The basic principle of forming the ridge is shown in figs. 68 and 69. Fig.68 shows the normal plaiting technique in which the strands go from o n e side of the belt to the other. Fig. 69 shows the crocodile ridge. Notice that the strands do not go from side to side but instead meet in the middle and then go back to the same side. Where the leather wraps around the strand from the opposite side it buckles up a little, and this forms the distinct ridge down the centre of the belt. It is not convenient to run a crocodile ridge the entire length of a belt as the ridge would interfere with the belt slipping through the buckle, and so the belt is begun and ended as an ordinary flat belt as described earlier. Some plaiters do the flat plait and then go directly into the crocodile ridge, but this is a poor practice as the belt will be seen to narrow at this point. A well made belt will introduce an extra strand for the length of the ridge and so keep the belt a uniform width. Fig.70. Having plaited at least 200mm of ordinary plaiting an extra strand is folded in as shown.
70
Figs 71 & 72. The outside strands are brought across as shown. Note that the strands are only bent in the centre, they are not twisted over in any way. 30