How to Braid With More Than Three Strands

Nearly everyone knows how to make a standard three-strand braid. Few people realize how simple it is to braid with more strands. Braiding with more than three strands can make an attractive hair braid or a pretty and complex craft braid with yarn or string. Follow these instructions to make a braid with any odd number of strands.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pick an odd number of strands greater than three. Secure the strands of material to an anchor. Separate the strands and locate the middle strand.

2. Pick up the strand on the far right. Lay it over all the strands to the right of the middle strand, and also over the middle strand. For example, if you are braiding with 5 strands, you should lay the far right strand over the third (middle) and forth strands. The far right strand is now in the middle position.

3. Take the far left strand and lay it over all the strands on the left side and the middle strand. If you are braiding with 5 strands, you should lay the far left strand over the second and third (middle) strands. The far left strand is now in the middle position.

4. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you complete the braid. If you are braiding hair, secure the end with a clip or band at least one inch from the bottom. If you are braiding string or yarn make one final knot using all the strands.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are braiding hair, try wetting the hair before braiding it. Wet hair is easier to braid and may have fewer flyaway hairs sticking out of the braid.