Braiding 101

[entiendo]

I just let the spare string tangle until that tangle works it's way all the way up to my plaiting. Then I use my left hand index finger and thumb to old the cross of the braid in place, keeping the right strings on the right and the left strings on the left, while I pull one string out of the tangle at a time. I've tried to do it all at once but pulling one string works perfect for me.

I use those little tent clamps too. You can get them at the dollar store.

As far as tightening, I do it basically the same way as above, I grab onto the base of the plait with one hand and tighten whatever strings I need to with the other. If I'm really flying and have a good speed going I don't need to hold onto the base but can pull the string to tighten. I braided a 3/32 4 plait for the first time yesterday and it wasn't easy for me, so I can understand your frustration. It was difficult to keep tight and I wasn't even using a core. And it didn't look nice at all until I washed it and rolled it.

Even when I stop for the night and I'm not done with the piece, I clamp or tie the plaiting in a way so the right strings stay right and left strings stay left. If it gets a bit messed up I look for the cross at the very end and let the strings find out where they need to be.

Keep at it and it will soon be a way to relieve tension rather than cause...

[tazzmann]

Well, ok. I feel better now. Thanks guys, I was hoping I wasn't missing some secret important step. It seems I am not, so I guess I will continue on tonight!

[Hedge]

Well, ok. I feel better now. Thanks guys, I was hoping I wasn't missing some secret important step. It seems I am not, so I guess I will continue on tonight!

Glad to help, Tazzman.

[roo4u]

those clips are called binder clips...i have about 100 of the little suckers, that is what i clamp my strings with when i set up the leashes and collars for my mom to braid. i just set up 50+ collars and leashes. you only need to clamp onto the side that your bottom string of the braid is on.

[IanCantwell]

Hi Tazzman and all you new braiders,

Yes I too have tried to learn from the Bruce Grant book and I also have his Making Cowboy Horse Gear book. I don't think there is any real trick to this apart from practise, can't remember how many times I had to start again even with the simplest beginner project but you can fly once it sinks in (and my brain isn't good at that, they say it's age related). One thing I did find important when braiding over a core was getting the ratio of lace width to core diameter correct, otherwise you get lots of gaps or a messy overlap of lace.

My first couple of projects were a Quirt and Hobbles. I used the Tandy vinyl lace (cheap if I messed up) and off-cuts of thin cowhide.

Had fun making buttons, not! Rolled some card templates with wax candles down the centre so that my pins stayed put.

Anyone tried Japanese braiding 'Kumihimo', great for using up your mum's old bits of knitting yarn and making key fobs, shoo-flys etc.

Keep those nibble fingers working. Ian.

Edited May 28, 2008 by IanCantwell