DIY Projects & Crafts Cord or embroidery floss When is a braid not a braid? When you use this technique. Referred to as mystery, magic, or trick braiding, it involves manipulating a single piece of leather with two slits into a braided strip. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Mystery braiding isn't hard, but it can take a few tries to get it right. As you work, the leather twists and turns. Frankly, it looks as though you're doing something wrong, but it will smooth out at the end. What You'll Need Materials Straightedge Matte knife Vegetable-tanned leather scraps, 8 oz., theleatherguy.org Awl Cord or embroidery floss Instructions Use a straightedge and a matte knife to cut leather to size: 1/2 inch longer than you want the bracelet to be, and 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Cut 2 slits in the leather, leaving 1 inch uncut at each end. In the following diagrams, the dotted line helps you keep track of the left strip, which is the one you always begin braiding with, and the arrows at the top show you which strip moves in a given step. Slip the bottom of the piece through the right slit, and pull it through. Braid left over center. Braid right over center. Braid left over center. Slip the bottom through the left gap, and pull through. Braid right over center. Braid left over center. Braid right over center. Slip the bottom through the right gap, and pull through. Repeat, braiding (left, right, left) one more time, and slip the bottom through the left gap. Pull through, and straighten the braid. Make holes in the end with an awl, and thread cord or embroidery floss through to join the ends.