plysplit groups.io Group
groups.io
This is a discussion group for anyone interested in ply-splitting.  You can ask questions; give advice; share photos; and discuss techniques, equipment, materials, books, and more.   We host a quarterly event, “Show & Tell & Ask” on Zoom.  If you know about a ply-splitting workshop, please post information about it here. Ply-splitting is a technique in which plied cords are pulled through the plies of other cords to create flat and three-dimensional objects. The tradition comes to us from the Thar desert of NW India, where men made sturdy and decorative girths, carrying straps, bags, and neck decorations for their camels. Contemporary fiber artists are just beginning to explore the potential of ply-splitting to make baskets, mats, rugs, wall hangings, bags, hats, ornaments, jewelry, and scarves.

To the best of my knowledge, most of the contemporary work in ply-split braiding is being done/talked about there. They have frequent show-and-tell Zoom meetings and always seem to be trying new things with the technique. Especially some of the 3D stuff, that really seems like it’s at the forefront of handmade textiles in general. Of course, I’d love it if some of them would come post here too! 😝

If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s a very accessible craft. All you need is a tool called a “gripfid”, although admittedly they can be hard to find. Once you’ve got one though, the whole hobby is very portable and easy to put away at a moment’s notice. It lends itself well to experimenting without a pattern as well.