How to Make a Four-Strand Flat Braid with Craft Cord
Follow a two-move repeat with four labeled strands: right over one, then left over two. Includes a crossing chart and pause checks.
For this four-strand flat braid, take the rightmost strand over its neighbor, then take the leftmost strand over the next two. Repeat those moves using the strands now at the edges. Labeling the strands A, B, C and D makes the first repeat easy to check.
A source-based guide with original diagrams. We have not physically made or tested this version.
What you’ll need
- Four lengths of smooth craft cord or yarn in contrasting colors; use the same material and thickness
- Tape or a clip to hold the upper ends on a table
- Scissors, a ruler and small removable tape flags for measuring a practice sample; optional letter labels near the upper ends
- For practice, choose four equal lengths with enough loose end to hold; determine project length with your own sample
Keep a fixed front and four clear lanes
Tie or tape the upper ends together and secure them on the table. Arrange the loose strands from left to right as A, B, C and D. The letters stay with the strands when their positions change.
Work on the same face throughout. “Over” means crossing toward you, above another strand, not passing behind the work. After each move, lay all four strands flat enough to read their new left-to-right order.
To estimate cord for a longer project, first make a practice braid. Measure the same distance along each strand from where braiding will begin, and place a small removable tape flag at each endpoint. Braid until the first flag reaches the last crossing, then stop. Measure the braided section. Divide the marked starting distance by that finished length to get a provisional cord-per-braid ratio; multiply your target braided length by that ratio for each strand, then add tying ends and extra for tension changes. Remove the flags before continuing. This estimate applies to your chosen cord and tension.
Follow the two-move repeat
This sequence follows Red Ted Art’s four-strand craft braid. Outer positions change after each move; the same two colored strands do not remain the working strands forever.
Right over one
Starting A B C D, lift D across C toward you. Lay it between B and C. The new order is A B D C.
Left over two
Lift A across B and then D, staying above both. Place it between D and C. The order is now B D A C.
Repeat from the new edges
The next rightmost strand is C, so move C over A. The order becomes B D C A. Then move the leftmost B over D and C, giving D C B A. Continue the same positional rule.
References: Red Ted Art: How Do You Braid with 4 Strands?
Watch the complete braid movement
Red Ted Art · How to Braid with 4 Strands
Watch the right-over-one and left-over-two hand movements, then compare them with the lettered chart above.
Check which strand passes above
The crossing chart follows one complete repeat. Gaps in an underlying line indicate that another strand passes over it; the lines do not represent cut cord. Compare the letters at the bottom with the order on your table.
If your braid begins to spiral, first check whether you are turning the whole work over or replacing an over-crossing with an under-crossing. Next look for one strand being pulled much tighter than its neighbors. Correct the newest repeat while it is still easy to loosen.
Pause after a complete repeat
Stop after the left-over-two move and clip or tape the four working strands in their current order. A photo of that order and a note saying “next: right over one” gives you a useful restart point.
If you stop halfway through, record which move remains. A finished-looking edge is not enough to identify the next move with confidence. If you lose track, undo to a known repeat instead of adding a random extra crossing.
Keep the loose tails separated while working. Pulling a tangle below the braid can alter the tension above it even when the crossing order is correct.
Finish for a small decorative project
At the desired length, hold the last crossing and secure all four ends together with an overhand knot. If you began with tape rather than a knot, hold the top of the braid as you remove the tape and knot those four ends too. Leave room for any tying ends before trimming. Check that the braid remains flat and neither end loosens when you release it.
Use this as a decorative cord, tie or craft bracelet after checking fit and the chosen fastening. It is not a load-bearing rope, climbing instruction or hair-braiding tutorial. For a round seven-strand bracelet, follow the separate disk method.
