Starting off
Practise making a simple plait and learn the basic rules of braiding.
The easiest way to start braiding is to make a simple three-strand plait following our instructions, which will also demonstrate the skills you need for every braid. Step 1 First you need the right number of strands, secured together at one end with a knot or a few stitches. A plait needs three strands and we made ours for a doll, so we used 24 lengths of brown yarn, which we knotted together at one end and divided into three equal strands. Now you need to assign a number or name to each strand – we labelled ours as ‘left’, ‘centre’ and ‘right’. Different braiding patterns use names or numbers or diagrams, so start by using names and then try other methods.
Step 2 Take the ‘right’ strand and lift it over the ‘centre’ strand. Now you’ll need to reset the labels on your strands because the strand that was ‘right’ is now ‘centre’.
Step 3 Next take the ‘left’ strand and lift it over the ‘centre’ strand. Then reset your strand labels again because the strand that was ‘left’ has become ‘centre’. Step 4 Repeat Steps 2-3 to continue the plait, resetting the labels on your strands after each move. Continue the plait to the end of your strands or to the length desired.
Step 5 When you’re learning a new braiding pattern, it’s best to work it fairly loosely. Once you’re confident with the pattern, you can pull the strands more tightly together to achieve a neater look, such as with this plait. Once your braid is finished, secure the strands at the end by sewing them together or by tying a length of yarn around the end.