  Belts to match bracelets and leashes or to harmonize with various costumes are favorite gimp projects. They may be made from any type of gimp. The popular twelve-strand braids can have as many as six colors, if so desired. The choice of the buckle is quite important. Standard buckles with tongues are the most widely used. Special decorative effects can be achieved with tongueless buckles. Other attractive results can be produced by covering the buckle with gimp, using half hitches (Fig. 77) or basket stitches as shown in figure 78. Fig. 77 Fig. 78 12-Strand Belt
Fasten the buckle securely so that you can pull against it to keep the braiding tight. Hang three strands of gimp on each side of the tongue, so that you have twelve strands of equal length. Since the order of the strands determines the pattern, arrange the strands on the buckle as indicated for any of the patterns on page 11. Bring the back part of the left strand forward and bend it across the other section of the same strand right side up. (Fig. 79.) Bring the lower part of the second strand forward and weave it over the front portion and under the forward part of the left strand. (Fig. 80.) In the same way bring each strand around to the front and weave it to the left over one—under one—over one—etc. When the work appears as in figure 81, check the strands to see that they are all right side up before beginning to braid. Fig. 79 Fig. 80 Fig. 81 Take the upper right strand and weave it across over one—under one—etc. (Fig. 82.) Then weave the upper left strand under one—over one—under one—etc. (Fig. 83) Bend the strands at the edge as in figure 84. If Titan lacing is used, the strands may be folded at the edge instead as in figure 85. Continue weaving the right and left strands in this way. Fig. 82 Fig. 83 Fig. 84 Fig. 85 When you have woven the full length you need for the belt, make the last row from left to right and fasten the strands with a paper clip as shown in figure 86. Turn the belt around and weave each strand loosely back along itself. (Figs. 87 and 88.) Pull the strands tight, then trim the ends close to the braid. Fig. 86 Fig. 87 Fig. 88 Make the loop of simple three strand braiding sewed at the ends and sewed to the belt 1 below the buckle. Little need be said of the color patterns shown on page 11. At one end of each we have indicated the positions of the strands on the buckle. Other Types of Braided BeltsThese same directions can be followed for belts with any number of strands looped through a buckle. One of the most effective of these variations can be made with wide gimp. This belt, as made ten strands wide and a yard long calls for a 1¾ buckle and five weaving strands, 3½ yds. each. |
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