How to Braid an Eye in a Rope

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Braiding a loop into a piece of rope instead of tying it creates the strongest, most secure loop possible. An eye-spliced rope using three strands of survival cord creates a reliable loop which, upon its completion, is spliced to form a double-braided line with the six loose ends of cord. Creating your own double-braided, eye-spliced rope is a simple craft which requires no tools, and no crafting skills beyond the ability to complete a basic French braid.

Hold all three cords together and tie an overhand knot in the cords off center a distance equal to approximately 5/8 the total length of your desired loop section. For example, for a loop containing 12 inches of rope, offset the knot 7-1/2 inches in either direction.

Arrange the cords so they hang side-by-side, then pass the left cord over the center cord, so it becomes the new center cord.

Pass the right cord over the center cord, so it becomes the new center cord.

Repeat the braid, passing the left over center then the right over center, until you have braided enough rope to make the loop section.

Undo the knot in the rope, being sure to hold the braid just above the knot so it does not come undone.

Lay one end of the braided section over the other end, then separate the six loose ends in pairs, with the left cord of each end paired, the center cord of each paired and the right end of each paired.

Braid the cords together using the same pattern, but holding the pairs of cord together.

Cut the ends of the cord when your rope reaches your desired length, or when you reach the end of the cords. It is not uncommon for there to be a slight difference in the length of the loose ends by the end, and cutting them even makes a stronger seal.

Hold the end of the cords over an open flame until the outer sheaths and cores of the cords melt, then press on the ends of the cords with a knife while they are still hot. The ends will melt and fuse together to seal the rope and keep it from unraveling.


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