braid turned out rather flat instead of round

[CharlieR]

Was going to braid a bolo for a firend and was using kangaroo in a 6 plait for the main body of the bolo--was trying to get good tight braidand stay consistant, but the braid turned out rather flat instead of round. I tried to roll it, but it would not roll properly due to the flat nature of the braid. Should I have used a core --- what did I do wrong?

[HorsehairBraider]

This is my experience. Braids have an innate shape. Choosing a braid that is inherently round will give better results, if you are after a round shape; if you want the braid round but have chosen one that is *not* inherently round, then you need to core.

I've gotten the 6-strand braid (with a sequence of under two, over one) to work out fairly round but the material was more rawhide-like and not real flat like leather lace would be. Even so the braid was not *really* round - it was more an odd multi-sided shape.

I need to change my signature - "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted." I don't think you did anything wrong, you just came up with a different result than what you expected. That's a terrific learning opportunity.

[Opagon]

I concur with Horsehair, if plaiting with 6 and wanting round, a core should be used when working with leather strings.

[CharlieR]

Hey guys--thanks for the info. I was braiding over one, under one on this project which was to be a bolo--but since it came out flat, my plans have changed--now it will be a hatband. Back to the drawing board!!!