8 strand crocodile ridge braid

In this tutorial, we take on the 8 strand version of the crocodile ridge braid.

I already did a tutorial on the 6 strand version of the crocodile ridge braid. This is a tutorial on using 8 strands. Usually I show two tutorial for each braid, so you can compare them and see the pattern, which can be applied to any other number of strands used. I have learned this braid from the Encyclopedia of rawhide and leather braiding.

I highly recommend first trying the 6 strand version. It may be a bit easier to start, not that either are too complicated.

Tutorial on the 8 strand crocodile ridge braid

I divided the tutorial in two parts to make it easier to follow. The first part sets up the braid, the second shows how the braiding is done. If you prefer video, one is available at the end of the photo tutorial.

The set up

I have set up the braid using a traditional Australian flat braid start. You may start the braid any way you like, as long as you have 8 strands to work with.

8 strands, set up to be braided. Note that the bottom left and right cords are crossed.

If using any other start, you will need to cross the bottom two cords.

To continue, we take the third cord from the left (counting from the top) and wrap it around the bottom left and right cord,

then return it to the bottom left.

The third cord on the right is now wrapped around the bottom two cords and returned to the bottom right.

The second cord on the left goes over the third cord.

Then it wraps around the bottom two cords and returns to the bottom left.

The second cord from the right now passes over the third cord.

Then wraps around the bottom two cords and returns to the bottom on the right.

With that, the setup for braiding is complete.

The braiding sequence

Finally, we can begin demonstrating the actual braid. We will be alternating the top left and right cords from this point on and braiding them in the following sequence.