Ply-Splitting Tools | Gripfids

Tablet Weaving and Ply-Splitting Books, Tools & Kits

Gripfids for Ply-Split Braiding

My husband, John Brockway, makes the gripfids when we receive an order-- we do not have them in stock. It is helpful if you contact me to let me know what you're ordering, so John can plan to start working on it. He often has a backlog of orders, but normally can finish making items within a week or two after we receive your order. If it's going to take longer, we'll let you know. Thank you for your patience.

We encourage you to make your own tools. We are always willing to share whatever we know, including were to find raw materials and methods of fabrication. Check my Links page for information.

Gripfids -- Ply-Splitting Needles
$ 12.00 each

Needle sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 10.5
Please order gripfids by needle size.

John makes gripfids from hollow nickel-plated brass knitting needles. Standard length for the needle (not including knob) is about 6". If you would prefer a shorter gripfid, just let me know when you order.

Click here to watch John's video on how he makes gripfids.

Examples of needle size and suitable cord diameter:
Needle Size 6 -- for cords approximately 3/32" diameter (a little smaller than 1/8"). For example, 4-ply cords made with four strands of 10/2 perle cotton in each ply, with 15% IOT shrinkage. Cords with these specifications are available on my page for Artist-Made Cords and Cord Kits and also my page for Kits for Ply-Split Braids and Ornaments.

Needle Size 9 -- for cords approximately 5/32" in diameter (a little larger than 1/8"). For example, 4-ply cords made with four strands of 5/2 perle cotton per ply, with 20% IOT shrinkage. Also for 4-ply cords made with one strand of Wraphia II paper ribbon per ply, with 15% IOT shrinkage. Cords with these specifications are available on my page for Artist-Made Cords and Cord Kits and also my page for Kits for Ply-Split Baskets.

Helpful hint to determine what size you need: A gauge with holes corresponding to knitting needle sizes is available in knitting and craft stores. The one shown here is the Knit-Chek by Susan Bates. The holes in the gauge are the outer dimension of the knitting needles, and you need to allow for the wall thickness and a little wiggle room. Therefore, the gripfid size needed is generally one or two sizes larger than the hole that fits your cord.

Double-Pointed Gripfids
Ply-Splitting Needles
$ 12.00 each

Needle sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 10.5
Please order gripfids by needle size.

Some ply-split braids have both rightward and leftward splittings in the same row. The traditional way of working a leftward splitting is to turn the work over so you can make a rightward splitting. For some designs, this can mean a lot of turning the work over. My solution to this was to have John make a double-pointed gripfid. This tool remains a knitting needle on one end (instead of having a knob), and John turns the other end into a gripfid. Here's how it works (also see the photo). Make the splitting with the knitting needle end. Push the tool through to the left, insert the cord in the channel and pull the cord through to the left.

You can watch my video about using a gripfid to make leftward splittings. This video is also available on my youtube channel,
https://www.youtube.com/lindahendrickson

Little Mermaid Gripfid Holder

$12.00 ..... Kit with instructions and artist-made cords

$3.00 ..... Instructions only in PDF format , if you want to make your own cords.

Make this cute little holder for your gripfid and learn ply-splitting techniques at the same time. The knob on your gripfid becomes the little mermaid's head. Use a size 9 gripfid to make the mermaid (gripfid sold separately).

This kit contains cords from paper ribbon, and complete instructions for the design shown, as well as suggestions for variations.

I will make 4-ply cords for you from a paper ribbon by Berwick called Wraphia II. You will receive 3 cords, approximately 120" long, which you will tape and cut according to the instructions. You may choose up to three different colors from the Color Chart for Paper Cords below. When all cords are the same color/value, the texture of the ply-splitting is emphasized. If you use more than one color, a stripe pattern will spiral around the tubes. The structures used to make the Little Mermaid are POT (plain oblique twining) and SCOT (single-course oblique twining).

When ordering, please write "Little Mermaid Kit", and color names.

Color Chart -- Paper Cords for Ply-Splitting
This color chart shows paper cords, suitable for use with a size 9 gripfid. I use Wraphia II paper ribbon by Berwick to make these cords.