With a synthetic rope you can fuse the end by holding it over a candle so that it melts a little and fuses together. [2] X Research source You can tie twine (dental floss works well) around the end portion of the strand to bind it together. This practice is known as “whipping. ” You can also use tape to secure the ends of the strands, and prevent fraying.
The three strands should be lying next to each other and not overlapping to get your starting position. [3] X Research source You may find it helpful to label the three strands A, B, and C. You could also color-code the strands, or use different colors if you want to make a pattern.
In this example you would now cross B over C, so that B is the central strand. Then you would cross A over B so that A is the central strand. You can continue this pattern until you reach the end of the length of rope.
A four-strand braid is a good choice for a high-friction use, such as in winches and pulleys. [5] X Research source Ensure that each strand is fused at the end, either by melting the end of a synthetic rope, or by tying or taping a natural rope. [6] X Research source The extra strand over a three-strand brand should make the rope thicker and stronger.
You can work with four separate pieces of rope, or you could bend two pieces of rope in half and treat the two ends of one piece as two strands, thereby giving you a total of four strands. You can also use eight strands of rope as long as you work in bunches of two, essentially treating two strands as one. For the sake of this tutorial, the four strands will be labelled as A, B, C, and D. Strands B and C are the centre two strands.
When you are finished with this step, the ends of all four strands should still be in the same order they were in at the start. The order should be A, B, C, D. [8] X Research source
At the end of this step, the order of the strand ends should be B, D, A, C. You have completed one braiding block at the conclusion of this step. [10] X Research source
At the start of each round, re-label the strands as A, B, C, D according to the order they are now in. Wrap C around B. Bring A over B. Cross D under C and over A.
Single-braided ropes are often used for rigging and pulling and climbing. [12] X Research source Do not use a rope you have made yourself for climbing unless you have had it checked out by an expert who can vouch for its suitability and safety.
You can do this just by sliding the two ends of the rope towards the centre. For this example, have the right side of the rope above the left side. [13] X Research source
As you cross the rope over itself, the original top portion of the loop should cross back over the original bottom portion of the loop, just a short distance away from the new intersection you created. As a result, a new, smaller loop or hole should form just past the original link of your braid. [15] X Research source
The right-hand end of the rope will go through the hole by going over the bottom portion of the loop and under the top portion of the loop. The right-hand end should now be angled upward, above the rest of the rope. [16] X Research source
You can use a Monkey Braid to make a nice looking chain, which returns to a straight rope when pulled. You often see these braids on dress uniforms.
You should be pulling a small U-shaped portion of rope through your initial loop to create a second loop. Pull it down, through the loop and out, tugging it toward the working side of the rope to tighten it slightly. Note that it is easier to tighten each loop as you work when using this braiding method. Trying to tighten the loops once you finish the entire braid can cause the braid to be loose and uneven overall.
Repeat this as necessary down the length of the rope. [23] X Research source
