In this braid you learn to take loops through other loops and to move loops down. The sequence is simple, but may take a bit of practice. Note that the C loop is taken reversed. Make sure that when you pull the C loop through a B loop that the B loop stays in its place.
Written instructions Place loops on A, B, C left and B, C right.
- A right goes through B right and takes C left reversed.
- Lower B left to C left and A left to B left.
- A left goes through B left and takes C right reversed.
- Lower B right to C right and A right to B right.
Still confused? Watch a video. It starts very slowly and then speeds up to my usual speed. This braid is very fast to make once you get the movements into your fingers.
Variations
This seems to appear only monocolour in the period manuscripts, but if you want to, you can try experimenting with color. For example four light and one dark loop give an interesting pattern. You can also make bicoloured (departed) loops and see what comes out.
The next braid, Birka cord, is actually very easy when you have learned the braid above.