Page 41 - Alpheus Hyatt Verrill "Knots, Splices and Rope-Work"

Hold the double loop in the left hand; the part A is then brought over B; with a half turn B
is crossed over to A, and then proceed as in the ordinary three-strand plait until the end of
loop is reached, when the loose end is fastened by passing through the bight and the
completed shortening appears as in Fig. 72.

This same process is often used by Mexicans and Westerners in making bridles,
headstalls, etc., of leather. The leather to be used is slit lengthwise from near one end to
near the other, as shown in Fig. 73, and the braid is formed as described.

The result appears as in Fig. 74, and in this way the ends of the leather strap remain
uncut, and thus much stronger and neater than they would be were three separate strips
used.