Hi all, I would like to attempt to make a 3D model in SolidWorks of the image above of a hand crafted braided ring.

My initial thoughts were to create a flat version of the braid and then torque it into a round shape, adjusting the length and number of braids to make a full circle. I was having a lot of difficulty 3D sketching out the path I wanted and the placement of the individual braid strand cross sections. Since the strands of the braid are all identical it might be possible to make one strand and then just assemble three of them together, adjusting the angle for each strand.

Do you all have any suggestions for where to begin and what would be the easiest or most efficient technique? Is this even possible to do with SolidWorks?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Valerie