Learn the historic American craft of continuous wool rug braiding with the folds on the right, while creating your own round mat, perfect for use as a placemat. When you braid with wool, you join a long tradition of folk artists who have made beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces by hand. This craft is both simple and challenging — labor-intensive, rhythmic, and deeply satisfying.
This two-week class series, designed for beginners, that includes:
- Week 1: Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 from 9:30 - 12:30pm
- We will start with a demo on creating a “T-Start”.
- The T-start has been done for you but it is easy to do.
- Information will be presented on the following:
- Wool fabric: qualities, how to measure, and how to cut wool strips in1 5⁄8” widths; Supplies, including needles (darning, lacing, straight pins), hemostat to tighten loops, and equipment such as clamps, and fabric cutters;
- Students will learn to use a clamp, and learn to braid while folding and keeping the edges of the folded strand to the right. They will learn the difference between straight braiding and shaping their projects by twisting folded fabric strands (tubes) to create a circular shape.
- They will braid the folded strands by pulling to the left and right to make a plump braid.
- Homework: students will continue braiding at home.
- Week 2: Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026 from 9:30 - 12:30pm
- We will learn to splice tubular interlocking lacing thread to avoid knots. Students will learn to increase while lacing their braids to their rug. Lastly, students will learn how to finish their project by tapering, which is a procedure used by the Shakers.
- By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and confidence to continue this timeless craft on your own.
Students may select 3 colors for their braid - Please indicate your color preferences when completing the registration form.
Students should bring their own large darning needle, sewing needle & thread
Please read our Class Attendee Policy, which includes our cancellation policy, prior to registering.
Location: upstairs Fiber Arts Space, accessible via stairs or elevator
Class Size: 2-6 students
Age Group: Adults 18+
Registration Fee: $50 Non-members, $45 Members
Non-members will need to sign our General Waiver at the beginning of class if they do not already have one on file.
Materials Fee: $25 to cover the cost of wool fabrics and lacing thread, payable to instructor at the beginning of class via cash or check.
Please note, While these supplies will be provided for students to borrow during the class, there’s also an option to purchase the following from the teacher at/after class:
- Clamps @ $15
- Braided Rug Book by Sturgess @ $15
- Hemostat pliers @ $10
- Braided Rug Book @ $15
Instructor: Betty Parker
Betty Parker of Sandwich, New Hampshire, is a recognized expert and demonstrator of traditional wool rug braiding, frequently showcasing her craft at New England fairs, including the Acton, ME Fair and the Fryeburg Fair. Please stop by and visit Betty at her booth in the Agricultural Exhibition Hall during this year’s Fryeburg Fair!
Betty specializes in braiding with wool, often utilizing traditional, high-quality, or repurposed materials to create durable, classic rug designs. Her work aligns with traditional New England, American-style, hand-braided, and sewn rag rugs.
Betty is involved in the regional craft community and is associated with local groups such as the White Mountain Rug Braiders and Hookers. She is also a member of the Rug Braiders International.
