How to Braid String for a Coach's Whistle

Braid a whistle holder for your coach to slip around his or her wrist. This also makes a nice key chain for anyone on your gift list. A plastic string works well and comes in bright and fun colors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glue Guns
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Scissors
• Toothpicks
• Scissors
• Sports Referee Whistles
• String
• Toothpicks

1. Cut two pieces of string 123 inches long. You can use the same color or different colors.

2. Lay strings in a "+" shape and hold them with your index finger and thumb.

3. Fold the top string toward you, making a small loop. Hold in place with your index finger and thumb.

4. Fold the bottom string away from you, forming a small loop.

5. Take the string on the right side and go over the first loop and inside the second loop.

6. Take the string on the left side and go over the first loop and inside the second loop.

7. Pull all four strings tightly. It will seem a little loose until you get two or three weaves together.

8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 until the rope measures 15 inches.

9. Hot glue the end of string rope and trim off excess strings.

10. Use a toothpick to make an opening about two weaves back to slide a key ring through.

11. Slide the key ring into both ends of the string to hold a whistle or keys.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a round string rope, loop the strings catty-corner.

on 8/29/2006 Plastic string is also called gimp. It is easier to work with when it is manufactured as a thin flat strip, not round.
Just for fun: in France, where I live, gimp is called Scoubidou (this pre-dates the dog cartoon character) and it is round.

on 11/22/2005 Follow steps 1-8 as normal, except when you insert the key ring, insert it before you make your last weave. (Be sure the ring is in the center and has two pieces of string through it.) This will be tricky at first, but keep trying until you get it.