TSR Bleat - Braiding Techniques

Adding-On Roving Strands

Since we keep our torn strands of roving only about 2-3 feet long, there comes a time when we have to add on the next strand. You'll notice that the torn strands have tapered ends. It's these tapered ends that are overlapped when adding-on.

• Braid down until you have a 3-4 inch tail left on the braid
• I like to do my add-ons when the short strand comes to the center
• Just lay the new strand onto the old strand, right under your thumb
• Bring the next strand over and keep on braiding
• If a little tuft of roving peeks out, just tuck it in with the next strand or wait until after the felting process, if you can still find it then, just cut it off.

Adding on a Black strand to the short Lilac strand

Tuck the Black strand under the thumb



 Bring the next strand over the add-on

TSR Bleat - Braiding Techniques Part 2

Adjusting Strand Thickness
Ideally, I like to have my braids"Thumb-Thick". This means that the braid will be about the thickness of my thumb. Since roving comes in several thicknesses, some adjustment my be necessary. Look at the photo, you'll notice that the

•  Lilac-colored strand is composed of several pieces of very thin roving, about 8 strands
•  Teal-colored strand is quite a bit thicker, only 2 strands are needed
• Brown-colored strand is very thick, so only one strand is needed