some Ply-Split braids, some knotted braids, and more woven flat sinnets, and some advice for estimating amount of cord needed.

Great book for learning different types of braiding.

This is a complete book with a detailed method and an extensive selection of braids from around the world. Amazing!