The visual rhythm of uniform braids comes from a physical rhythm. So, normally I do one stage of the process at a time. That is: braid the mane down, pull it all up, finesse the bottomline then tie- lock ’em down. Doing one stage at a time lets you get a good rhythm and feel. Plus, it is easier to get the bottomline perfectly straight, which is the most important part of the braid job.
On this occasion, I did half the mane at a time. It was probably blunt, so I was concerned that the braids would loosen up. The bottom of the mane should be tapered. Otherwise, the hair fights the knot.
The pony is tied toward the light and so as his head would not drop too low. It looks like he kept trying to nuzzle me. The lead is clasped to keep him in a frame, so I did not need to correct him. Still, he is having a good time. The rope is just run/woven between a couple bars and not tied. If he pulls it will slide out.
Yarn properties are really important. Most yarn is made for knitting- coming together. We pull on it, and don’t want it to break. That definitely breaks your rhythm. Braiding yarn should be strong and stretch. That makes for braids that can lie flush to the neck. That stretch also allows us to finesse for a perfectly straight bottomline, regardless of changes in the crest and hairline. If yarn is too thick, braids sit away from the neck. If too coarse, it will chew up your fingers. I am a pretty good braider, but can’t do a good job with other yarns. For me, the specialized Lucky Braids Yarn, which you can buy here , is the only one with which I can do a great job. The Lucky Braids DVD/Tool outlines all the nuances to laying down consistently gorgeous braids quickly and comfortable. Shipping is free!
Braid tightly!
~Ruthann
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Ruthann Smith
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