Braiding 101

[TwinOaks]

I am A.D.D.

yeah, but I bet it never bothers you for very long.

[Hedge]

Thanks Myriam, that makes me feel better. So.......Where does everyone get their paracord and does it come in more than one diameter?

Tazzman, you can get excellent cores in a wide variety of diameters from REI or sporting goods stores that carry climbing and camping

gear. These are the lines used for tying gear, not the climbing ropes. They're firm and don't stretch and are inexpensive.

Edited May 16, 2008 by Hedge

[tazzmann]

Kewl! Thanks all! Another question... will boot laces work? They seem about the right diameter.

Thanks again!

[HorsehairBraider]

Tazzman, you can braid ANYTHING. I started out with baling twine! Once I went to the thrift store and bought a very ugly crocheted shirt for $1.00. I undid all the chrocheting and braided a headstall out of the resulting yarn. Whatever is there that is easy for you to use, use it! The main thing is to just braid. We can't all afford that really nice kangaroo for braiding.... grumble grumble....

[Hedge]

Kewl! Thanks all! Another question... will boot laces work? They seem about the right diameter.

Thanks again!

Hey, never thought of that. Sure. Sounds like that should work perfectly for 4 plait, although you really don't

need a core for 4. I've also done 6 plait without core using a herringbone pattern. Very interesting result.

[wildrose]

I find that book confusing too, what really helped me were classes with Tom Hall. I thought he was easier to understand than Bruce's books. But then again, it's generally easier to learn in person than from a book...

[roo4u]

i guess im lucky then because the only knot in bruce grants books that i cant get is the side button knot...dont know why..when i follow along with the written instructions it just wont come out right for me.

the coolest knots in the book are the boton and pampas knots the long ones. havent found a use for them in any of my projects yet but they are neat when you get them finished.

[Gremlin]

I do a fair amount of braiding with paracord. I get mine from www.supplycaptain.com . Great prices, fast turnaround (even up here to Canada) and always seems to have the various colors in stock.

[tazzmann]

Hey, thanks all for the comments, this is giving me something to look forward to. I want to practice the 4 tong round braid until I can do it in my sleep and then move to the next one. I think that If I practice it with a core, then doing it without a core should be easier.

[entiendo]

I have the first one of these books but I plan on buying them all. She has pictures for every single move along with detailed instructions. I did get a little bit of hands on help from my mentor to get me started but the books in wonderful!

http://www.hought.com/brbooks.html