Basics

• The basic braid is a three strand braid, most familiarly used when braiding a person's hair. To practice, tie three lengths of yarn, no more than 6 feet long each, to a chair. Hold the yarn out horizontally, and place the rightmost strand over the middle strand, making a new middle strand. Then move the leftmost strand over the middle strand. Continue the process until you've braided all of the yarn, and remember that the resulting braid will be shorter than the length of yarn you started with. Three dimensional items are created by coiling the braid into different shapes, and stitching them together. Different thicknesses of yarn or other materials create varying sizes of braids, while sturdier materials, such as rope, produce less flexible braids.
  
  

Materials

• Anything that can be cut or made into long strips is suitable for braiding. Traditionally, braiding is a craft that recycles materials such as leftover yarn, wool or fabric. You should match the material to the items you're making. String and rope work well for items used outdoors, and ribbon braids form delicate trims on clothing. Cut strips from plastic bags and braid them to make waterproof eco-friendly products. Consider some unusual materials such as twisted paper, wire and electrical cord for unique braids, or mix and match different fibers for added interest.
  
  

Household Items

• Most people have seen, or even owned, braided rugs. Braids can also be coiled into square or round coasters for practical gifts. Two or three braids twisted or braided together form a sturdy garland for decoration at holiday times. Use orange and black braids for Halloween or pastel colors to welcome spring. Glue braids around a photo frame for a nostalgic feel.
  
  

Personal Items

• Create jewelry from braided fibers. Tie or braid several braids together for a necklace or bracelet, or create a small braid from embroidery thread for a ring. A longer braid is suitable as a belt but make sure its flat enough to go through your belt loops. Use tiny braids as zipper pulls, very thin braids as shoelaces and chunkier braids to tie hair back into a ponytail. Braids make excellent gifts, including bookmarks, and coiled together as wallets or cell phone covers.