Braiding rattan rings

[Ferguson]

Braiding Rattan Rings
Requested by CharlesS
This is not necessarily the “right way”, just the way that I came up with. I got my initial information from this web page, and adapted it. http://www.folsoms.net/knots/turkshead.htm
The adaptation is that I apply steps 5 and 6 once on the back of the scabbard, and twice on the front.
I got my rattan from http://www.royalwoodltd.com/cat03-04r.htm
I’m using the 2.25mm “fine-fine”

I found it easier to practice with a long shoelace, before starting with the rattan.

Soak your rattan in cold water for about 30 minutes.
To get the approximate length, wrap the wet rattan around the scabbard about 8 times.
If the scabbard is tapered, and you can, do your work about 1” toward the smaller end of the scabbard. After braiding, you can slide the ring up the scabbard, tightening it.
Some sort of pick will be useful. I used a machinist’s scribe that has a rounded end, to reduce scratches to the wood scabbard. You can see it in some of the pictures. I colored the edges of the rattan, just so they would show up better for the pictures.

Steve Ferguson



1. Start on the back of the scabbard. Wrap up, around, and on the left side of your short end


2. Wrap up, around and on the right side of your short end.


3. Pass the long end over, then under.


4. Take the right wrap, and pull it over the left, making an eye.



5. Pass the long end down through the eye, and out the right.



6. Pass the long end over the right wrap, and under the left. Then roll the scabbard toward you.