Instructions for a 5-strand Flat Braid

This braid is closely related to the 3-strand flat braid, and is a common sling braid. It is frequenlty used to make slings on the Balearic Islands.

To begin, hold the 5 strands so that three are in one hand and two are in the other. In this example it is the left hand that holds three strands.

The outside left strand is the first to be moved. Bring it over the other two left hand strands, and transfer it to the right hand, as shown by the blue arrow.

Here you can see that the strand has been crossed. There are now three right hand strands and two left hand strands.

The next step is the reverse of the first. This time it is the outside right strand that will be crossed. Bring it over the other two right hand strands and transfer it to the left hand.

Here the second step is shown completed. Note that there are three left hand strands again, just as at the begining. One cycle of the braid has been completed.

These two steps can be continued for any desired length. Here you can see what the Braid looks like after several cylcles have been finished.

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Copyright 2009 by Timothy Potter