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In this tutorial I will show you how to braid the gaucho braid.
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite braids. It is nice looking when braided without a core, but by using gutted cord, plaiting around objects, the braid really shines.
When I first encountered the braid I was deterred due to the name alone. Gaucho knots belong in the category of turk’s head knots which are well respected and challenging. In that, the braid does live up to its name. It is done in 4 steps unlike the two usually seen in “traditional braids”. It is far from impossible to do though, so do not give up without actually attempting it!
There are several versions of this braid, differing in the number of strands used. I will show the 8 strand version in this tutorial. The braid can also be found depicted nicely in Bruce Grant’s Encyclopedia of rawhide and leather braiding.
This braid will work well in leashes, whips, various plaits over objects and such.
A few tips before we start
As mentioned, the braid is made in 4 steps. These are a few tips I think are relevant to making a successful gaucho braid:
- keep your cords in a proper sequence at all times. Losing track can be difficult to remedy when starting out
- concentrate to which step is next
- tighten up the braid as you see fit
The tutorial
The braid is made using 4 cords, giving a total of 8 strands for the braid. 4 strands are assigned to each side.
It is started by interlocking the middle strands, by taking the bottom right and placing it over the bottom two left cords. The second bottom right cord then passes between the bottom two left cords. Essentially, the bottom two cords change places, while being interlocked.
Beginning the gaucho braid.
The basic sequence for the braid is the following:
- top right cord goes behind to the left, then under two over two, then back to the bottom right
- top left goes behind to the right, then over one, under two, over one, then back to the bottom on the left
- top right cord goes behind to the left, then over two under two, then back to the bottom right
- the top left cord goes behind to the right, then under one, over two, under one, then back to the bottom on the left
If you look closely, the first and third steps are the inverse of each other, as are steps 2 and 4!
The photos and the video below should prove useful:
The video on the braid:
I’m having a lot of trouble with plaiting. The paternity looks okay from the front when I plait around a core but the back looks terrible. It’s like the patern doesn’t repeat on the back. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. Can you help?
Thank you
Bill
Howdy Bill!
The issue is that you need to tighten your cords the entire way, from the moment you pick up the strand and until you are releasing it. You are basically tightening the plait around an object.
This is quite a common problem when plaiting and this should resolve it.
Also make sure you are working with enough strands to have an even look.
Mark
Can this knot be braided around a core like a tube or hose? I’m looking for something of this sort for a project I’m working on. If not, can you suggest what type of braid would be best for this? Thanks.
Hey!
It sure can. Any round braid can be used to cover a core as well!
Mark
What is the best knot to end the gaucho braid?
Hey!
Usually, braids are finished using a footrope knot. A Matthew Walker knot will also work nicely, but it is harder to tie.
Mark