How to Braid With 8 Strings
Most people think of braiding as the three strand method often used in hair. In fact, braiding can be done with any number of stands, usually up to a maximum of twelve when it starts to become a bit fiddly. Braiding is an ancient and practical means of creating laces, jewelry, ties and straps, and is often done using leather or string. Concentration is needed while braiding so that strands stay in the right order, and a good level of dexterity is important to control the strands.
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Instructions
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1
Cut four strands of leather, 22 inches long and 1/8 inch wide. Lay a rectangular cork or softwood board, about 14 inches long and 10 inches wide, on a flat surface. Fold one strand of leather in half lengthwise. Near the top of the length of board, drive a pin or thumb-tack through the leather at its fold, into the board. Pinned half way along its length, the 22 inch leather strand should now be two 11 inch lengths leading from the pin. Lay these flat, parallel with each other, stretching out towards the other end of the board. Pin the other three strands of leather in the same way, next to each other on the board. Pin them side by side almost touching, next to the first pin. You now have a horizontal row of four pinned leather strands, with 8 lengths of 11 inch leather laying straight and parallel with each other, stretching out away from the pins. Stand at the end of the board furthest from the pins, and closest to the tips of the strands.
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2
Imagine each strand is numbered 1 to 8, left to right. Each time a strand is moved, the strands are renumbered again, 1 to 8, left to right.
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3
Cross over the two middle strands, 5 over 4. Strand 5 becomes strand 4, and 4 becomes number 5. Ensure that each strand is free, straight and untangled each time it is moved.
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4
Cross strand 1 under strand 2, then over strand 3 and under 4. Take strand 8 and cross it under strand 7, over stand 6, under 5 and over 4.
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5
Pull the stands tight. Do this carefully so not to pull out the pins. The braid should be tight so there are no gaps between the strands and all strands look evenly placed.
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6
Perform the sequence again following Steps 4 and 5 repeatedly. The strands are renumbered 1 to 8 each time you start.
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7
Unpin the braid from the board after about five sequences. Tighten the braid at the top by pulling strands until the top of the braid goes tight. Pin the braid to the board again by its top and continue braiding.
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8
Re-tighten the braid every four or five sequences, while it is still attached to the board. Continue braiding and tightening until the strands are completely used up.
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9
Remove the braid from the board. Stitch across the loose ends at the culmination of the braid, with a leather needle and strong thread. Embellish the end of the braid with a decoration of your choice, incorporate the braid into another object, or sew both ends of the braid together to make a bracelet -- it's up to you.
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