DIRECTIONS FOR NEW BEGINNERS.

The hair to be used in braiding should be combed perfectly straight, and tied with a string at the roots, to prevent wasting. Then count the number of hairs for a strand, and pull it out from the tips, dip it in water and draw it between the thumb and finger to make it lie smoothly; then tie a solid, single knot at one end, the same as you would with a sewing thread.

THE BOBBIN.

To prepare the bobbin for the hair, wind it with white thread, as shown in the plate, and fasten it with a slip-knot over the k.n.o.b, leaving an end of some three inches, with a solid knot tied at the end of it. To adjust the hair to the bobbins, take the prepared strands of hair and tie the knotted ends in a square knot to the ends of the strings on the bobbins. When each strand is thus prepared and tied to the bobbin strings, place them even, and tie the ends with a string to prevent their slipping.

See cut of Bobbins on another page.

HOW TO PLACE THEM ON THE TABLE-COVER FOR BRAIDING.

Place the strands across the table-cover, over the numbers, as shown in the diagram, and fasten a weight to the end of them, under the table, through the center of cover; then tie the mold or form to be braided, around in the center, and you are ready for braiding.

For further reference, see plate of table, with explanations.

[Ill.u.s.tration: BRAIDING TABLE.

No. 1.]

The Table Cover, as shown in diagram No. 1, represents the under side of the cover, showing the rim that fits over the cap, allowing the cover to revolve, for the convenience of the braider. The cavity through the cover and cap allows the braid, with the weight attached, to pa.s.s through as fast as braided.

For reference see Braiding Table complete, with bobbins and weights attached, on page 124.

[Ill.u.s.tration: BRAIDING TABLE

No. 2.]

The above cut represents Braiding Table No. 2, complete, showing the strands over the cover, with Bobbins attached; also, the weight attached to the braid, showing the manner of its pa.s.sing through the table.

[Ill.u.s.tration: BRAIDING TABLE AND POSITION IN BRAIDING.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: WOOD BRAIDING BOBBINS.

No. 1. No. 2.]

The above cut shows the Wood Bobbins, for fine open work or tight braids. No. 1 is used for braiding any pattern of from one to four hairs in a strand. No. 2 is used for braiding any pattern of from five to twenty hairs in a strand. To prepare the Bobbins for use, see explanations on page 121.

[Ill.u.s.tration: LEAD BOBBINS.

No. 1. No. 2.]

The above cut shows the size and shape of the Lead Bobbins. The No. 1 size is used for braiding Rings and Chains, that have but few hairs in a strand--from twenty to forty. No. 2 is used for braiding Chains that have from forty to one hundred hairs in a strand. Either size will answer for any pattern of Chain or Ring, but to vary the size of the Bobbin according to the number of hairs in a strand, gives it a nicer finish. To prepare the Bobbin, wind it with thread, as shown in the cut, leaving the thread some three inches long, with a solid knot tied at the end.

[Ill.u.s.tration: LEAD WEIGHT.]

The above cut shows the weight used for drawing the work through the center of the table as fast as braided, and to balance the bobbins.

Attention should be given to have the weight balance the bobbins properly, as too great a weight will make the braid loose, or too light a weight will leave it rough. Use any number of weights required to balance the bobbins.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FORMS FOR BRAIDING OVER.

No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4.]

The above cuts are made of wire and wood, for braiding over. The Nos. 1 and 2 are for braiding chains over--the No. 1 for small chains, and the No. 2 for large sizes. No. 3 is used for braiding tight or open work braids, of from thirty to forty strands. No. 4 is used for the same braids, with from forty to sixty strands in a braid. The mold may be made any length, to accommodate the work.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FORMS FOR BRAIDING OVER.

No. 5. No. 6. No. 7.]

The above cuts show the size of forms used for tight or open work braids. The No. 5 is used for braids of from sixty to eighty strands, No. 6 of from eighty to one hundred, and No. 7 from one hundred to one hundred and twenty, according to the fineness of the braid.

[Ill.u.s.tration: EXPLANATIONS ON BRACELETS.

No. 1. No. 2.]