This work explains the ancient art of rope braiding in straighforward, step-by-step instructions and illustrations. It looks at two families of braids - Peruvian, traditionally used as slings for hunting or in war, and Japanese braids, known as kumihimo. More than 50 different braid designs incorporate over 250 patterns. The equipment used to make the braids in this book ranges from small slotted boards to the traditional Japanese braiding stool, the maru dai. Flat, round, square and hollow braids are shown, and instruction progresses from the most simple four-strand design through to eight- and 16-strand examples, building on skills learned at the beginning.