I am sure there are many answers to this question. Because the wood or a carving I have done on the stick I do not always put the cord/strap in the same place. So to get the length I want for each stick I put a large rubber band around the stick at the place I want to attach the cord/strap then put the strap under the band and adjust the loop to the length I want it, adding enough additional to secure it to the stick. If your braiding it just cut 3 the same length.