Page 68 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

62 tHE UltiMatE bOOK OF dECOratiVE KnOts

other braids almost indistinguishable from eight-strand square
Other braids can be made with the same over-under sinnet. You can make these braids using tools or
pattern. Try mixing up the colours for more pleasing by hand. One useful tool is called a lucet. This is a
visual effects, such as those shown in the samples simple two-pronged fork with a hole in the handle
below. Enjoy, and start to invent your own colour for the finished braid to pass through.
patterns – maybe use your favourite team or school The braid is made by flipping a Half Hitch over
colours! each prong in turn, with the beginning or forming
end of the cord passed down through the hole in the
Other single-strand Braids fork handle. The process progresses by slipping the
These last forms of braids are made using a prior Half Hitch over the top of the new one. Each
single cord instead of multiple cords. You can use Hitch is then tightened in turn. The Half Hitches
single-strand braiding, made from loops, to form are prevented from coming undone by locking each
continuous lengths of very pleasing patterns for ‘stitch’ or Half Hitch to the next. The braid may be
decorating drapes and for adding special touches to made with one or more cords.
a dress uniform or even trumpets and bugles, that is

Braids made with varying numbers of cords using different colours to add a little interest (from the top
left to bottom right 4-, 5-, 6-, 8-, and 11-cord braids). Note the twist in the four-strand to show the front
and back.