A Study on Traditional Techniques of Hand Braiding in China

Abstract

According to unearthed materials of braids, hand braiding originate in the last stage of the Old Stone Age China and has a history of over 7000 years, which remains a unique handicraft in our society. In terms of the arrangement of yarns, braiding can be categorized into two kinds of techniques: double system braiding and single system. In ancient China, most braids were made by double system braiding. The technique of single system braiding was at its peak of development in the Zhou dynasty. Around the Han dynasty, diagonal braiding and twist braiding were in fashion, and a complex braiding technique of the combining of the two types of braiding was invented. Since the Shang dynasty, the application of braiding has been limited to narrow fabrics, shaped products, and some special trimmings, such as knots. Double system braiding was directly responsible for the development of machine weaving. Loop braiding and crook braiding are similar to modern knitting and crocheting in many aspects. The scope of braiding application has now diminished, but its technical and cultural significance remains.

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