Page 67 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

braids and plaits 61

The back and front of a more open seven-strand
braid – it may be cinched down further if you like it
tight.

5 – and then again from the right, under one,

over two, and under one to the left. Continue
this pattern until you reach the length you
need.

eight-strand braids

The Eight-Strand Braid is the final extension of
braiding in this style, and for this chapter. Follow
the pattern laid out for the six-strand braid, but
be careful that you do not slip into the eight-
strand round sinnet. This braid is best applied to
a completely flat surface, or one with a very slight The Eight-Strand Braid using the standard format.
curve to the upper surface. When making it try to
ensure that you keep tension out to the sides rather
than down the centre. Pulling the cords down the
centre will end up bending the braid upward in the
middle. The first photograph to the right shows an
eight-strand braid constructed using the standard
method (over one, under one, from the right). The
second was created by starting with four strands
each side, passing the left outer strand over one, The eight-strand braid using the under
under one, over one from the left in to the centre, two format, seen from the front (above)
leaving five strands on the right and three on the and back (below).
left. We started with four left strands and four right
strands so, having passed the outer left strand from
the left to centre, we pass over one, under two, over
two with one strand from the right outer side to the
centre. Go back to the left side and repeat.