There are more ways than one to make the three strand mystery braid or trick braid. The method shown below being the quickest, requiring only five movements for each braiding cycle. 

How to make the Three Strand Mystery Braid or Trick Braid

Practice making the braid on a piece of leather 9 inches -10 inches long x 3/4 inch wide

Fig.1 Make two cuts in the strip dividing it into three equal parts leaving both ends of the strip closed by 3/4 of an inch. 

Fig.2 Bring the lower end of the strip up and pass it between strands 2 and 3 pulling the end through and down as shown in Fig.3

Fig.4 Go to the top of the strip and pass strand 1 over strand 2. Pass strand 3 over strand 1. Pass strand 2 over strand 3. Bring the lower end of the strip up and pass it through gap "A" between strands 3 and 2 as shown in Fig.5

Fig.6 With one braiding cycle completed and the braid kept to the top of the strip. Continue braiding repeating steps two - six.

Fig.7 Shows the finished braid after two braiding cycles. 

Now you know the mystery! why not make a simple mystery braid bracelet wristband for yourself or a friend from some small pieces of leather?

This mystery braid bracelet / wristband with an adjustable leather closure will fit any wrist size and can be made using a few basic tools.

 This mystery braid bracelet has 15 braiding cycles, you don't have to have 15, you could stop after 10. The more braiding cycles you have the tighter the braid will be.