Flemish String Trouble

[Greg H.]

I am trying to make my first Flemish string. After making a loop at one end and braiding the ends back into the main string, the staggered ends seem to unravel and not lay flat. I don't understand what is wrong. Can someone help me with this?

Thanks,
Greg

[SCATTERSHOT]

Sounds like you need to twist your string tighter, and secure the  braid at the loop with a paperclip or something before you start on the other end.

[DesertDude]

You if ever need any help you can call me. Mark
760-815-2586  calif

[Jmgcurve]

Greg, Use more wax and plenty of twisting, as Scattershot said and I use a clothes pin before switching ends. The end of the strands will probably "stick out a little" anyway--1/4 inch.

[ChuckC]

Remember, twist the bundles one direction, twist them into the string the other direction.  Use plent of wax and keep it as tight as you can.  I think every one of my early mistakes was the twisting part.  Also, unless you use a lot of wax, those little ends WILL stick out in the end servings.  Doesn't hurt anything but doesn't look as nice.
ChuckC

[Greg H.]

Thanks for the responses! I did tie the end with a single strand of b50. How much wax is needed? I have attached a picture to show what I'm talking about...  [/IMG]

[Greg H.]

[SCATTERSHOT]

Looks like a good string to me. Just clip off the tag ends and maybe singe them (carefully!) with a lighter to streamline the string. You could also wax them down to the main body of the string.
On your next string, stagger the ends before you start twisting, and they will blend in as you go.