Round Braid To Flat And Back, Adding Strands

[Tracym]

So I have an upcoming project (kangaroo lace). The braid will start as a 4-strand round braid. Then, I need to switch to a flat braid for around 4 inches, then go back to round. However, 4 strands will not make a wide enough flat braid - I'll need 6 or even 8 strands. Can I get some advice as to when/how to splice the strands in and out? I don't want a bunch of thick round braid, but I suppose a tiny amount might be ok. Thanks!

[megabit]

I'd use the extra strands as a core for a few inches on both sides of the flat. I think it would be better to use it as core for the whole length but that may make it thicker than you want?

[Tracym]

Hmm that's an idea, I wouldn't have thought of using it as a core. No, I can't have the thickness the whole length of the braid. This is a collar for a very very small dog, so I can't get much volume in anything. I need the flat part so it's wider and gentle under the throat.

[megabit]

You could try to do like the whip makers do and make your string thinner where it is a core. The reason I like using it for a core the whole length is so you are less likely to pull it out of the splice.

[Tracym]

Oh gosh, yes, that would be lovely but may be beyond my skills. It would have to be really tiny, this is supposed to be quite thin. I'm not sure any significant core would be ok. But I will think about it. As it is a tiny dog, it probably won't be under much stress and likely to pull out - at least I hope not. I was wondering if I should try to splice it in and actually round braid it - but I'm not sure if having the thick round braid there would be good.

[skyout]

Could you braid the flat part first and drop/hide strings for the round braid?

[bluerider]

How about using a small oval piece of leather for under the chin. bring the four strands down to the oval and transition to two strands on each side as an edge braid. Then once you edge the oval transition back to a four strand round.

[KnotHead]

What are you trying to make Tracy?

[Tracym]

Skyout, I could braid the flat part first, yes. But wouldn't dropping the strings (in the round braid) and adding them be basically the same thing? I was thinking of doing it that way (one or the other). Bluerider, that is an interesting idea also.

What are you trying to make Tracy?

This is part of a fancy show lead. For a very small dog, they want a wider more comfortable part at the throat - approx. 4" x .5". It isn't exactly, but if you think of it as a collar that is close enough. So there is the very small 4-strand round braid, then they have requested a 1/2" wide flat braid, and then back to the round braid. I measured just flat braiding the 4 strands, and that is only 1/4". So I know I need to add strands - I just want to do it as smoothly as possible. Since this is a tiny dog, I don't want a thick round braid, or at least not for long.

[KnotHead]

Let me see if I'm getting this picture right. You need a flat braid 4 inches long by a 1/2 inch wide? Correct?

Then you need to go back to a 4 strand round braid? Correct?

How's this all going to come together at the point of the round braiding? Is this one of those leads you put through a loop, like a cinch type lead, or something else you have in mind?

I would consider doing a 6 strand flat braid and then dropping enough strands to do your 4 strand round braids.

Brian...