Braid is a simple way to make your craft more beautiful and add more detail to it. They just work perfectly and look amazing for your aesthetic crafts, if you know how to braid with yarn. You can customize your craft with all kinds of braids, considering your craft’s attributes. Learn the best ways to store yarn.
How Can You Braiding Yarn
There are different types of braids with separate characteristics. The main differences among them can be how they look, how they are being made, and of course, their applications.
There are many applications for these braids. Such as handles, ropes, hair bands, bracelets, and so on. The most popular braids among knitters or other craft enthusiasts are the 3 strands braid and 4 strand braid.
Now forming a braid is not a tough task, no matter what kind of braid you have in your mind. You can follow the simple instructions down below to get a clear idea of the making process.
A. Braid 3 Strands
Step 1: Measurement
The first thing to determine is the length of the braid you need. Then you have to add one-third of the length to the measurement. Now to determine the cutting length you have to double the total.
For example, if you need a braid of 3 feet, then add one-third, which is 1feet. The total will be 4 feet. Now double the total, which is 8 feet. This is your cutting length.
Step 2: Cutting
Now that you have your measurement, the next thing you have to do precisely is the cutting. Remember, the longer the braid is, the thinner it will be. So if you need a thick braid, you can fold your yarn into one. This technique lets you control the thickness of your braid.
Step 3: Fold and tie a knot
After cutting, you have to fold them in half and tie a loose knot on the folded end. This will hold the three strands together to let you work with them without any complications.
Step 4: Organizing yarn
If you have a specific pattern in your mind, you know the exact color you are going to use. So after tying the knot, organize your yarn and follow your pattern.
Step 5: Finishing
As you need tension for the finishing, try to hold the knot by your knees. You can take help from a friend for that. Now bring your left strand over the middle one to the center. Then bring your ring strand over the middle strand to the center.
Now keep altering the outermost strand and bring them to the middle. You have to stop this process when you have 6 inches of strand left. These 6 inches will help you to tie a knot which will prevent the unraveling of the knot and make a stable braid.
Step 6: Joining the braid to your craft
Joining your braid strongly to your craft is important. You can use the holes in your craft to tie a knot with the braid and trim the braid to give a neat look to your craft. The knot can be tied on both sides of the craft. It depends on where the knot looks better.
B. Braid 4 Strands
Braiding with 4 strands is a little harder than it is with the 3 strands. Though this one is a little complex, if you be a little cautious, there is nothing that can go wrong with this method. To make an effective and durable braid with 4 strands, follow these simple steps down below.
Step 1: Choosing the yarn for the braid
For this step, you should plan a pattern first. Or you can follow any pattern you can find on the internet. Now choose your yarn accordingly and organize them. It will help you to work faster.
Step 2: Measurement
After choosing the braid pattern and yarn, determine how much length the braid should have. And just like the measuring process mentioned for the 3 strands braid, for this one, the measurement process is just the same.
Step 3: Cut and fold
Cut your yarn according to the measurement and fold them by half and separate the color to follow the pattern. Now tie a loose knot on the folded side.
Step 3: Holding the braid
As tension is required, hold the braid between your knees or you may take help from your friend.
Step 4: Finishing
Bring the left strand over the next strand to the center. At the same time bring the right strand under the strand next to it. Now bring the right of the middle two-strand over the left of the middle two strands. And keep the process going until you have 6 inches of yarn remaining.
Some Essential Tips for These Two Processes
1. To make a neat braid you have to put even tension while holding them between your knees.
2. If you need a firmer braid as a handle, try to pull it tight when you are in the process. This way the braid will shrink less.
3. If you want to let your braid shrink a little try to braid a little loose so that it has its space to shrink.
How to Braid Yarn into Rope
Braiding your yarn into a rope can be a good idea if you have a few loose strands lying around. These will help you save those scraps and make something beautiful out of them. The process is mentioned down below.
Step 1: Length
The final length of the rope will be half of the length of the yarn. So first determine the length of the rope you need.
Step 2: Cutting and tying
Cut 6 colorful strands of equal lengths. And tie a knot at the end of the strand.
Step 3: Holding
To keep the strands stable while you are twisting, tie it to a secure location or take help from your friend.
Step 4: Twisting
Start twisting with caution and be gentle with it. Do hurry too much because the outcome might not be so good.
Step 5: Finishing
After the twisting is completed, hold tightly on the end and put your other finger to hold the middle. And fold it in half. Now let go.
There should be a furled rope as the final product. Now unfurl it and smoothen it up. Then tie a knot to the loose end.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Q. What can I make with yarn ropes?
Ans: You can make tons of stuff using a yarn rope. Such as colorful bracelets, belts, necklaces, garland, plant hangers, coasters, and so on.
Q. Does braiding rope make it stronger?
Ans: Any fiber that is braided or twisted is stronger than a normal single bundle of fiber. So, to have a stronger fiber or braid, it is a better option for you to braid it.
Conclusion
Adding some extra details to your artwork with braids is not just fun, but it looks great too. If you have the perfect pattern planned for your braid, you are going to have a wonderful piece of art all by yourself. So go ahead. Make your first braid and modify your art the way you want.
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