I started braiding cord before I went to rawhide to make spending money in college. The best braid is 9 strands. 4 strand in one hand and 5 strands in the other, working the side with 5 strands over 2 under 2 from side to side. if you have a snug braid you should be able to use 3/4" conway buckle for adjustment. This is a nice braid for cord.