Braiding 101

[Hedge]

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.

Don't know if this will help but try thinking of braiding as a form of weaving. You inter-lock the strings by laying over.

[entiendo]

You don't ever have to use a core with a 4 plait unless you need extra strength, so why not practice without a core?

[tazzmann]

You don't ever have to use a core with a 4 plait unless you need extra strength, so why not practice without a core?

Mainly because when I tried it without a cord it looked really weird and I wasn't sure I was doing it right. With a core, it rounds it out more and I can see if I am making mistakes. No other reason at this moment.

[entiendo]

Hey, I grew up in Vancouver, Washington!! Most my family left still lives there.

I see, the cords get in my way. Everyone has their own way of doing and learning. What are you using to braid with and how wide is your string? Maybe you already said it in the thread, but I've read so much lately it's all mixed up in my head. I know there is a formula for the size of core you use for the size of string. I just don't know right off the top of my head what it is.

[tazzmann]

I was using 3/32" lace and the core I am not sure how big it was. The boot string seems to be the right size for a core with the 3/32" lace, though I only got a couple of braid rows done last night. I will snap some pics tonight or tomorrow and show what it looks like with the boot string core.

[entiendo]

3/32 is pretty darn small for 4 plait. I bet it will be delecate and beautiful when you are done. I use 3/32 for 8 plait and only use a 1/8 inch core. I would think you wouldn't need anything larger than dental floss for 3/32 4 plait.

Your local hardware store should have some pretty good nylon rope to use as cores. I bet nylon kite string would be great for a 4 plait.

I can't wait to see what you got going.

[tazzmann]

OK. I am working on my 4 plait dog leash with a 72" boot lace as a core. Everything seems to be going well. However, The core is a pain in the neck to keep out of the way. Is there something you guys do to keep the core out of the way?

Also, I keep reading about keeping tension on the strings. How do you do that when you are wrapping around the core pulling the string out & away from you after the wrap and when you have fingers the size of sausage links?

Thanks!

Edited May 27, 2008 by tazzmann

[Hedge]

OK. I am working on my 4 plait dog leash with a 72" boot lace as a core. Everything seems to be going well. However, The core is a pain in the neck to keep out of the way. Is there something you guys do to keep the core out of the way?

Also, I keep reading about keeping tension on the strings. How do you do that when you are wrapping around the core pulling the string out & away from you after the wrap and when you have fingers the size of sausage links?

Thanks!

Anchor the end of the braid, and divide the labor of tensioning and positioning the strings among the fingers of each hand.

It's a matter of finding a technique that works best for you.

For me, I keep control of the 2 left strings with the left hand and the 2 on the right with my right. When I wrap the working

string around by pushing with an index finger and then manipulating it in place with the other finger and thumb. I still maintain control of the other strings. I just let the core dangle and push it out of the way with a spare finger.

Just takes practice.

[tazzmann]

That's kind of what I am doing right now, but I find that I have to take one hand off the braid completely to "pull" the string through and out of the way after a wrap around. This is where I get confused on how to keep the tension on the braids. If I don't "pull" the string out, then after a while everything gets tangled up and I have to then take BOTH hands off to get the knots out.

I DO have one end of the core and braid attached to something (right now I am doing a dog leash, so it is a swivel snap attached to my bakers rack), but as stated above, I have to take one hand off the braid in order to "pull" the string out of the way, so not sure how to keep the proper tension...

Maybe this is where Duke's idea of a video area or video tutorial area might come in handy. Pictures are great, but actually watching someone do something like this would be WAAAAAYYYY better!

[Hedge]

That's kind of what I am doing right now, but I find that I have to take one hand off the braid completely to "pull" the string through and out of the way after a wrap around. This is where I get confused on how to keep the tension on the braids. If I don't "pull" the string out, then after a while everything gets tangled up and I have to then take BOTH hands off to get the knots out.

I DO have one end of the core and braid attached to something (right now I am doing a dog leash, so it is a swivel snap attached to my bakers rack), but as stated above, I have to take one hand off the braid in order to "pull" the string out of the way, so not sure how to keep the proper tension...

Maybe this is where Duke's idea of a video area or video tutorial area might come in handy. Pictures are great, but actually watching someone do something like this would be WAAAAAYYYY better!

Ah, I see what you mean, now. What I do is get those funny looking paper clips, the kind that look like a metal tent and have fold over

levers on them. Secure the strings with them while unraveling the tangle. I'm one of those people who can't seem to get the hang

of tamales, so I just let the free ends go until I figure it's time to untangle.