GO!
Start Braiding
Follow the steps below carefully and you’ll soon get the rhythm.

1.    Hold the disc with one hand so that the North position is at the top.  Use the other hand to move the threads.

2.    Move the right-hand thread at North (top of disc) and place it in the slot on the right-hand side of the threads at South (bottom of disc). Slot 1 to slot 15.

3.    Move the left-hand thread at South (bottom of disc) and place it in the slot on the left-hand side of the thread at North (top of disc). Slot 17 to slot 31.

4.    Turn the disc anti-clockwise a quarter of a turn so that East is now at the top.

5.    Move the right-hand thread at the top of the disc and place it in the slot on the right- hand side of the thread at the bottom of the disc. Slot 9 to slot 23.

6.    Move the left-hand thread at the bottom of the disc and place in the slot on the left- hand side of the thread at the top of the disc. Slot 25 to slot 7.

7.    Turn the disc anti-clockwise a quarter of a turn. You’ll note while the disc is turned anti-clockwise, the hand will move clockwise and the threads will work their way around the disc.   

8.    Continue in this way, turning the disc anti-clockwise, and always taking the threads to the position directly opposite, until you reach the length required.

TIP: It is helpful to think of the moves as a chant of “right come, left go, and turn”. 
The right-hand thread comes toward you, the left-hand thread goes away.


A couple more tips to help you
Tension:
It is important that an even tension is maintained.  This is done by lifting the threads close to the disc and placing them securely into the slots. The slots grip the thread so you avoid the need for weights.

Turning the disc:
To get a smooth, even braid it is important to turn the disc in the same direction throughout the braiding. 
To make a 'Z' spiral the disc is turned in an anti-clockwise direction as detailed above.
To make a 'S' spiral the disc is turned in an anti-clockwise direction also, but the threads are moved "left come, right go and turn". 
 

Preventing threads from tangling:
Simply run your fingers through the threads at regular intervals to prevent tangles. 
Longer lengths should be wound onto bobbins. 

Use Bobbins when you are making a long braid to stop threads from tangling:
You will need 8. These can be embroidery thread discs, pieces of cardboard, or EZ-bobs. After you have set your threads on the disc simply wind each length of yarn that is hanging down on to your bobbin.
 

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All prices are in Australian Dollars and include GST.
Braid and Bead Studio: Brisbane Australia (ABN 90 816 914 870)