Flat Braid

• 1). Line up the ends of each of the four cords. Tie an overhand knot near the end to secure the cords together. Tape the knot to a flat surface where you can work the braid. Omit this step if your cords are already connected at one end --- if you're braiding hair, for example.
  
  
• 2). Separate the four cords so they aren't tangled or overlapping. Mentally label the cords 1 through 4 from left to right.
  
  
• 3). Bring cord 1 (the left-most cord) over cord 2 (the adjacent cord), under cord 3 and over cord 4. Pull to tighten. Cord 1 is now cord 4 because it now occupies the right-most position in the four-cord series.
  
  
• 4). Bring the new cord 1 over cord 2, under cord 3 and over cord 4. Pull to tighten.
  
  
• 5). Repeat Step 4 until your braid is the desired length. After a few repetitions, the pattern will emerge. Maintain tension on the cords at all times for a tight, even braid.
  
  

Round Braid

• 1). Line up the ends of each of the four cords, and tie and overhand knot near the end to secure the cords together. Tape the knot to a flat surface where you can work the braid. Omit this step if your cords are already connected at one end --- if you're braiding hair, for example.
  
  
• 2). Separate the four cords so they aren't tangled or overlapping. Mentally label the cords 1 through 4 from left to right.
  
  
• 3). Cross cord 2 over cord 3. You are essentially crossing the two middle cords, the first over the second. Cord 2 becomes the new cord 3 and vice versa.
  
  
• 4). Bring cord 1 under cords 2 and 3. Bring cord 1 around cord 3, placing it between cords 2 and 3. Cord 1 becomes the new cord 2. Pull to tighten.
  
  
• 5). Bring cord 4 under cords 3 and 2. Bring cord 4 around cord 2, placing it between cords 2 and 3. Cord 4 becomes the new cord 3. Pull to tighten.
  
  
• 6). Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the braid is the desired length. After a few repetitions, the pattern will emerge. Maintain tension on the cords at all times for a tight, even braid.