How to Braid 4 Cables

Braiding will tidy and organize loose cables.

When you have four or more cables they can often get knotted and tangled, creating an unsightly mess in your living room or bedroom. By braiding the cables together you can create a neat and visually attractive single cable, and keep different types of cables organized. Any type and thickness of cable can be braided, provided it is flexible.

Things You'll Need

• Duct tape
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Turn off the power switch, and pull out any cables that are plugged into power sockets.

2. Carefully detangle the 4 cables, ensuring there are no twists or knots left in them. Arrange the four cables so that they are vertically placed side-by-side, with one on the left-hand side, one on the right-hand side, and two in the middle.

3. Pick up the two middle wires and cross them over each other. Lift the top middle cable over the right-hand cable, and the lower middle cable over the left-hand cable, so that they both become the new outer cables. Repeat this process until the desired length of cable has been braided.

4. If you require the bottom cables to match the order of the top ones, simply keep braiding until the right cables are in the right place. Secure the end of the cable braid with a small piece of duct tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Eight wires can be braided by doubling up the cables and using the same technique.

• Never braid cables while they are connected to a live power source.

References

• Seriss: How to Braid Wire
• Jane Easton; Crafts Expert; London, UK