Ideas for Class Discussion
Who made braids and cords in Tudor times?
Women and girls would make these items.
Would all Tudors make their own household items, like braid?
No – wealthy Tudors would buy things made by others, but there were no factories, so everything was hand made.
Braids like the one being made in the video were made by ‘silk women’ and were often used to decorate, or trim, the clothing of wealthy people like the lady in this portrait.
What could braid or cord be used for?
Ask the class to think of uses for braid or cord. Some are mentioned in the video – can they think of any more?
Activity Ideas
Find some examples of braiding
Look at Art Uk and try to find some examples of braid used in Tudor clothing for men and women. Try the keywords ‘Tudor Portrait’.
Make some Braid
Provide a selection of wool for children to have a go at making their own braid. This page has good instructions for the type shown in our video – Making Fingerloop Braid
Good talking point for this activity might be:
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- What will you use it for?
- How long can you make it?
- Which colours will you choose and why?