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ProtoType8: Seven Squares | Body Parts

A beautiful handmade piece with a diamond pattern made from Alaudae Japan's original Foru-ami. Two pieces of material measuring 15mm wide x 27m long are used to weave the Body Parts and Handle Parts. Here, we will explain how to make the Body Parts in a detailed step-by-step manner so that even beginners can easily make them.

This knitting pattern provides detailed instructions, both visual and textual, for creating your project. Please download the diagram to your computer or smartphone and print it on paper of your choice. By referring to the pattern step by step, you can create your project more smoothly.
Fortuna Pearl 001F-15029 and 001F-15030

How to Make an Accent Bag with a HISHIGATAKOSHI Pattern and Two-Tone Border Stitch Handle Using Fortuna Pearl 15mm Wide x 27M Rolls x 2

- Prologue -
This is a prototype that explores the maximum size achievable through weaving, using two 15mm wide Fortuna Pearl strands. By incorporating the HISHIGATAKOSHI pattern and the newly devised Two-Tone Border Stitch, we have created a beautiful piece that minimizes material waste. The Two-Tone Border Stitch used for the handle is explained in detail in the Handle Parts section, so please feel free to utilize it in your own creations.
A collection of cut materials

ProtoType8: Preparation of materials based on the Seven Squares knitting pattern

- Dividing materials -
・Material Cutting: Materials labeled "A1-Ǎ1" to "A27-Ǎ27" in the [Arrangement:] are required. Please refer to the Count of cells in column R [Required length:] to determine the cutting dimensions.
・Length and Width: According to the "ount of cells in column R [Required length:], we need a total of 54 pieces: 27 pieces for the length and 27 pieces for the width.
・Cut Quantity: Please refer to the attached image for the required quantities after cutting.
・Scrap Material: The scrap material in the front of the image will be used as handles.
・[Important] Please note that this is still a prototype, and the number of grid cells may change in the future.
Proceed with the work based on the above information.
Materials arranged vertically

How to Arrange Your Materials

- Arranging Materials Vertically -
As shown in the example using GINNEZU materials, we can arrange materials vertically. Since the arrangement is the same both horizontally and vertically, you can also arrange KONJIKI materials vertically. Please arrange the colors you prefer vertically.
Tips:
・Minimize gaps: Try to keep the gaps between materials as small as possible.
・Create clean squares: Smaller gaps will result in cleaner squares (grid).
・Improve efficiency: Smaller gaps will make folding and weaving easier.
For those who want to make multiple pieces:
・The way you arrange your materials greatly affects the finished product. By arranging them neatly with no gaps, you can create a more beautiful piece. Please give it a try.
The size of the double-sided tape attached to the work surface

How to Use Double-Sided Tape

Tips for vertical alignment: Part 1

At Alaudae Japan, we've found that using double-sided tape is the most effective way to accurately align materials. Let's take the example of arranging 27 pieces, each 15mm wide.
・Prepare Your Work Surface: Begin by applying double-sided tape to your work surface. To allow for some wiggle room, prepare a piece of tape that's about 410mm to 420mm long.
・Apply the Tape: Cut the tape to size and adhere it to one corner of your work surface.
・Secure the Materials: Carefully place each material onto the double-sided tape, one at a time.
Benefits of This Method:
・Precise Alignment: Using double-sided tape prevents materials from shifting, ensuring accurate placement.
・Efficiency: Securing all materials at once saves time.
・Stability: The double-sided tape keeps materials firmly in place, reducing the risk of shifting during the process.
Tips:
・Ensure a Smooth Work Surface: Verify that your work surface is flat and free of bumps or irregularities.
・Tape Width: While we initially used 15mm-wide tape, we've found that 40mm-wide tape offers better adhesion.
・Choose the Right Tape: Opt for reusable double-sided tape. Excessive adhesive strength can damage your work surface or materials.
Conclusion:
・Using double-sided tape is an effective technique for arranging various materials.

The edge position of the first material attached with double-sided tape

We will use the top edge of the double-sided tape as the zero point.

Tips for vertical alignment: Part 2
Securing the First Material
To ensure accurate placement of A1-Ǎ1, we aligned the top edge of the double-sided tape with the 10 cm mark on the ruler. The end of A1-Ǎ1 was then attached 45 mm below this alignment point. This 45 mm offset corresponds to the extra mesh count specified for symbol P of A1-Ǎ1 in the knitting pattern, confirming that it has been positioned correctly as per the pattern.
Align a square with the edge of the first material adhered using double-sided tape

A ruler placed at the top of the double-sided tape

Tips for vertical alignment: Part 3
Addition of a square to the image
We've added an image showing a square placed at the top edge of the double-sided tape to further illustrate "Tips for vertical alignment: Part 2." This visual aid should make it easier to understand how the position 45mm below the 10cm mark on the tape aligns with the excess mesh count indicated by symbol P in the knitting pattern.
Position of the first horizontal material

Position of the first horizontal material

Tips for vertical alignment: Part 4
As you can see in the image, the first horizontal material is aligned perfectly with the top edge of the double-sided tape. This alignment ensures a neat and seamless finish between the materials.
Twisted state of the first vertical material

A vertical material as seen from one's perspective

Tips for vertical alignment: Part 5
Due to a twist in the first vertical material, the right angle could not be maintained. To address this, a double-sided tape was applied at the 430mm mark, facilitating the assembly of the horizontal material. However, the adhesive strength of the current tape is insufficient, necessitating the use of a stronger adhesive or an increase in tape length.
Adjusted first vertical material

Adjusted first vertical material

Tips for vertical alignment: Part 6
By correcting the twist of the first vertical piece of material and attaching it with double-sided tape at the 430mm position, we were able to ensure a right angle. This allows the subsequent work of arranging the vertical materials to be performed smoothly.
Vertically aligned materials

The vertical work is complete

Tips for vertical alignment: Part 7
Please proceed with the vertical arrangement referring to the previously explained "tips for vertical alignment". The spacing for symbol P is 45mm between B1 and B9, but varies for symbol Q between B10 to B36.
Note:
・The spacing between B1 and B9 is actually excessive, but it is set to 45mm for ease of work.
・The spacing between B10 and B36 varies for each column, but if the difference is insignificant, it can be unified by adjusting the number of excess grid units.
・While you can reduce material waste by adjusting the number of excess grid units, ensure that there is sufficient length to prevent the final assembly from failing.
A zoomed-in image of the assembly with three tiers

To insert the material sideways

To insert horizontally: Part 1
When assembling the materials both vertically and horizontally, the most important point is to create a square without any gaps. Although the basic process is similar to general weaving, we will proceed carefully with the horizontal work to reduce gaps as much as possible.

The horizontal excess dimension to the third tier

To insert horizontally: Part 2
Zooming in on the initial image, although the double-sided tape is hidden, we can see that a 50mm ruler is placed against the top edge of the double-sided tape, and the left side of the vertical material "A1-Ǎ1" aligns with the 45mm mark on the ruler (although the image displays 43mm). This indicates that the horizontal side is also positioned in the same manner, ensuring that the dimensions of both the vertical and horizontal sides match precisely. Please note that while the image shows 43mm, the actual measurement is 45mm.
Dimensions of the excess material on the third row, opposite side

The horizontal excess dimension to the third tier (Other side)

To insert horizontally: Part 3
Let's examine the opposite end. Considering that the maximum length of the ruler is 500mm, the total width of the 27 vertical materials, each 15mm wide, is 405mm. Adding the extra length of 45mm, the total width becomes 450mm (although the image displays 452mm). Moreover, from the end of the vertical material "A1-Ǎ1" on the opposite side, there is an extra length of approximately 250-260mm. This corresponds to the length of the extra portion of the last vertical material, "A27-Ǎ27". Please note that there may be a slight difference between the measurements in the image and the actual measurements.
Braided image from the 6th to the 17th row
Braiding up to the sixth row
Braiding up to the sixth row
Braiding up to the 10th row
Braiding up to the 10th row
Braiding up to the 14th row
Braiding up to the 14th row
Braiding up to the 17th row
Braiding up to the 17th row
  • Braiding up to the sixth row
  • Braiding up to the 10th row
  • Braiding up to the 14th row
  • Braiding up to the 17th row
Rotated 180 degrees

About the posture for braiding work

To insert horizontally: Part 4
If you find yourself leaning forward and straining your shoulders and back around the 17th row of braiding, try turning your worktable 180 degrees and braiding from the opposite side.
Benefits of rotating your worktable:
・Easier posture: Changing the direction of your work naturally changes your posture, reducing strain on your shoulders and back.
・Enjoy braiding until the end: By preventing fatigue and pain caused by maintaining the same posture for long periods, you can enjoy braiding comfortably until the end.
・Note: This method is only applicable if your worktable can rotate 180 degrees or if there is space to work from the opposite side.
・Work environment: Even if your worktable cannot rotate 180 degrees, adjust your posture as needed to find a comfortable position that suits your work environment and enjoy braiding.
Summary
・ If you are struggling with braiding, please try braiding from the opposite side by rotating your worktable 180 degrees. We hope this method will help make your braiding more comfortable.
・Let's enjoy braiding in a comfortable position without strain!
Completed 27 vertical and horizontal braids

The first 27 vertical and horizontal braids have been completed

To insert horizontally: Part 5
The initial 27x27 braid has been completed, and the Body Parts for Proto Type 8: Seven Squares are taking shape! While the image might show excess length in the unbraided portions, rest assured that these extra parts are essential for adding three-dimensional volume in the next step. By skillfully folding these excess parts, the 3D Body Parts for Proto Type 8: Seven Squares will be completed.
Let's take the next step in this process.
Back to Body Parts