How to weave from leather

Video: How to weave leather - Leather Weaving Process

Content

Method 2 of 4: Circular braid
Method 3 of 4: Maiden Braid
Method 4 of 4: Weaving Leather Jewelry
What do you need

1 In order to start weaving a product with such an intriguing name, we need a strip of leather about 3 cm wide. Before cutting the strip, decide on the length of the future product and add about 1.5 times more to it.

The leather will shrink as it weaves, so the extra length won't hurt. The most optimal length for work is 23-25 cm. Be sure to use sharp scissors or a knife when working with leather.

2 Make two parallel cuts along the entire leather strip, but do not cut it all the way; the ends should remain intact. You should end up with a strip of leather divided into three equal parts - the cord. For the next step, mentally number the cords from left to right: 1, 2, 3.

Make sure the two incisions are equidistant from each other.
To weave in this way, the strip of leather should remain a single piece, so stop the slots 1.5 - 2 cm, leaving the ends of the strip intact.
Be sure to prepare your work surface. It should not be slippery and loose. For these purposes, plastic (plasticine boards), wood or even linoleum are perfect. You can use a special construction knife with a replaceable blade, tailor's scissors or office knives with breakable blades to cut strips and cords.

3 Before you start braiding, you need to secure one end of your strip. To do this, you can use a clamp, something heavy, or even pin it with a nail. So, let's begin. Pull the lower end of the strip towards you, and then pull it from top to bottom between strip 2 and 3 and bring it to its original position.

Don't be confused by the twisting of the cords, creating a loop like this will simplify the braiding process.
If you did everything correctly, then your braid should have a knot in the middle, but the cords should not fit snugly together.

4 Next, we proceed according to a very simple scheme: at the top of the braid, wind the lace 1 onto the lace 2, then thread the lace 1 between 2 and 3.

Lace 1 should fit under the lace 3.

5 Thread the lace 3 through 1.

6 Lace 2 through 3. There should now be a distance between the second and third laces at the bottom of the braid.

7 Now pull back on the one-piece bottom end of the leather strip and thread it between 2 and 3 lace, pull down.

By making this loop, you complete stage 1 of weaving.

8 Repeat steps 4-6 to braid individual cords. Make sure to thread the bottom of the strip through cords 2 and 3 to complete the weave as described in step 7.

Method 2 of 4: Circular braid

1 First, cut off four cords from a strip of leather. As in the previous method, the four-cord technique shrinks the leather, so we recommend cutting the laces a little longer.
- But as for the thickness of the cords, it should be reduced, since the product made in this technique will be more voluminous, as you probably understood from the name.
2 Tie the ends of the cords with a thread on one side before weaving. Let's designate them as A, B, C, D from left to right.
- For the convenience of work, fix your workpiece. To do this, you can use scotch tape, paper holder, weight. But, perhaps, one of the most convenient ways would be to fix the ringlet to the ends tied with thread; this will allow you to comfortably and firmly fasten the structure to the chair leg. This method of fixing will allow you to braid, giving the product bulk.
- In order not to get tangled, we recommend using cords of different colors for the first time, or tying woolen threads of different colors in each cord.
3 Thread Cord D to the left through (over) cords B and C. Now, from left to right, the cords should be in this order: A, D, B, C.
4 We start cord B through D, also to the left. Cord Locations: A, B, D, C.
5 Cord A to the right so that it passes through B and D. Cord order: B, D, A, C.
6 We twist the cord D to the right with cord A. Cord order: B, A, D, C.
- If you did everything right in the previous steps, cords D and A should be in the middle. Cord B - extreme left, cord C - extreme.
7 Take cords B and A in your left hand, D and C in your right and pull them in opposite directions.
8 We draw cord C to the left over D and A. Order: B, C, A, D.
9 Cord A to the left through cord C. Order: B, A, C, D.
10 Run cord B to the right through A and C. Order: A, C, B, D.
11 Cord C to the right through B. You have completed the first weaving cycle. From left to right, the cords should now look like this: A, B, C, D.
- Tighten the braid in the same way. This should be done after each cycle for structural strength.
12 Repeat steps 3-11 until the desired length is reached. Since this process is very detail-oriented, it is suggested that you start with shorter length strands.
13 After finishing work, tie the ends of the cords. They can also be secured with a ring; this method is perfect for making a bracelet or necklace (we will consider these techniques below).

Method 3 of 4: Maiden Braid

1 This technique is distinguished by its exquisite simplicity. Cut three cords of the same width from the leather strip. One end of the strip can be left untouched (at the opposite end of the strip, the ends will be free), or we cut the entire strip to the end and get three separate leather cords.
- Do not forget about the shrinkage of the skin before finally cutting the cords. It all depends on what you want to do. For a more massive bracelet, belt or bag handle, the cords should be cut off thicker. If your choice fell on a leather necklace, the cords should be cut longer, about 25 cm.
2 Secure the ends. If you decide to weave from three separate strips, then they can be tied at one end, leaving a tail about 2.5 cm, and fixed with adhesive tape to the surface. In the following instructions, we will refer to the stripes as left, center and right.
- Make sure that the ends of the strips are of equal length. Try to get them evenly spaced in the braid.
3 We start weaving: we start the left strip through the central one. The stripes should change position - the left one becomes the center one.
4 The right strip through the central, the central strip has changed again, now it is the right one.
5 Continue weaving in this way, alternately crossing the left and right strips from the center, until you reach the desired length.
- If you decide to make a bracelet, and the length is clearly long, do not be afraid to use scissors.
6 Just cut off the excess and tie the ends with a thread, leaving a ponytail about 2.5 cm.

Method 4 of 4: Weaving Leather Jewelry

1 Using the techniques of weaving leather strips, which we have considered, you can make many options for the original product.
- For example, you can use the four-cord method of braiding leather, attaching connecting rings to both ends for easy connection into a bracelet.
- Alternatively, you can use the single puzzle method by punching two holes in the solid ends of the bracelet. Thread a leather cord through the holes to adjust the length of the bracelet on your wrist.
- Well, to give your bracelet a truly professional look, you need accessories. Tie the ends of the cords together and secure them with an end clip available from any sewing or craft store. Now your bracelet has got a truly professional look.
2 This method of finishing the ends is perfect for making a woven leather necklace. One of the main differences between a necklace and a bracelet is its length, otherwise your imagination and accessories will help you.
- In order to give your necklace the look of a pendant, you need to select an oblong bead, thread the braid through the hole in the bead and mark it in the center of your product.
- Likewise, you can make a medallion with your photograph or, using letter beads, make up your name - a great gift for a friend. Unleash your imagination.
3 Don't stop there. Having mastered several weaving methods, practicing with different sizes of your products, test yourself with weaving a leather ring.
- When weaving, use different colors of cords, such as black and brown. Using the Maiden Braid method, braid a leather braid, then cut off the length you want for the ring. Fix the ends with metal clips. You can be sure that only you will have such an exclusive accessory.