Hi Wan Li,
With the 4 plait, there is(for the most part) only one look that you will get. There isn't a "diamond braid" for a 4 plait, because a regular 4 plait looks that way normally because you can only divide the strands on each side once, which gives you under 1 over 1. On a regular sized 12 plait Indy whip the handle has the "diamond braid" or checkerboard pattern due to going under 1 over1 under 1 over 1 under 1 over 1 on each side, and then the thong is under 3 over 3 on each side giving it the "V" shape herringbone pattern. When it comes to using 4 plait, there's not really anything you can do to make the braid different for the handle to the thong.
If you split the strands in half you could do it in 8 plait, so you would do under 1 over 1 under 1 over 1 on the handle section, and then under 2 over 2 on the thong section, and you would get the checkerboard pattern on the handle, and herringbone pattern on the thong, and it would look more like a full size 12 plait indy whip on a 1/6 scale whip.
If you don't have them already, I would suggest getting Ron Edwards book "How to make whips", as well as David Morgan's book "Braiding fine leather". Neither will give you all of the answers nor a perfect step by step of how to make an indy bullwhip, but they will give you many of the basics and tools that you need to make an indy bullwhip, as well as a wealth of information on many different types of whipmaking and other braided projects. I always keep a copy in the shop for reference, and they help to explain some things when someone stops by the shop.
I hope this helps...
Also, I noticed that you are located in Missouri, what part? I grew up in St. Louis and only moved away a few years ago. When I go back to visit family next time, perhaps we can meet up if you are nearby.
Regards,
Paul Nolan
www.midwestwhips.com
PS - Welcome to COW!
