How to Make a Portuguese Braid

A Portuguese Sinnet, or braid, is also commonly referred to as a Cobra Stitch or a Solomon Bar. It is a decorative knot that results in thick, tightly woven loops. Portuguese Sinnet has various uses, but one of the most popular is a handle. Because the braid is thick and wide, Portuguese Sinnet works well to protect your hand and provide grip. Other common uses for the braid include bracelet bands, end pulls for rope, and decorative lanyards.

Things You'll Need

  • Length of rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loop your rope in half so you have two strands together, and extend the looped end about 12 inches beyond your hand. Tie a basic slip knot by looping the looped end around the rope and pulling the middle piece through the hole, leaving the looped end out and parallel with the remaining rope. Pull the slip knot tight, leaving a small nub of rope sticking out on top of the knot. Place the looped piece in between the two loose pieces, small nub toward the top.

    • 2

      Loop the left loose piece of rope under the looped piece in the middle, and bring it out, loosely, on the right side. Loop the right loose piece under the end of the left piece, bring it over the middle piece, and then under the loop on the left side, pulling both ends until tight.

    • 3

      Bring the piece on the right side under the middle piece and out on the left side. Loop the left piece under the end of the right piece, over the middle piece, and through the loop on the opposite side, pulling both sides tight. Repeat the knots, alternating back and forth until you reach the desired length.

    • 4

      Tie off the rope when you are finished by tying the two loose ends together in a regular knot and pulling on the nub of the slip knot at the top to lock the bottom knot into place.