This is a lovely alternative to the ribbon many quilters use to keep their scissors under control. Scissors have a way of disappearing and it's frustrating to have to stop and look for them time and again!
Cut from your chosen color waxed linen - 4 pieces - 42" long.
Twist the ends together on one end and clamp or pin the strands to a solid surface to hold it fast while you are braiding. Unless you are familiar with the 4 strand braid don't start it until you will be able to do the whole thing at once. If you have to stop, I suggest taping the strands to the table in their proper order until you can come back to it. If you lose the order of the strands it is tricky to get them back in the right order again.
Work the two strands in pairs keeping A and B always to the left and C and D always to the right. (Fig. 1) Bring A over top of B and C around under C and back to the left (Fig. 2) Bring D over top C and A, around under A and back to the right. (Fig. 3) Now the strands should be B, A, D, C. Repeat with B over two (A and D) around under one (D) and back to the left. Repeat with C over two (D and B) around under one (B) and back to the right. (Remember the two pairs always stay together - A and B always go to the left and C and D always go toward the right.) Repeat this over and over until the braid is the desired length. (The 4 strand braid is a round cord.)
If you want to add beads here and there throughout your braiding, tie in extra pieces of waxed linen as you go. Tie a simple clasp to the ends of your finished braid. Slip beads on the extra threads, knotting after each bead or each group of beads. Fringe the ends.
Note: Heavy Perle Cotton can be substituted for Waxed Linen
Fly
to The Bead Link
for BEADS
© 1998-2003
craftzone. All rights reserved.