Materials required:
2 strands of heavy round gimp, 2½ yds. each
1 strand of heavy round gimp, 10″
Cross the strands at their midpoints. (Fig. 70.) Bring the right under
strand around over the next two strands and down behind. (Fig. 71.) Do
the same with the second strand. (Fig. 72.) Bring the third strand
around and down through the loop of the first. (Fig. 73.) Bring the last
strand around and down through both the first and second loops.
(Fig. 74.) Insert the core through the middle so that about 1″ is beyond
the knot. Then pull all the strands tight. (Fig. 75.)
[Illustration: Fig. 70]
[Illustration: Fig. 71]
[Illustration: Fig. 72]
[Illustration: Fig. 73]
[Illustration: Fig. 74]
[Illustration: Fig. 75]
Continue braiding for about 8″ in this same way. Then fit the braid
around your wrist to find the bracelet size needed. Cut the long end of
the core so that it just touches the beginning of the braid. (Fig. 76.)
Overlap the two ends of the core, and complete the braid over the
doubled strand. Tuck the loose ends through the beginning stitches and
trim them off close to the braid.
[Illustration: Fig. 76]
_Braided Belts_
Belts to match bracelets and leashes or to harmonize with various
costumes are favorite gimp projects. They may be made from any type of
gimp. The popular twelve-strand braids can have as many as six colors,
if so desired.
The choice of the buckle is quite important. Standard buckles with
tongues are the most widely used. Special decorative effects can be
achieved with tongueless buckles. Other attractive results can be
produced by covering the buckle with gimp, using half hitches (Fig. 77)
or basket stitches as shown in figure 78.
[Illustration: Fig. 77]
[Illustration: Fig. 78]