How to Tie a Braid Knot

The term "braid knot" may be used generically for any plait knot and refers specifically to the most common knot of this type. It is used primarily to make decorative braiding, although it also may be used occasionally in fishing to tie a monofilament line to a hook.

Instructions

1. Form a bight of rope equal in length to the desired braid. Be sure the working end is long enough to complete the braid.

2. Bring the working end under the standing end, back over the standing end and pull it through the bight from above. Note that we now have three lengths of rope: the part of the bight on the standing end will be called length A, the part of the bight on the working end side will be length B and the working end itself will be length C.

3. Push a loop of length B under length A. Bring length C over length A and under length B. Carefully dress this braid to keep all three lengths from getting tangled or twisted before tightening it.

4. Proceed to the next braid by repeating the pattern given in Step 3. Notice that this produces a weaving pattern such that the bottom strand is brought over the center strand then the top strand is brought over the new center strand.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the braid knot to make a decorative bracelet or belt. It also has an excellent practical purpose as a makeshift handle for a case.