How to Braid a Nylon Rope

Three-strand nylon line can be braided just like human hair. A braided nylon line can be used for a lifting strap, a tow strap or, if small enough line is used, decorative sennit, such as might be found on a bell or whistle cord. More personal items, such as a fob for a knife, or even a whole belt can also be made; the overall width will be slightly less than 3 times the diameter of one of the nylon lines used to make the braid.

Things You'll Need

• 3 pieces of nylon line, of equal length

Instructions

1. 

   Lay out the 3 pieces of nylon line, equally spaced from each other. The order of braiding will be left, right, center, right.

2. 

   Move the lower end of the right piece of line (line number 1, in the illustration) to the left, laying it over the center line (line number 2) until it is between the center and right pieces of line (line numbers 2 and 3).

3. 

   Move the lower end of line number 3, the left line, laying it over line 1.

4. 

   Move the lower end of line number 2, laying it over line number 3. This forms the pocket that will trap the line laying through the center and making the first part of the braid.

5. 

   Move the lower end of line number 1, laying it over line number 2. The first part of the actual braid is completed.

6. 

   Mover the lower end of line number 2, laying it over line number 3 and the second part of the braid is complete. Continue repeating this pattern, right-left-center. As you finish each cycle of the braid, pull the left and right ends tight around the center line to keep the braid from unraveling until finished. Finish the braid with a square knot tied with the two outside parts, trapping the center part in the knot.

Resources

• Creative Ropework