subject: How to Braid a Four Strand Flat Braid Dog Leash Using Paracord [print this page] How to Braid a Four Strand Flat Braid Dog Leash Using Paracord
If you don't have a wood burning tool, a lighter to melt the cord ends will suffice.
Paracord will shrink when it gets wet, so it is VERY IMPORTANT that you preshrink the cord before you start to braid. If you don't, the first time that you walk your dog in the rain, your leash will get all misshapen and lumpy.To preshrink the cord, soak it in hot water for about five minutes and then hang it to dry. You can toss it in a pillow case, knot it closed and dry it in the dryer as well, it's your choice.
I am making an eight inch agility tab To determine how much paracord that you will need, break down the length of your project into inches and multiply by four. 8" X 4 = 32" so I will need 2 separate paracord strands that are EACH 32" long
STEP 1 - Arranging The Cords
Thread the cords through the eye of the snap, laying them side by side. Clamp the snap down to a steady surface like a table. This will prevent the cords of twisting during braiding, which can be frustrating for the novice braider.
STEP 2 - Braiding Move One
A and B are the first strip, while C and D are the second strip. Now take A and cross over B. D lies to the left of B while C lies to the right of C. Keep a constant, light tension on the strands.
STEP 3 - Braiding Move Two
Now cross D behind B and cross over A.
STEP 4 - Braiding Move Three
Now take C and cross behind B and over D. To continue making your leash, cross B behind D and over C. Remember that the new strand that you will use to keep making the braid will always be the topmost strand.
STEP 5 - Arranging The Cords To Start The Turk's Head Knot
While you are making your knot, plug in the wood burning tool since it takes a little while to heat up.
Grasp the end of the braid with the loose ends poking through the top of your fist and arrange the cords in an X pattern. I knew very little about ParaCord (short for Parachute Cord) at that time, only knowing that this type of cord was used extensively by the brave men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces with everything from shoe laces, to securing equipment to humvees, backpacks or ballistic vests.
What amazed me with ParaCord was its high tensile strength, lightweight characteristics, and military-inspired color options. I also knew very little about weaving, so with a little inspiration from Stormdrane and our two Shiba Inu's, I decided to make the ParaCord dog leash. Two years and over a hundred leashes later, I have created the standard ParaCord leash, traffic leash and couplers. The ParaCord dog leashes are a sure hit with our dogs, our neighbors who we come across on our daily walks, and other dog owners at our local dog park.
The ParaCord Dog Leashes are custom hand-crafted with over twenty colors to choose from. The trigger-snap buckles offer extra security and a little style over standard dog leash buckles. There are four ParaCord strands that are inter-woven with two braiding styles - diamond or spiral.
