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String length, for any number of plaiting
(4,6,8,12,16), needs to be 1½ the finished length of the
item being braided plus the length needed at each end, which
will differ with each project. Another factor effecting string
length is each braider’s individual style. If a braider
tends to pull the strings outward, they will need a slightly
longer length; and if a braider pulls the strings downward, forming
sharper V’s, they will need slightly less length. This would
probably only be apparent in a longer project.
Most projects will need an extra 6”
- 12” to work with at each end. I suggest you leave a little
more than that at each end until you are comfortable with how
much string your style requires.
The same general rule of 1½ applies
to string width. Added together, the total width of the strings
needs to be 1½ times the necessary circumference of the
item to be plaited. Note: this may vary depending how
much the material stretches and narrows as it is being braided.
Fig. 1 is a dog collar plaited in 4 plait
and the extra string is needed to splice the ends in on the turn
back.
Fig. 2 is a small item plaited with 8 strings.
Fig. 3 is the end of 8 plait reins.
Fig. 4 is 12 plait.
Fig. 5 is 16 plait.
Again no matter how many plait is being
braided the rule is the same.
1 ½ times the desired finished
length plus the length needed at each end. |