Shaping a Braided Loaf

Arrange the three strands next to each other and spread the two outer strands away from the center. Stand behind the strands.

Take the left (blue) strand and fold it over the center (white) and next to the right (red) strand.

Take the right (red) strand and lift it over the blue strand and next to the center (white) strand.

Take the center (white) strand and place it over the left (red) strand and next to the right (blue) strand.

Take the right (blue) strand and place it over the center (white) strand and next to the left (red) strand.

Take the left (red) strand and place it over the blue (center) strand.

Take the right (white) strand and place it over the center (red) strand.

Proceed until you have reached the end of the strands, then pinch the strands together at the end.

Returning to the center of the loaf, braid the strands together in this way in the opposite direction.