Materials required:
4 strands of standard gimp, 2¼ yds. each
1 steel band, ¾″ wide
Hold the center of all four strands against the inside of the band about
½″ beyond the joint. (Fig. 46.) If standard gimp is used, be sure to
have the seams next to the metal. Fold the strands on the left
diagonally down across the band, holding them with the thumb and
forefinger of the left hand. (Fig. 47.)
[Illustration: Fig. 46]
[Illustration: Fig. 47]
Weave the top right strand across the band under the first, over the
second, under the third, and over the fourth strands. (Fig. 48.) Weave
the next strand over the first, under the second, over the third, and
under the fourth strands. (Fig. 49.) Weave the third strand under
one—over one—under one—over one, and weave the last strand under
two—over one—under one. Make certain that none of the strands are
twisted, then tighten the braid on the band until the gimp lies flat
without bulging. (Fig. 50.)
[Illustration: Fig. 48]
[Illustration: Fig. 49]
[Illustration: Fig. 50]
Pass the top right strand through the bracelet. Bring it forward between
the two middle strands at the left. Then fold it back across the band
over the third strand and under the fourth. (Fig. 51.) Pull it tight.
Next do the same with the upper left strand (Fig. 52), and continue
alternately weaving the top left and right strands in this way. The last
strand woven shows as the lowest on the inside, so you can always tell
which strand to weave next.
[Illustration: Fig. 51]
[Illustration: Fig. 52]
If the pattern does not come out even when you have woven the entire
distance around the bracelet, ease the braid back around the band to
gain whatever additional space you need in order to complete the design.
Clip the ends of the strands to make them pointed. Then weave the lower
right strand under the beginning strand on the same side. (Fig. 53.)
Weave the lower left strand over the first and under the second
beginning strands on the left. (Fig. 54.) Then weave the free strand on
the left over one—under one, thus completing the face of the braid with
all the strands woven to the edge. (Fig. 55.)
[Illustration: Fig. 53]
[Illustration: Fig. 54]
[Illustration: Fig. 55]
To finish off, work inside the bracelet. Weave the upper left strand
under the first two slanting strands on the right. (Fig. 56.) Weave the
upper right strand under the two opposite strands. (Fig. 57.)
[Illustration: Fig. 56]
[Illustration: Fig. 57]
Weave the rest of the strands in the same way (Fig. 58), then draw the
work tight and trim off the ends.
Many additional patterns can be made by varying the position of the
strands at the start. The strands may simply be crossed on the inside
(Fig. 59), to make one series of patterns. They may be looped to bring
both ends of the same strand on the same side for another group of
patterns. Titan lacing may be looped flat as in figure 60, but standard
gimp should have the strands arranged as in figure 61 so that the seam
sides will be toward the band. Combinations of straight, crossed, and
looped strands offer further possibilities for patterns.
[Illustration: Fig. 58]
[Illustration: Fig. 59]
[Illustration: Fig. 60]
Eight separate strands 4 ft. long may be started as shown in figure 62.
An ordinary paper clip is sufficient to hold the braid in place. Weaving
with eight strands extends the possibilities for unusual patterns, but
care must be exercised to keep the designs simple.
[Illustration: Fig. 61]
[Illustration: Fig. 62]