Braiding is one of the simplest methods of interlacing yarn or other fibers. A person using this technique braids three or more fibers by passing each one diagonally over and under one or more of the others.
Braided material is sometimes used as decorative trim on clothing. Such trim consists of a single piece of braid because braid ends cannot be neatly joined. Today, most decorative braid is made by special machines and machine attachments.
During the 1800’s, women enjoyed stitching gold, silk, or wool braid to fabric as a form of decoration. This type of decoration was faster and less tedious to create than certain types of embroidery. Later, soutache braid became popular. This braid can be sewn loosely in place by hand and then machine stitched.
Today, people use braiding techniques to make a wide range of products. These products include shaped articles, such as straw hats and small rugs; narrow fabrics, such as ribbons for women’s hats; cords and tapes, including wicks, shoelaces, and fishlines; and cord coverings for tires, tubing, wires, and cables.
