But what can you do with it?

Utility

Belts: to knot or buckle
to tie with multiple strands
to thread through waist pouch/purse

Straps:watches, sandals, sundresses, guitar, camera

Handles: baskets, woven bags

Webbing:chairs, campstool, luggage rack

Cases:phones, spectacles, comb, recorder, pencils

Shoelaces
Curtain tiebacks
Key chain
Clothing

Plackets: for buttons on knitting or crochet
Closures: to gather in a wide sleeve
at neck, "frogs"
sides of tunic
cording to take fancy buttons
Hat bands
Neckties
Wedding garter or crown
Chic hem concealment for garments or curtains
Camouflage for altered hem length
Braces (suspenders) to hold up trousers

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Ecclesiastical

Bible
markers, orphreys, stoles
Trimmings: cushions, burse

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Animals

Dog leads, llama leads
Horse tack: head collar, fly fringe, reins, leads

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At Home

Trimmings: pillow cases, pelmets, lamp shades
Cording / piping: cushions

Hangers: trays, framed old photos, plants, shelves

Tie up a special parcel, or hang a special object

Skipping ropes
Bookmarks
Pincushions
Scissors cords

Cards: Christmas, wedding, birthday, seasonal
Napkin ring: your special colours,

Christmas decoration (hollow braid can be wired)
Child harness: for mothers to hold lively toddlers
with bells on for play

Jewellery

Necklace, choker
Bracelet, earrings
Cord for specs
Hair band, barrette, or to braid into long hair
Cord for making fancy Chinese knots

Have I missed anything?

Let me know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
"What do you do with them" is the most-asked question in a braider's life.
Thinking of braids and bands as "fancy string" is a help.
Pre-velcro and zippers, folks wouldn't have been decent without cords
to hold up pants and socks and tie together tops.
Nomads use them for utility and decorations and so do we.
A guy I know learned to braid so he could hang his stereo speakers from the
ceiling. Voila! both utility AND decoration!