Simple Celtic Plait Tutorial

As many of us will be making Yule/Christmas cards with our children I thought I would share a very simple method of creating a celtic style knotwork band. I've used biro and graph paper so you can see more clearly (a good way to go about it if you want to sneak in some number work while getting creative with your little people!) but pencils and erasers are the way to go really! These look fabulous as borders on cards...



If you're not using squared paper you'll want to draw in some guide lines that you can rub out later. What you need is 3 equal sections from top to bottom. In the middle section you need to draw out a zig-zag pattern (if you're working on early math concepts this is a fun way to practise measuring).




For the next stage you need to extend the points of your zig-zag as shown above - make sure all the extensions are facing the same direction or you'll need that rubber sooner rather than later!




For stage 3 take each of those extensions and loop them over in a curve towards the next line. This is where your top and bottom guidelines are needed. If you're anything like me when you draw it free hand without the guidelines your knotwork has all sorts of bulges and thin bits. The guidelines just help to keep it neat and tidy.

Lastly rub out any guidelines you've drawn in and you can colour your lovely piece of art work. Simples!

After a few goes this gets really easy I promise - have fun!