Posts about original loop braids, or about original braiding methods for making traditional loop braids. These are braids or methods that I or someone else came up with, and for which I’m not aware of any earlier examples or references.
This braid is an unusual variation of a 7-loop spanish braid, with intricate color-patterns and a shape that is firmly rounded rather than rectangular in cross-section. Invented or discovered by Douglas Grant, a reader of this blog, who allowed me to share it here. (Thanks, Doug!) [A more recent post has the video for this braid, but this post has photos + instructions for several different color patterns.]
An alternative method for braiding the 15th C. eight-loop braids known as Lace Dawns (or Daunce) and Lace Piole. It is a faster method, with no doubled loops on any fingers. (Requires using the thumb of only one hand, so might be a good intro to 9-loop square braids.)
A ‘Plain Oblique Twined’ braid — usually abbreviated as POT by ply-split braiders. This kind of twining can also be done with loop braiding. I love this braid, and got to use it as part of a Braid Society Swap because of its unplanned resemblance to a Navajo sand painting figure… (not a tutorial)
Eleven-loop braids! Yes, just like 5, 7, and 9-loop square and flat braids, but with 11 loops, so more color possibilities, and a bigger braid…Requires holding two loops on the little finger. Photo-tute and videos.
Loop Braiding 