curlyjo

The easiest way to figure those buttons is to use a different colored string with each pass, meaning dark for u1/o1 then light for building u2/o2, then dark again for the u3/o3 pattern. Or use dark all the way through the u2/o2 pass and then switch to light. Once you get started, the proper pattern to split will show up real easy. That's how I pattern my Interweave on my Heelknots. I just increase the o1/u1 sequence until I can fill in with the same color to complete the o2/u2 work. Then I flip it over and use a different color to finish the o3/u3 work. That puts a nice set of stripes and the # depends on how much you built up the original button. I hope this helps, Brad PS by flipping it over I mean going to the opposite side so you don't end up with 4 ends to bury at the same point.

My mom was quite a sewing person and she told me years ago the busiest tool she had was the ripper for tearing out mistakes!

Always nice to have the right tool for the right job! I've wore out several dismantling my projects. Brad

Many years ago I started a pair of hobbles, 1/2 4 strand braid and then 1/2 slit braid for each side. Got the braiding done on the first side, cookhouse bell rang and end result was the same as yours. Never did finish them as I didn't have any more string and had gotten that from a trip to Ca. But lesson was learned. Brad

Nice Job!

Not this weekend but coming down Nov. to check out the gear show at the Museum. Brad

Nice job and great color. Brad

I'm with Knothead on yardage from hides. I cut all my string at 6/32 and stretch and size from there. I don't generally split the strings used for Bosal bodies but split and size down for my button strings. So I guess the answer is 200+ft. depending on size of hide and amount of trim taken off before starting. Brad

I've been getting my hides from Hardtke in El Paso, Tx. Real prompt delivery, drum-stuffed Packer Hides. Cut all my own lace, 6/32, and size and bevel from there. Split button string but don't need to on the larger hackamore body strings. Brad

Someday I'll get close to that kind of work. Someone is real fortunate to have that. Brad

I make about 1/2 of mine and the other came from Bill. Will miss that source for sure. Better start tradin with the neighbors. (as long as I can pull the hides off with my P/up. No knife marks)

Go to Ebay, type in Kangaroo Hides and there are some inexpensive hides for sale that might work for practise. Can't verify quality but there is one place.

Thanks Bucksnort and Leatherpownder. If anyone gets there to Monterey, stop by and talk shop. Brad

Matching bosals, natural tan bodies, whiskey color buttons over rawhide cores. Left to right 16 strand 5/8", 12 strand 1/2", 12 strand 3/8" and 8 strand 1/4". They will be available at the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival, December 13, 14 & 15th or sooner if you are interested. Hope to see you at the festival, Brad Tarp Braiding.

Also to be included, large soft silver polishing wheel, designed to bring conchos and small silver items to a high degree of shine but instead grabs them and flings them into the farthest region of shop area and brings tears to your eyes if you were stupid enough to stick a finger into the loop back portion of said concho.

Why don't you come down here and give me a demo? I'll buy lunch!!!

Looks very good!

Great job!

I'm a little slow getting here but you might try giddyupflix.com and rent some DVD's and see if those could help you. They have all kinds of titles and Bryan Neubert has 2 different DVD's, one beginning and one advanced. Easy to follow along and if you hit a snag, back it up and play again. Scroll down forum and check Rawhide Braiding or Tack and Gear Making. If it works then you can purchase but it gives you the option to look first. Just an idea. And anything on there can be built with Paracord to practice and figure out. Brad

Tejas sells string but it isn't beveled. And it's cut dry in circles so sometimes it carries the arc in the string. But it will work to practise. Brad

It's a personal preference on what method to use. I take a tiny bit off the top side on my strings, even the smallest ones, 3/32 wide. With drumstuffed you can't hardly see it but with other types it does show a definite color change on each edge. That's just my opinion and you can try several ways to see what works for you. Brad

Great job, nice looking. Brad

I just put them the way I think they should be and measure away. Not to scientific but when I show one in pictures I just try to say " as pictured". Brad

Thanks everyone. Megabit, if you're still going to Carmel Valley Ranchers Roundup in the middle of Sept., bring some $ you've got buried! I'm setting up a table FULL of braided Bosals and Hackamores and other necessary items that you might need, excuse me, do need. Brad

I should have written more description. If my wife didn't post the Pics, you'd have to come here to look!! They are braided over 5/16th Riata for cores. The nosebuttons are 28 strand, the bodies 12 strand. On the left, 11 1/4" inside, the other 11". I've built 8 out of that one side and think I can get another 2 more.( 7-12 stranders and 1 8 strander). Thanks, Brad