How to Make a Braid With Yarn

Strands of colorful yarn can be transformed into a plaything for children.

Children can come up with the most imaginative uses for the simplest props. A strand of braided yarn can be a horse's tail, a rescue rope or a ponytail under a hat. Give your child a plaything to spark his imagination by creating a colorful long yarn braid. You can use up scrap yarn that you might otherwise throw away while giving him a prop for many imaginative play scenarios.

Things You'll Need

• Worsted weight yarn
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Cut 12 strands of yarn that each measure 24 inches long. Cut one piece of yarn that measures six inches long.

2. Bunch the 12 longer strands of yarn together with all the ends together. Tie the bunch together at the end with the shorter strand of yarn by wrapping it around the bunch tightly and making a square knot.

3. Tape the tied end of the yarn to a table or other work surface. Separate the loose yarn ends into three bunches of four strands each. Lay one bunch straight down, one at an angle to the left and one at an angle to the right.

4. Bring the bunch on the right toward the left, laying it in the middle of the other two bunches. Bring the bunch on the left toward the right, laying it in the middle of the other two bunches. This creates the beginning of the braid.

5. Continue braiding the yarn bunches, alternating between the left and right sides, until you reach the end of the yarn. Cut off a six-inch piece of yarn from the yarn ball and tie the end of the braid tightly to secure the braid in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use two or more colors of yarn to make a more colorful plaything.