When you have all three criss-crossed strands ready, hold them so they are on top of one another.

The strands change places as you "braid," so in this diagram we'll name the strands A, B and C:

Bottom strand (dark blue) = A
Middle strand (light blue) = B
Top strand (bone) = C

Start by bringing the first loop of A through the first loops of B and C. You'll need to hold these in place as you work through the next loops, but pretty soon they'll be secure enough for you to stop holding them.

Now you'll begin bringing each strand through the second loop of the strand on the bottom.

You can actually hold the top two strands together and do this as one step, but when you're just starting it's a little easier to see what you're doing if you handle them one at a time.

Now you'll bring strand C through the second loop of strand A.

When you're finished, strand A will be on the top, B on the bottom, and C in the middle.

The pattern depends on bringing each strand through each loop of each color.

Now that strand B is on the bottom, you'll bring strands C and A through the SECOND loop of strand B.

One more strand to bring through the second loop of strand B.

Strand B is now on top, and strand C is on the bottom. Next you'll bring strands A and B through the SECOND loop of strand C.

Be careful to pull the strands through the correct loops. When all of the strands are together it's harder to see the loop you need. Separate them slightly to be sure you're in the right place.

Now that each strand has been pulled through all of the second loops, you're back to your original arrangement: A on the bottom, B in the middle and C on top.

We'll do the same thing with the THIRD loop of EACH strand.

When pulling two strands at a time through a loop, just be careful to keep them in the correct order.

By now you should have it all figured out. The top two strands go through the next loop of the bottom strand.

Repeat with the same loop for each strand.

As you reach the end you'll probably find that not all of the strands are the same length. This happens because of variations in seed beads and because the "braiding" process tightens the strands.

If necessary add another loop, or a smaller loop, to even out the ends.

You can use a shank button or a sew-through button.

This photo shows a sew-through button where only two strands of cord fit through the holes. No problem! We can tie it off around the remaining cords. Or (next slide) . . .

. . . Bring the cords through the button, tie a knot and create dangles by adding beads and tying knots at the ends. Tie off any other ends and cut close to the knot. If you want, add a dab of clear glue to the knots.