Materials required:
6 strands of standard gimp or Titan lacing, 3¼ yds. each
3 strands of standard gimp or Titan lacing, 6″ each
1 buckle for ¾″ or 1″ belt width
Fasten the buckle securely so that you can pull against it to keep the
braiding tight. Hang three strands of gimp on each side of the tongue,
so that you have twelve strands of equal length. Since the order of the
strands determines the pattern, arrange the strands on the buckle as
indicated for any of the patterns on page 11.
Bring the back part of the left strand forward and bend it across the
other section of the same strand right side up. (Fig. 79.) Bring the
lower part of the second strand forward and weave it over the front
portion and under the forward part of the left strand. (Fig. 80.) In the
same way bring each strand around to the front and weave it to the left
over one—under one—over one—etc. When the work appears as in figure 81,
check the strands to see that they are all right side up before
beginning to braid.
[Illustration: Fig. 79]
[Illustration: Fig. 80]
[Illustration: Fig. 81]
Take the upper right strand and weave it across over one—under one—etc.
(Fig. 82.) Then weave the upper left strand under one—over one—under
one—etc. (Fig. 83) Bend the strands at the edge as in figure 84. If
Titan lacing is used, the strands may be folded at the edge instead as
in figure 85. Continue weaving the right and left strands in this way.
[Illustration: Fig. 82]
[Illustration: Fig. 83]
[Illustration: Fig. 84]
[Illustration: Fig. 85]
When you have woven the full length you need for the belt, make the last
row from left to right and fasten the strands with a paper clip as shown
in figure 86. Turn the belt around and weave each strand loosely back
along itself. (Figs. 87 and 88.) Pull the strands tight, then trim the
ends close to the braid.
[Illustration: Fig. 86]
[Illustration: Fig. 87]
[Illustration: Fig. 88]
Make the loop of simple three strand braiding sewed at the ends and
sewed to the belt 1″ below the buckle.
Little need be said of the color patterns shown on page 11. At one end
of each we have indicated the positions of the strands on the buckle.