Round plaiting is ideal for making sturdy ropes, key rings, dog leads or bracelets for everyday use in youth groups and the Scouts. Unlike flat plaiting, this technique produces a round, extremely durable strand.
Advantages of round braiding
- High stability: Even distribution of tension across all strands.
- Feel: Fits more comfortably in the hand than flat straps.
- Versatility: Works with paracord, leather or rope.
Disadvantages of round braiding
- High material consumption: Requires approx. 25–30% more length than the target length.
- Complexity (although mistakes are noticeable in the pattern, correcting them requires unpicking).
- Securing: Requires a secure anchor at the start, otherwise the pattern will warp.
Materials
- 4 pieces of string (preferably two different colours for beginners, to keep track of them).
- Securing method (adhesive tape, a clipboard or a safety pin).
Step-by-step instructions
Preparation: Tie the four strands together at the top (e.g. with an overhand, figure-of-eight or diamond knot) and secure them. Arrange them side by side: 1 (outer left), 2 (inner left), 3 (inner right), 4 (outer right).
- Start from the far left: Take strand 1. Pass it behind the two middle strands (2 and 3) and through to the right.
- Back to the centre: Pass the same strand 1 forwards between strands 3 and 4 and lay it over strand 2 to the right. Strand 1 is now the new inner strand on the left-hand side.
- Counter from the far right: Take the outermost right strand (4). Pass it behind the two current middle strands to the left.
- Back to the centre: Pass strand 4 forwards between the left-hand strand and the left-hand inner strand , and lay it over the left-hand inner strand to the right.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 1 to 4 alternately from the left and right. Pull the cords evenly tight after each step.
Key to success: The tension must remain constant. If the strings are pulled unevenly, the round structure will deform into an uneven spiral.
Pattern variations with two colours
The arrangement of the colours at the start determines the visual pattern of the finished rope. When using two colours (two strands of each), there are two options:
- Spiral look (alternating arrangement)
Starting sequence: Colour A, Colour B, Colour A, Colour B.
Effect: The colours wind spirally around the rope. This creates an even, chequerboard-like pattern. - Striped look (paired arrangement)
Starting sequence: Colour A, Colour A, Colour B, Colour B.
Effect: Two clearly distinct, straight vertical stripes are created on opposite sides of the braid.
Pictures
