Intricate five-strand braid
It’s surprisingly easy to create this complex-looking braid.
Now you’ll be ready to tackle a slightly more complicated braid, but don’t worry – we’ll make it really easy! This one also uses five strands, but the strands are interwoven in a different way. Give it a try and you’ll see how simple it really is.
Step 1 For this braid, you will need five equal-sized strands – we’ve made the strands in different colours to help you keep track of the braiding pattern. Secure the strands together at the top.
Step 2 Start by taking the fourth strand (red in our example) in your right hand and lift it over the centre strand (burgundy). Keep the red strand in your right hand for the next step.
Step 3 Take the second strand (light pink) in your left hand and swap it with the strand in your right hand (red), keeping the second strand (light pink) on top. Keep the red strand in your left hand for the next step. Step 4 Take the strand in your left hand (red) and lift it over the first strand (green). Now you can put this strand down. You’ll see that the red strand (which was originally the fourth strand) has travelled to the left, working its way over, under and over three other strands.
Step 5 The final step in this braiding pattern is to take the strand that was originally in the centre (the burgundy strand, which is now the fourth strand) and lift it over the fifth strand (beige). Now you can tighten up the strands of the braid so they sit more neatly together. Step 6 Now reset the numbered labels on your strands and repeat the braiding pattern from Steps 2 to 5. This time you’ll start with the beige strand, which is the new fourth strand. Keep repeating the pattern, tightening up the strands as desired, to create a colourful finished braid. When you’re finished, sew the ends together to secure.