How to Braid String

The basic three-stranded braid is easy to master and has a variety of uses ' straps, decorative trim, jewelry and more. You can use these directions to braid hair, ribbon, rope, cording and other materials.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Heavy Cardboard
• Large Safety Pins
• Nylon Ropes
• Scissors
• Corkboard
• Pushpins
• Rubber Bands
• Thumbtacks
• String
• Rubber bands

1. Take three equal pieces of string and tie the three ends together tightly with a rubber band or another piece of string. The pieces should lie flat, next to one another.

2. 

   Use a thumbtack or a pushpin to anchor the tied ends to a piece of corkboard or heavy cardboard. The surface you choose should be stiff, but soft enough to allow the insertion of the pin or tack.

3. Make sure that the pieces of string are untangled and lie flat and straight when you begin your braid.

4. 

   Take the right piece of string over the middle string and place it between the left and middle pieces.

5. 

   Take the left piece of string over what is now the middle string and place it between the pieces that are now in the middle and right positions.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have the desired length of braid.

7. 

   Make sure to weave the pieces securely - but not too tightly - with one another.

8. Make sure that the free string ends remain untangled throughout the braiding process. Tangles can cause the free ends to knot.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the pieces of string a few inches longer than your desired braid length, as you'll lose some length in the braiding process. The lost amount will depend upon the strings' thickness.

• Make a test braid with string that is the same thickness you will use for your project. This is a good way to determine the amount of length you'll lose during the braiding process.

• Use a safety pin to join the ends of the string. You can then use the safety pin to affix the string ends to your braiding surface.