Jugglebraiding, also known as whipcord braiding, is a very ancient four-strand rope-making technique. Jugglebraiding is one of my favorite workshops to lead. I discovered this little-known craft when I was learning how to create a Skjoldehamn Hood.

It takes two people to jugglebraid. The top hook is hung from the ceiling, and yarns or threads are tied from the top hook to each handle. Each person takes one handle in each hand, and passes them back and forth to braid a four-strand rope.

I developed this crooked-neck shape based on the wool-spinning stick-spindles shown to me by my colleague Dr. Mathilde Yakymets-Lind. These wool-processing tools were apparently quite common in the ancient world. After some trial and error, I found out that this design is also perfect for jugglebraiding!

Jugglebraiding with a partner is rhythmic, hypnotic, and very quick. Two people going at a steady pace can make a six-foot rope in just a few minutes. It is a great activity for busting your yarn stash, too! I love running jugglebraiding as a workshop - both making the sets, and braiding with them.