How to Braid a Horsehair Bracelet
Horsehair bracelets can add a final touch to any Western ensemble. As an accessory, horsehair is highly durable, recyclable, natural and fashionable. Horsehair also can be somewhat difficult to work with, but learning how to correctly braid a horsehair bracelet is a simple process. Once mastered, you'll be able to use this skill again and again to create custom jewelry. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bundle of horsehair 6 to 10 inches long, 24 to 36 strands of hair
- 2 small rubber bands
- Metal jewelry clasp
Instructions
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1
Collect the horsehair. If you do not have access to a horse, search for craft supply stores and independent sellers that have horsehair. To create a single horse hair bracelet, you'll need a swatch of hair 6 to 10 inches long, depending on the wrist, that's 1 to 2 inches thick when held together in a bundle.
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2
Wash and comb the hair thoroughly. Whether it's taken right off the horse or has been sent through the mail, wash your horsehair before beginning any craft project with the material. The hair can be washed with regular shampoo or any type of non-lye soap. After the hair has been cleaned and combed, arrange it in a long, even swatch and secure one end with a small rubber band.
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3
Separate the hair into three equal portions. If you're using different colors of horsehair, simply create one section for each shade. Take the two outside sections into each hand, leaving the middle section flat and long to serve as a guide as you braid the bracelet. You should have eight to 12 strands of horsehair in each section.
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Braid the horsehair together using an over-and-under pattern. First, cross the left section of hair over the middle portion, then cross the right section of hair over the portion that started on the left, but is now in the middle. Repeat these two steps until you have created a complete braid. Essentially, you'll be carefully weaving the two outside sections around the middle section of horse hair to create a smooth, small braid. Secure the loose end of the braid with a rubber band once you have reached the end of the hair.
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5
Attach metal clasps to each end to complete the bracelet. You'll find many different sizes and styles of jewelry clasps at fabric and craft stores such as Michael's, Hancock Fabrics and SaveOn Crafts.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply a little hairspray to the horsehair to help it hold together as you braid the bracelet. Hairspray also will make the bracelet look a little shinier.
Use different colors of hair to create an interesting pattern.
Make sure the horsehair is thoroughly dry before beginning the braid.
To keep your bracelet smooth, avoid braiding the hair too tightly; tension can cause twisting or kinking.
