Testing Different Medieval Lacing Cords; Making I-Cord, Fingerloop Braid, Rouleaux, Lucet Fork

The first 1,000 people to use my link will get a full year of Premium membership to Craftsy for only $1.49: https://go.craftsy.com/ashlg2/ Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @ashlg   Lacing cords can make or break a costume, so in this video, I’m testing a variety of handmade options—from rouleaux and crochet chains to I-cord, braids, fingerloop techniques, and lucet work—to see how they compare in strength, stretch, and ease of making. Whether you need delicate ties for a gown or sturdy laces for a corset, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each method, share tips for smooth and durable results, and help you choose the best option for your next project. Let’s get braiding! You can support me on Ko-Fi here: https://ko-fi.com/ashlgyoutube Find pictures of my cat here:   / ashlgcostumes   Watch slightly unhinged videos here:   / ashlg14   Stay in touch here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Or here: https://bsky.app/profile/ashlg.bsky.s... Peek behind the curtain here: https://www.tumblr.com/ashlgcostumes Business inquiries: [email protected] Playlist of further fingerloop braiding adventures:    • Fingerloop Braiding   Lacing cords: the unsung heroes of historical and modern costuming! Whether you’re finishing a gown, lacing a corset, or just adding the perfect touch to a medieval or fantasy ensemble, the right cord makes all the difference. But which one is best? Today, I’m testing a variety of handmade lacing options—from the elegant rouleaux to the sturdy lucet braid—to see how they hold up in different applications. We’ll be diving into crochet chains, I-cord (both hand-knit and mill-made), traditional braids (including 3-strand, 4-strand, and more complex weaves), fingerloop braiding, and lucet work. Each method has its own strengths: some are delicate and decorative, others are robust and practical. I’ll be exploring their stretch, strength, and ease of making—so whether you’re a historical costumer, a LARPer, or just love making things by hand, there’s something here for you. Along the way, I’ll be sharing tips for getting smooth, even cords, choosing the best materials for durability and aesthetics, and troubleshooting common pitfalls (because yes, some of these techniques are more temperamental than others!). If you’ve ever struggled with weak or fraying laces, or just want to level up your handmade details, this video will help you decide which method suits your project best. If you enjoy nerding out over textile techniques, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out my channel membership! Now, let’s get braiding! This video was sponsored by Craftsy 00:00 - intro 03:00 - rouleaux 05:45 - i-cord (needles) 07:32 - i-cord (mill) 09:58 - braiding 13:24 - fingerloop braid 17:40 - lucet fork 20:45 - conclusion & outro