Team, or multi-braider braiding is the traditional way to make loop braids of more than 7 to 9 loops. Two or more braiders work side-by-side holding the loops to a single braid. This was apparently a very common practice in Medieval and earlier periods in Europe and elsewhere. It is much easier, and arguably more fun! than trying to manage a lot of extra loops on one set of hands. (See also the History category for the history of team braiding.)
Two double braids from the 17th C with a wonderful “unorthodox” loop exchange method that goes back to the 12th Century, if not further. This exchange move is so easy to do with REALLY cool results! It produces unusual loop braids that may be unique to Europe. Videos for my solo braider method, illustration for the traditional team braiding method.
Two alternative fingerloop braiding methods for making the 2,500-year-old, 15-loop fingerloop braid known as “HallTex 301.” This braid artifact is one of the amazing textile finds from the famous Hallstatt Salt Mines in the Austrian Alps! 2 videos, one demoing a “Palms-up” method and the other a “Palms-down” method.
A tutorial for a non-traditional 12-loop braid with an unusual number of loop-transfers: Five! You might call it a Double-and-a-bit-more Braid. The video tutorial is for my solo-braider method. Also text instructions for an easier “odd” braid – the 7-loop Square-and-a-half braid of 3 loop transfers – for the left braider of a team making the larger 12-loop braid. (The smaller braid has some fun asymmetrical color-patterns of its own!)
Tips on braiding as a team – the traditional way to make what I call “double braids” — ten-loop braids that are twice as big and complex as a square braid. Yet all you and your partner need to know first is how to make a 5-loop square braid! Video and photos.
Loop Braiding 