KINGSMERE CRAFTS

Arrange the leather, rawhide or cord centrally, through the snap as shown in Fig 1 with half of the eight strands on each side. Hang from a nail or hook on a wall. If you are using leather or rawhide strands the rough side should face the centre. Fasten with a length of wire under the snap. Tighten, then separate into two bundles.

Start the braid as indicated in Fig 2, by crossing the top left strand, numbered 1, over the top right strand, numbered 2.

Carry on working as in Fig 3, with the strands as numbered in Fig 1, crossing the second strand on the right, numbered 3, over strand numbered 1. Cross the second strand, as shown in Fig 4, on the left, numbered 4, over the strand numbered 3.

As shown in Figure 5, cross strand number 5 over that numbered 4, and in Fig 6 cross strand numbered 6 over the strand numbered 5. Next, in Fig 7, cross strand numbered 7 over strand numbered 8, then in Fig 8 cross strand numbered 8 over the strand numbered 7.

As shown in Fig 9 continue to braid with four more (strands, 1 - 4, braided once again) by reaching behind the braid. Pull strand number 2 behind the braid to the right side. Weaving it under the strands numbered 1 and 4 and over the strands numbered 6 and 8. If you have a core for the braid put it into the centre and continue braiding. In Fig 11 pull the strand numbered 1 behind the braid to the left side, weaving it under strands numbered 3 and 5 and over strands numbered 7 and 2.

If using more than eight strands you have to change your weaving pattern. For example, for 12 strands it will be over 2, under 2, over2. If 16 strands it will be under 2, over 2, under 2, over 2.

Figure 12, braid four feet. This will be braided onto a 1" ring or D-ring to keep the braid from coming loose. Look at Fig 13 and you'll see each end is folded around the ring and braided back into the braid. Each strand is pulled to the outside and cut to different lengths. Braid the second rein following the same instructions you've just followed to complete the first rein.

Now for the third section of the rommel. This is done in exactly the same way as the two reins but is started from the ring as shown in Fig 14. Braid four feet and wrap a wire around the end to hold it together. Separate the strands into four sections.

As indicated in Fig 15 fold section number 1 to the right between sections 2 and 3, and as Fig 16 is showing section 2 gets folded up over section number 1 and goes between numbers 3 and 4.

Fold section number 3 in Fig 17 to the left over those numbered 2 and 4. As in Fig 18 section 4 is folded down over section 3 and under the section numbered 1. Figure 19 is showing the complete knot. Now, as shown in Fig 20 take one strand and pull it counter clockwise past the section to its left.

lacing fid

Looking at Fig 21 you can see it being pulled through the centre of the knot. Continue to work counter clockwise and pull one strand at a time up through the centre of the knot, a top quality awl with the best fid point for turkshead and lacing projects, such as shown in Fig 24, may be useful to enable you to do that. Carry on until all the strands have been pulled through. Cut the ends off even with the top of the knot, as the heel knot will be braided over this. Dampen the braids and roll them between two boards.