Leashes

[Noah]

Those are 1st rate leashes. I have been wanting to braid like this since for a long time now. How is this done?

[Hilly]

I too, would like to know how you do these. Although I have a couple books on braiding, and think I could do a six strand round braid, I have no idea on how you would make the handle or attach a clip to it without it looking like I tied it in a knot.

I have 3 large dogs I would like to make leashes for.

[ck9a]

Noah: "Those are 1st rate leashes. I have been wanting to braid like this since for a long time now. How is this done? "

Hilly: "I too, would like to know how you do these. Although I have a couple books on braiding, and think I could do a six strand round braid, I have no idea on how you would make the handle or attach a clip to it without it looking like I tied it in a knot.

I have 3 large dogs I would like to make leashes for. "

If you want 6 strand leads, everyday type leads, I would start out with a regular 4 strand braid, making a loop as for both of these leads; it will be more flexible than the 6-strand and make it easier to tighten on the clip (push loop through bail end of clip, pull handle through loop, pull tight). Strange though it may sound, it tends to be the clip that breaks first, so that it makes sense that it can be easily replaced. My rule of thumb for the loop is that it be big enough to wrap around my thumb. When I make the core, from mason line, I allow 3 inches for that loop. Actually, for an everyday leash I make a double core, with the "shafts" twisted about each other for additional strength. I usually braid a little more than an inch down the shaft before starting in on the loop.

Once the loop is completed, I intrabraid through the bit immediately before the loop (have a closer look at the Bernese leash, both loop and handle ends); my fid is invaluable for lifting up the laces that I need to thread my ends under. When I finish that, I add in the 5/6 strand(s).

You can do either a basketweave type braid (under one, over one, etc.) or a semiherringbone braid (under 2, over one from one side, under 1 over 2 from the other). I really like the semiherringbone type -- it snugs in tighter than the basketweave and produces an oval cross-section. With 6 strands, there is a lot freedom of design. Play around with colour combinations and arrangements of the strands first, before you get going. Once I finish the intrabraiding after the handle, I bury the ends in the core. No way that my ends are ever going to work loose.

Lastly, I get out some clean cotton canvas and a clean block of wood and roll the lead, with particular attention to the intrabraided areas and their transitions to the non-intrabraided areas. The rolling not only redistributes any unevenness in braiding, it smooths the surfaces, tapers the intrabraided into the non-intrabraided and softens the leather. It is better to use a lot of light rolling than a little bit of heavy rolling. Finish off with leather conditioner.

Tony