entiendo

I don't know who she is and I'm sure she put a lot of work into the tutorial, but my comments were honest criticisms and not meant to hurt anyone's feelings, and I stand by them. It does not matter to me what size dog the leash is for, all 4 strands should wrap around the ring. And since your weakest point is at the ring that is held by 2 strands of leather, a core is moot, except if you want the leash to have a larger diameter. It will be easier for a beginning braider to work 4 strands without having to worry about a core. And while the rest is nice basic instructions, I gave further advice on how she may be able to make a leash even a bit better. When it's all said and done this is my opinion, it doesn't have to be yours or the person that did the tutorials.

I mean no offense but that's not the best tutorial. The core wasn't wrapped around the ring, so why bother using a core at all. There is a big weak spot where the leash connects to the ring. A big dog could just pop those 2 strings with ease. That lace is also really thick and her final result isn't really that smooth. FYI, 4 and 6 strands can both be braided without a core. Try it that way first so you can get the hang of it. Use saddle soap or something similar to make your string slick so it will slide well so you can braid it really tight. Wash your leash after you are done and let it dry for about 45 minutes. When it's almost dry, roll it between two pieces of wood, that will smooth it out a lot. Cowhide won't be quite as smooth as kangaroo but it's a start. I think there are instructions on leatherworker some where on how to do a turnback or a splice, because all four strands should be in the ring, not just two. The same turnback can be done on the handle as well.

Wow, those are GREAT...but you have to buy 500???? Don't have a market for that many

I couldn't find anything on Tandy, must not be online yet. The two places didn't have what I wanted. I want something like the clasp in this picture. And I'd rather not glue. Thank you very, very much for your replies. Hopefully I can find something.

Anyone know where I can get nice clasps? Magnetic would be nice. And I would like it if I didn't have to glue the plaiting in. I've been searching forever with no luck.

Thanks Bevan. Heard from the customer and he wants me to make him another large piece. He loves it. Just what he wanted. Jackie

I like the thought that one of mine pieces might be to precious to one of my customers to get it dirty. Ego I guess. LOL

You NEVER give away your stuff to people that might night appreciate the work and love that goes into them. A family member of mine lost a beautiful braided leash out of a moving car. I understand that happening, but I can't believe she had to tell me she lost it and how she lost it. So upsetting.

Thank you!!! I really liked these. Still haven't heard from the customer.

Not adjustable, but the slide holding them on the ring could be adjusted a little. I used the measurements from bruce grants book. Hopefully they fit! Though I'm not entirely sure they will actually be used on a horse. I think they are for decorating a saddle. That's one of the problems making something you don't use yourself.

Thanks! Sorry Megabit they are already gone. Commissioned piece.

Took forever but I got them done.

Yup very shabby. Maybe one of these days I will braid as well as you do.

Thanks guys. This is a pretty old post, nice to see you posting again brock.

thanks Roo. I was considering that but I wanted something a little more simple I may just lace it with very 1/16" I don't know, I'm torn.

Anyone know how to lace plating together with a V pattern?

I used gails books too. Can you make a pineapple without reading the directions yet? I have another method but once you start the second string you can't really follow her directions anymore. You are more than welcome. When I was starting there were many there for me. I'm happy to return Karma the favor.

Very nice!

Since you sent me a PM wanting to know what I saw I worked harder to find a way to save them. I used the first set of pictures because the I couldn't find the mistakes in the pictures you sent me through the PM. So keep that in mind. reins1 has a red circle around what I think is an unsplit parallel. You have two strings going into the same area. reins2 is the same red circle with another view and a blue circle where there is a little bite hidden and under both sides of two other bights. Looks like a little loop under 2 of the loops on the ends. Does that make a bit of sense? reins3 is a better view of the area inside the blue circle. There is also a purple circle of something I can't quite make out. I think it might be where you hide an end, but I'm not sure. If it is an end I would suggest hiding it more toward the center of the knot. And be sure you go under 3. The red dots on reins3 is something I always struggle with myself, keeping my V's straight. I pointed it out so that maybe you might get in the habit of keeping your foundation straight. And the last picture, set2, is a set of a pair I made. (the snaps were not my idea and I didn't want them on there) I wanted you see how tight the buttons strings are especially on the ends, or the bights or loops. They are nice and snug right up against the other strings. You can also see that I still struggle with straight V's as well. It's just something to shoot for and work on. I hope you don't take offense.

I thought a leash could be made with rawhide. I mean if reins can be made with it, surely a leash too. Rawhide has a nice old fashioned look. I really want to learn some day.

Thank you so much Megabit! That helps a lot. I have Grant's Encyclopedia but in my experience the sizes in the book can sometimes be off a bit so I wanted to double check on the size because these hobbles are going to be a whole lot of work. Oh, what size ring is that? thanks again....

Send me the pictures and I can point out what I see. I'm not sure if it's the same thing Aggiebraider sees. In all honesty though I didn't see anything until Aggiebraider made me look again. I know how bad you want to get it right. I was the same exact way! I spent hours doing and undoing buttons. Keep at it. I'm even at it again with these hobbles I'm making. Trying different braids, string size etc. You gotta love it!

What size does each side of my hobble need to be if I'm making the type with the ring in the center.

That looks like just an over and under one flat braid. Bruce Grant Encyclopedia of braiding 90-91. It *looks* 8 strand 1/8" string, not sure.

I'm going to have to get a better picture. On closer inspection of the picture it almost looks like a round braid. The sides do have pretty good corners. I'll try for the picture tomorrow, Tonight I'm going to go for the 20 plait!! First time ever with that many strings.