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Instructables user SFHandyman writes:
In this Instructable, I'm going to teach you how to make Finger Loop Braids. With this technique you can make braids with just your hands that have 10 or more strands each. They can be used for anything. Bracelets, chokers, belts, hat bands, as trim on clothing, or furniture... If you need a strong lacing, a finger loop braid will multiply the strength of your string/rope by 10. To make the videos easy to follow, I made the braids out of rope.
Finger Loop Braids were popular from the 11th to the 15th Century in Europe. There are still some forms of similar braids made in isolated areas of South America, Asia and the Middle East. In Europe they seem to have been forgotten after the 1600's. Fabric and fiber art does not survive centruries. So examples of the original braids are very rare. You can sometimes spot them in old master paintings. They look like they take days to make but I'll show you some complex braids that can be completed in 5 minutes.
Interesting where skills like this end up. 20 years ago, I learned both 3-loop and 5-loop braids of this type from my friends as a technique to make "friendship bracelets" out of embroidery floss. I am curious how such an unusual technique ended up so popular at my grade school.
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