# of strings formula

[rawhider]

How about I post my quirt core and you all tell me what width to cut the string...

I'll just tell you know without even looking. 3/32" strings 20 plait. You shouldn't have any problems...

[entiendo]

Holy moly!!! 20 strings!! I can't even hold 6 in each hand yet. What's the pattern for 20 strings? In all seriousness though, it does make sense, because that's the size I cut the most and I could actually braid my quirt with spare string from other projects if I waited long enough. A quirt isn't that long so instead of key chains and bracelets I'd have a lovely quirt. I'm dreaming though, there's no way I'm ready for 20 strings! Perhaps I could make a smaller quirt core though and try 12 plait again.

[megabit]

I'm dreaming though, there's no way I'm ready for 20 strings! Perhaps I could make a smaller quirt core though and try 12 plait again.

Ok, don't want 20 * 3/32, just change to 8 * 1/4 seems like from the math it should cover about the same.

60/32 = 7.5/4 right?

[rawhider]

There he goes again with the math!!!

Depends on how big your core is. I use a 1/2" core on most of my bosals and braid an 1/8" 12 plait braid around it. I end up with about a 5/8" bosal, so that would make a good stout quirt.

[entiendo]

Thanks mega, but I have to admit I don't like cutting my roo that big. I actually don't like cutting it over 1/8" My first quirt I did cut it fairly large so I could get a good feel for what I wanted to do.

It's going to take me a bit to figure out how to make it 1/2". I follow the instructions for a quirt in Grants cowboy gear book. I take leather strips and wrap it in wax string. I really like the feel of it but it's difficult to get an exact size.

[jerryrwm]

Holy moly!!! 20 strings!! I can't even hold 6 in each hand yet. What's the pattern for 20 strings? In all seriousness though, it does make sense, because that's the size I cut the most and I could actually braid my quirt with spare string from other projects if I waited long enough. A quirt isn't that long so instead of key chains and bracelets I'd have a lovely quirt. I'm dreaming though, there's no way I'm ready for 20 strings! Perhaps I could make a smaller quirt core though and try 12 plait again.

Don't sell yourself short. You can do it if you put you mind to it.

The pattern for 8 plait is u2 - o2.

The pattern for 12 plait is o2 - u2 - o2.

The pattern for 16 plait is u2 - o2 - u2 - o2

The pattern for 20 plait is o2 - u2 - o2 - u2 - o2

The pattern for 24 plait is u2 - o2 - u2 - o2 - u2 - o2

These will give you the herringbone pattern.

If you use the whipmaker's pattern it would be as follows:

8 Plait is u2 - o2

12 plait is u3 - o3

16 plait is u4 - o4

20 plait is u5 - o5 (Not usually used in whipmaking. It has been used, but not common)

24 plait is u6 - o6

Just remember to keep the strings in order, and work one side then the other. You have to concentrate on one string at a time. The rest don't come into play until it is their time to be worked.

Give it a try. And as Peter Jack told me once. "Every so often you need to turn it over and see what's going on in the back."

Jerry

[entiendo]

Wow, thanks Jerry. I might just give it a try.

[rhall]

I can tell you about the Whiskey...I have been on an Evan Williams 1783 Brand for the last year.It's their Ten year old Straight Bourbon..I probably shouldn't tell you guys ,I been givin it as Christmas gifts and I have had nothing but rave reports.Nice on the rocks and does'nt have that nasty bite like JD or some of the others.About 20 for the 1.75 size.It helps me deal with what they are doing to my Country here in the Wash Metro area.You folks teach me something every time I sign on!!

[rawhider]

Evan Williams... I'll have to give it a try!

[JLD]

Back off the Whiskey, even though I like a drop myself. and back to 3/32" stings??

What are you using to cut them so fine. I find the finer I try to cut the harder it is to keep even.

Johanne