Take any number of strands that can be divided by four—sixty being the usual number for this braid—fifteen hairs in a strand, and place on table like pattern. Commence at A, with the inside row of figures; and braid round table to the right; cross No. 4 over No. 3, and No. 1 over Nos. 2 and 3; then repeat with the same strands. Then go to B, and braid the same, and so on round table to the right, until you get to A. Then go to C, and braid back round table to the left, by crossing No. 2 over No. 1, and No. 3 over No. 4, and No. 2 over No. 3; then repeat with the same strands, and so on round table till you get to A. Then you are through the braid, ready to commence as at first.
Braid this over a round stick, the size you want the braid for use, varying the number of strands according to the size of the stick; then slip the braid from the stick on to the mold you wish to use, and push it tight together, tying it so it will fit the mold exactly, and then boil in water five minutes, and take it out and put it in an oven as hot as it will bear without burning, until it is quite dry. Then it is ready for use.
Take any number of strands that can be divided by four,—sixty being the usual number—fifteen hairs in a strand, and place on table like pattern. Commence at A, with the inside row of figures, lift No. 3 over No. 2, and Nos. 1 and 3 over Nos. 2 and 4; then go to B, and braid the same to the left until you get to A; then commence at C, with the outside row of figures, and braid round table to the left again; lift Nos. 1 and 2 over Nos. 3 and 4, and so on round table till you get to A. Then commence with the inside row of figures at A, and lift No. 2 over No. 3, and Nos. 2 and 4 over Nos. 3 and 1; then go to B, and braid the same to the right, and so on round table to A; then commence at C with the outside row of figures, and braid round to the right, lift Nos. 3 and 4 over Nos. 2 and 1, and so on round table to A; then you are through the braid, ready to commence as at first. Be sure and braid the first two times round table to the left, and the last two to the right.