How to Weave a Whip Out of Leather
A whip is made by braiding three or more strands of leather. Store-bought whips can be costly, but you can create your own basic braided whip for a fraction of the price. The leather strands are braided with the same technique that is used to braid hair. Small whips can be used as an accessory for a fancy dress outfit, as a toy to keep animals entertained or simply to make a whip-crack sound.
Instructions
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1
Craft scissors will cut through the leather. Cut three pieces of leather that are each 30 inches long, and up to 1 inch wide. Align the leather strands.
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2
Make a loop and pull the end of the strand through it to create a knot. Tie a single knot in the top of the leather, approximately 1 inch below the top of the strands. Cut a strip of duct tape and stick the knot to your work desk. This will temporarily hold the leather strands in place and make them easier to braid.
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3
Pull each strand with the same amount of pressure to create a neat braid. Position the three strands so that they are lying vertically next to each other. Lift the left strand over the strand in the middle, so that it now lies in the middle position. Lift the right strand over the new middle strand, so that it now lies in the middle position. Repeat this technique until only 2 inches of unbraided strand remains. Tie the bottom of the braid in a double knot.
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4
Duct tape forms the handle of the whip. Remove the duct tape from the top of the braid. Fold the top of the braid over 5 inches. Cut a strip of duct tape, and wrap it around the middle of the folded braid. Trim off any loose strands with the scissors.
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Tips & Warnings
Animal-lovers and vegans can braid synthetic strands instead of leather.
To create a toy for your cat, attach a small teddy bear or plastic mouse to the end of the whip.
To create a thicker whip, use 6 to 12 strands of leather and separate them into 3 equal bunches before following steps 2 through 4.
Never use a whip to cause harm to animals or humans.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Phil Ashley/Lifesize/Getty Images
