How to Braid String

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Braided string creates a strong, thin cord to use in jewelry or other crafts. Learning to braid with string is a great way to test out new types of braids before working it with other materials like hair, rope or ribbon. Try your hand with 3-, 4-, and 5-strand braids and in multiple colors once you master the technique.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making a Basic 3-Strand Braid

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  1. Figure out the length of your braid. Add on an extra 1/3 of that measurement to get your cutting length. This is how long you'll need to cut your string. For example:
    • Desired length: 24 inches (61 cm)
    • 24 divided by 3 = 8 inches (20 cm)
    • 24 + 8 = 32 inches (81 cm)
    • 32 inches (81 cm) = cutting length
  2. Use the same color for each strand of string, or use different colors. For a fancier braid, cut 6 or 9 strings instead, then divide them into 3 groups. For example, you can do 3 pink strings, 3 purple strings, and 3 magenta strings.
    • Embroidery floss is a popular choice, but you can use other types of string, such as yarn or leather cording.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Gather the ends of your strings together. Treating them as a single strand, coil them into a loop, then pull the ends through the loop. This will make the knot. Keep the knot 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the string end. https://www.wikihow.com/Braid-String Tape the string above the knot to a flat surface, such as a table.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    1 strand to the left, 1 in the middle, and 1 on the right. With multiple strands of color, group the strands by color instead. For example, place the pink strings to the left, the purple strings in the middle, and all the magenta strings to the right.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Take the left string and cross it over the middle string. Take the right string and cross it over the new middle string. Again, if you have multiple strings of each color, treat that color group as a single string.
    • For example, if you have 3 pink, 3 purple, and 3 magenta strings, cross all of the pink strings over all of the purple strings.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Give the strings a gentle tug to tighten the strings as you braid. Repeat the process until you reach the length you want, or until you have 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) left.
  7. Coil the braid end into a loop, then pull the tails through the loop. Tug on the tails to tighten the knot, then trim off the left over strands,
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    You can now use the braid for the craft project you created it for. If this is a bracelet, wrap the braid around your wrist and tie the ends together into a double-knot .
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Creating a 4-Strand Braid

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  1. Add an extra 1/3 of that measurement. to get your cutting length. For example:
    • Desired length: 12 inches (30 cm)
    • 12 divided by 3 = 4 inches (10 cm)
    • 12 + 4 = 16 inches (41 cm)
    • 16 inches (41 cm) = cutting length
  2. Embroidery floss is a great choice here, but you can use other types of string, like jute or yarn. Use the same color for all 4 strands, or you can use different colors.
    • For a wider 4-strand braid, cut 8 to 12 strands. These strands are divided into 4 groups later on.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Gather the strings together, then tie an overhand knot 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the end. Tape the strings to a flat surface, like a desk, just above the knot.
    • An overhand knot is formed when you coil the string into a loop, then pull the end through the loop.
  4. 2 strings to the left and 2 strings to the right. With 8 to 12 strings, you still divide the strings into 4 groups. Each color group is worked as a single strand from now on.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Starting from the left, mentally number the strings 1 through 4. Cross the 1st string on the left over the 2nd string.
    Expert Answer
    Q

    How do you keep string from tangling as you braid it?

    Amy Guerrero

    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Amy Guerrero :

    It's best to stop every few steps to detangle the length of the string. That way, you can be sure the piece you are working on is not getting messed up.

  6. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Cross the last string on the right under the 3rd string. Re-number your strings 1 through 4. Take string number 4, and cross it under string number 3.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Re-number your strings one last time. Take string number 3, and cross it over string number 2. This process is a little bit like weaving.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Cross the 1st string over the middle string. Cross the 4th string under the 3rd string. Cross the new 3rd string over the new left string. Continue until your braid is the length you want, or until you have 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) left.
    • Every so often, give all of your strings a tug so that your braid comes out nice and neat.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Just like the braid start, tie the end of your braid into an overhand knot. If a lot of string is leftover, cut it off.
  10. To wear this as a bracelet, wrap the braid around your wrist, then have someone tie the ends together into a double-knot for you.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Doing a 5-Strand Braid

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  1. Use the same color for each string, or use different colors. For a wider braid, cut 10 pieces of string; you will still be creating a 5-strand braid, but using 2 strings for each strand.. [1]
    • You can use this method to create a 7-strand braid.
    • Embroidery floss works great for this, but you can also use yarn. Thicker string, such as jute or leather, is not recommended because of its bulk.
  2. Gather the ends of your strings. Treating them as a single strand, coil them into a loop, then pull the ends through the loop. This will make the knot. Keep the knot 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the string end. Tape the string above the knot to a flat surface, such as a desk or table. [2]
  3. When using 10 strings for a thicker braid, divide them into 5 groups of 2 strands each. Treat each group as a single strand.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Take the 1st string on the left. Cross it under the 2nd and over the 3rd string. Drop it between the 3rd and 4th strings. [3]
    • For a dovetail look, cross the first strand over the next 2 strands and drop it in the center. [4]
    • If working a 7-strand braid, do the step above, then cross the string over the 4th string.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    Number your strings 1 through 5. Take string number 5, and weave it under string number 4. Cross it over string number 3, and drop it between strings 2 and 3. [5]
    • For a dovetail look, cross the last strand over the previous 2 strands and drop it in the center. [6]
    • For a 7-strand braid, complete the above step, then cross the string under the fourth string.
  6. Alternate between weaving the left and right strings towards the middle. Always start with the first string on the left and the last string on the right. Keep the strings flat and do not let them twist. [7]
    • You can braid all the way to the end of the string, or you can stop whenever you want to.
    • If using all the string, leave 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) at the end for tying the knot.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Braid String
    This is the same knot that is used at the start of the braid. If any extra string is left over, you can cut it off.
  8. You can now use the braid for whatever craft project you made it for. You can even wrap it around your wrist and tie the ends into a double-knot.
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Expert Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you do a 4-strand braid with string?
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It's a good idea to start by working with smaller lengths of string as you're practicing a new type of braid. That way, you can get confident before you start working on longer strings.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Is it possible to tie a singularly-colored 3-string braid, then connect a completely different string and tie them together?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    wikiHow has several articles on joining yarn in crocheting, knitting as well as splicing yarn. Just type "join yarn" on the wikiHow search line to see the available articles and to choose the one best suited for your project.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Is it still braiding with 4 or 5 strings, just with more strings?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Your deduction is correct. The article explains how to braid with 4 and 5 strings, though more strings make it more of a weaving of the strings than a braid.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Video

      Tips

      • When using multiple strings per strand, be careful not to let them twist. Keep the strands flat so that they are visible at all times. [8]
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      • Add beads to the outer strands before you cross them over for a fancier look.
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      • Keep the tension even on the strands as you braid. The braid will develop kinks if a strand is too tight or too loose.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Embroidery floss
      • Scissors
      • Tape
      • Table
      • Beads -optional

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/06/27/mollys-sketchbook-braided-friendship-bracelets/
      2. ↑ https://thestripe.com/diy-5-strand-braid-friendship-bracelets/
      3. ↑ https://thestripe.com/diy-5-strand-braid-friendship-bracelets/
      4. ↑ https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/06/27/mollys-sketchbook-braided-friendship-bracelets/
      5. ↑ https://thestripe.com/diy-5-strand-braid-friendship-bracelets/
      6. ↑ https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/06/27/mollys-sketchbook-braided-friendship-bracelets/
      7. ↑ https://thestripe.com/diy-5-strand-braid-friendship-bracelets/
      8. ↑ https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/06/27/mollys-sketchbook-braided-friendship-bracelets/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a basic 3-strand braid with string, tie 3 strings together, then tape the knot to a flat surface to hold it in place. Separate the string into 3 strands or groups. Cross the left string over the middle string, then cross the right string over the new middle string. Give the strings a gentle tug to tighten them, then continue crossing the left and right strings over the middle one. Keep crossing and tightening the strings until you get the length you want, then tie the end of the braid into a knot and cut off any excess string. Keep reading to learn how to make a 4- or 5-strand braid!

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        Apr 14, 2021

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