How to Braid Leather String

Braiding strips of leather is not difficult to learn.

Braiding strips of leather is no different from braiding someone's hair ---- you plait three thin strips one over the other in an alternating pattern that requires the strips to move from the left over to the center, then to the right and back to the center. After you braid leather strips, you can make a key chain or a bracelet. If the strips of leather are long enough, you can even make a belt or noseband for a horse.

Things You'll Need

• Black marker
• Leather strips

Instructions

1. Tie three strips of thin leather together, using a slip knot. To make a slip knot, make a circle with all three pieces of leather held together. Push the short ends through the circle and pull until the knot is snug.

2. Label the strip on your left "A," the center strip "B," and the strip on your right "C." (Reference 1)

3. Move the "A" strip over the "B" strip and shift the "B" strip so it is positioned where the "A" strip was. (Reference 1)

4. Pick up the "C" strip and place it over the "A" strip. Take the "B" strip and place it over the "C" strip, which should now be on your left side. (Reference 2)

5. Pick the "A" strip up and move it over the "B" strip, which should now be on your right side. Take the "C" strip and place it over the "A" strip. The "A" strip should now be on your left side. (Reference 2)

6. Pick the "B" strip up and move it over the "C" strip, which should be on your right side. As you braid the leather strips, the outside strip should always cross over the center strip in an alternating pattern. (Reference 1)

7. Secure the end of the braid when you are done braiding by wrapping a thick rubber band around the end.

Tips & Warnings

• As you braid the strips, tug gently on them, keeping them snugly braided, but not so tight the braiding pattern becomes distorted.

References

• Leather Braiding Instructions: Three String Leather Braid

Resources

• Sartan's: Braiding