Braiding Techniques Used in Handmade Horsehair Jewelry
The two most common braid structures in horsehair jewelry are the round braid and the flat braid. Round braids produce the rope profile used in most bracelets and lariat necklaces. It is a dense, cylindrical form that holds its shape and wears smooth against skin. Flat braids create a wider, ribbon-like structure suited to hat bands and certain bracelet styles where a broader surface is the design intent.
Knotting appears in tassel ends and certain necklace closures. The knot work in a handcrafted horse hair jewelry piece needs to be tight enough to hold under tension without being so constricted that it creates a weak point in the fiber. Getting that balance right is a skill developed over repetition, and it shows in the finished construction of a well-made piece.