I learned to braid ropes using a Japanese method called kimuhimo. I really like it. Although I need to buy a new foam board, since the dog ate my old one.
I have a lot of friends who are making beautiful kumihimo braids. They use a little stand with a hollow circle on top to drape their threads over. I think it's called a Maru Dai, or something similar.
It is such a lovely art form to watch in action. It's as if their hands are doing a lovely waltz around the top of the stand. :-)
Pinz