Instructions for a 5-strand Flat Braid #2

This braid is a variation of the other 5-strand flat braid. Beacuse of over-under manner in which the strands are worked, this braid is well suited to flat materials, such as leather lace or coreless parachute cord.

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 middle left hand strand, under the inside left hand strand, 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 middle right hand strand, under the inside right hand strand 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