We recently received an email from a reader named Mina with a picture of a braid, asking if we could identify it. I took on the challenge, and in spite of my best efforts I couldn't come up with an origin for it. Braids are often a created for functionality, so most have a special value or meaning to someone, somewhere. Even though my research didn't work out, I did figure out how to make it.
If you make enough things you'll eventually need to cut a piece of wood. Projects like mounting photos on wood blocks, making bag handles from dowels, and framing all make use of wood, but if you're like me you probably don't have easy access to a well stocked wood shop. That's where a mitre box and tenon saw can come in handy - they're a small, inexpensive way to cut wood at perfect 90 and 45 degree angles.
Some charms are perfect at being both a decorative touch and an unusual closure. I found these anchor charms at a local bead store and thought they would be perfect in conjunction with pretty braids. In this post, I will show you how to end your threads to make bracelets like these.
This bracelet combines two rows of peyote stitch with a row of bezel set Swarovski crystals. The rectangular shape of the crystals works well with the structure of peyote. This subtle and sparkling bracelet is the perfect thing for an evening out.
I used the Create Your Style by Swarovski Elements App (Facebook | iTunes | web based version) to choose seed bead colors that went well with the crystals I was using.
In the genre of knitting patterns there are a lot that have been labeled a "chevron layette" since people started writing down and naming patterns. This one is a very open lace with nice vertical lines. It only has one pattern row (you purl the opposite side) so it's a pretty pattern that doesn't require a lot of brain power.
You can make larger braids from 12 to 28 strands of thread using the same technique as the 8 strand spiral braid. These are woven from brights so you can easily see the structure and pattern, but they could also be worked in muted tones or even solid colored for specific applications. If you've ever tried to find a trim to match a fabric at a craft store you know how nice it is to be able to make your own!
Technique
