Samurai Undressed by Jacqui Carey. Originally published in 1995 and now out of print this book* explores the uses of braids used to lace Samurai armour, good illustrations and photos showing how the armour was laced together and tied to the body. Descriptions of underclothes, footwear and the fabrics along with line diagrams, color and monotone photographs.
Imported, 80 pages, softcover, $17.95 (*we have only 15 copies)

Chinese Braid Embroidery
This is a very well written book about the history and current state of Chinese braiding today and the use of these braids to decorate clothing, hence the "embroidery" in the title. It offers excellent instruction on braiding, with graphics, photos, written instruction and a written summary of each braid structure. The same attention to detail has been used in the embroidery section of the book

There are many photos of braiding stands, bobbins, braids, clothing and embroidery. A braiding stand with bobbins using a basket is illustrated. The western braider can make a similar stand by using lace bobbins or other items in the household. After studying the photos I used old wooden weavers pirns (bobbins) weighted with beads. Imported, full color, 128 pages, softcover, $44.95

Beginners Guide to Braiding: The Craft of Kumihimo A great beginners book for the marudai covering materials and equipment, square, round, flat, honeycomb, and hollow braids all for eight end braids. Excellent color photos and written instruction that includes use of traditional kumihimo threads and textured yarns. Jacqui Carey always offers timeless color and design suggestions.

Soft cover, full color, 64 pages, $15.95.

Creative Kumihimo An excellent book when you are ready to design your own braids and looking for creative ideas. Chapters cover equipment, technique, designing, expanding the number of bobbins, finishing techniques and over fifty braids from four to sixteen bobbins.

Soft cover, full color, 100 pages, $39.95

Beads and Braids Add beads to your braids during braiding or sew them on later. Chapters cover Equipment, Materials, Working methods, Braiding sequinces, Beading after, before and during braiding and finishing up with Ends and joins. Excellent creative braids with beautiful photos.

Soft cover, full color, 193 pages, $49.95.

Braids & Beyond: A Broad Look at Narrow Wares by Jacqui Carey. This very interesting book was published to go with the Braids & Beyond Exhibition in England in 2003. The exhibition displayed a wide range of uses for braids and other narrow textiles. The book was not intended as a catalog of the exhibition but as a useful introduction to many narrow textiles with excellent clear photographs and diagrams and good instruction. Subjects covered are; Braids, Twisting, Knotting, French Knitting, Lucet, Weaving, Tablet or Card Weaving, Kumihimo or Bobbin braiding, Loop Manipulation, Sprang and Ply-Split.
Soft cover, 56 pages $19.95