Interlaced and intertwined spiraling yarns forming a braided lace structure.
Braided lace structures are formed from yarns moving continuously through space. In many patterns, yarn pairs travel as opposing spirals, crossing each other repeatedly as they move through the braid. These paired spirals form what can be described as dual helices. These helices interlace and link repeatedly, stabilizing the structure and balancing the tensions through the plexus of filaments.
Understanding the Motion
In lace braiding machines, yarn carriers move around circular tracks. As they travel, strands shift positions and cross neighboring yarns. When two yarn paths spiral around each other while progressing through the structure, they form a helical pair. One yarn spirals in one direction while the other spirals in the opposite direction. The result is a continuous interlaced structure where stability comes from the balance between these opposing motions.
The Flower of Life Interpretation
In the video, Brad Jamison explores how this interlacing motion can be visualized using the Flower of Life geometry.
The Flower of Life is usually drawn as a grid of overlapping circles arranged with hexagonal symmetry. When viewed as a set of possible paths, the intersections of these circles map where yarn crossings could occur. Instead of thinking of the pattern as circles, it can be understood as the trace of spiraling paths moving through a lattice. Where paths intersect, braid crossings occur.
Geometry Emerging from Movement
Seen this way, the Flower of Life becomes a useful visualization for understanding braided structures. The pattern illustrates how repeating spiraling paths naturally organize into hexagonal and diamond lattices. These same geometries appear frequently in lace braids. Rather than being purely symbolic, the pattern can be interpreted as a diagram of interlacing motion.
Why This Matters
Understanding braid structures as spiraling paths and helices helps explain why braided textiles are so stable and adaptable. By controlling yarn paths, it is possible to design structures that change:
- openness
- flexibility
- expansion
- structural stability
This approach treats braiding as a patterning system based on motion, rather than simply a decorative textile technique.
Watch the Video
You can watch the full explanation here:
▶ 3D Sacred Geometry: Flower of Life Reimagined with Dual Helix Structure – Yarn Topology Lace Braiding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqJ3s0k7Q3M
In the video, Brad Jamison demonstrates how the Flower of Life can be reinterpreted as interlaced spiraling yarn paths, offering a new way to understand both sacred geometry and lace braiding.