I’ve been asked how I make my lead ropes many times. It’s simple, really, but kind of hard to explain.
There are two different ways I’ve done this.
The first is to take a length of string/floss/whatever, cut twice as long as the length you want it to be. If you wanted a ten-inch lead, for example, cut the threads to 20 inches, with a few extra inches to spare. They do “shrink” somewhat when twisted, so it’s always better to have too much than not enough.
Anchor one end, (I found it easiest to tie the end around a bead and shut in a drawer) then start twisting the entire length, until it’s nice and tight.
Slip a jump ring, or clasp, or whatever you’re using on the free end, then, keeping everything tight, fold the entire length in half.
Let go of the folded end and the thread will twist itself together.
It will most likely look like this, but that can be fixed by pulling on each end a bit until it behaves. I actually don’t like this method much because it can leave kinks in the twist and is much more difficult to control.
The second way is to slip your thread in the jump ring/clasp first, then fold the entire length in half. Secure the ring and take a bunch of thread in each hand.
Start twisting each bunch in one direction. I usually go to the right. Once the twists are nice and tight…
…start twisting them together, but in the opposite direction. (in this case, to the left) The thread will twist itself together and hold pretty well. It’s easier to twist short bits at a time rather than trying to do the whole thing at once.
Once it’s as long as you’d like, knot the end and trim off the excess.
There you have it!
Desktop Stables 
Thank you soooo much! Now I have the finishing touch to my herds halters. Because what would we do if we couldn’t control our plastic ponies?😉 hehe
Hahaha, right! Glad you found it helpful. 🙂
I think I told you this before, but I found a video that’s pretty much exactly how you do your second method. Just in case written tutorials are a bit hard to follow, here’s the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_pic1zgleg
Thanks for sharing the link! Sometimes it’s easier to follow video. 🙂
Is it alright if I use the picture you have at the top? (Just asking before I decide to use it.) Also,I will link this webpage with the picture. 🙂
Oh,and please respond A.S.A.P. You are amazing!! Thanks!!! 😀
Sure, no problem 🙂
Thanks!! 😉
Here it is: http://www.instructables.com/id/Model-Horse-Lead-Ropes/
(And I gave them this webpage.)
I can do twisted leads easily but doing the two-tone ones is always a bit of a hit or a miss so I’ll be trying out your method with great anticipation!
It’s that easy!? All this time I was thinking it would take me ages to figure it out. Thank you so much for this. 🙂
Thank you! Greetings from Poland 🙂
I’ve never tried either so, I can’t wait to give both versions a try.
Thanks, Nichelle, for another great tutorial!
Thanks to you my model pulled back, snapped his rope, and ran away! I’m so mad…. JK JK.
There is another way too
Purchase either hair braider or fringe maker.
You can twist 4 colours together
😉
any one who can braid hair can braid any type of medium too!
where did ou get the little clips at the end of the lead rope
I find them at craft stores in the jewelry section – they’re called lobster claw clasps and can be found in different sizes and colors. 🙂
Great idea!! So cute and easy to make these!! 🙂
This is a great idea.. but you can also make it with yarn 🙂 (It works just as good)
What size clasp would I need for Schleich horses xx
I’m not sure if there are clasps out there small enough for Schleich models. I would go with a hook fashioned from wire instead, unless you’re ok with having larger clasps. I think the ones I use are 6mm. 🙂
I just use the smallest ones I can get and they look ok
Another option for Schleich is the hook part of a hook and eye clasp
Love this! Works great for making rope for saddle charms!
Genius! 🐆
Thank you. This looks very easy to do, even for an arts klutz like me. 🙂
THank you so much
Me and my sister really enjoyed
Making these lead ropes
This is an awesome way to make these, I had been looking for ways to make them and then I finally found this. The only problem I had, was that I was making a bunch and then they stopped twisting! That was awhile ago and I haven’t tried again, so I don’t know if I started doing something wrong, or if I just did it too many times!
Ich finde die Stricke cool 🧶🧵
Thank you so much! I love making tack for Schleich (even though I’m not very good!) and your tutorials are very helpful! Love the ideas!