Beaded Wrap Bracelet Picture Tutorial
Hey y'all, LĆænnish here with my first picture tutorial! The beaded bracelet is one of my faves to make because there are so many variations and possibilities to really make it your own or to make it for someone else! Also, this the process I usually use to make the single-strand wrap bracelets. There is no exact right or wrong way and if this is your first time, you may have to play around a bit to find a comfortable method for you!
Also, I am left-handed. I tend to do things from left to right, but you may feel better starting from right to left. Other methods also used are holding the cord with a clipboard or taping the cord to a desk or wall for added security. I tend to use a clipboard when making bracelets that wrap around the wrist 2 or more times.
Also just to reiterate, this is my first picture tutorial! If there is something I forgot, or something I need to explain in better detail, let me know and I'll do it as soon as I can. :)
In the above picture I used the same method for both bracelets but just used different materials. In this picture tutorial I'm going to show you the steps I use by making the blue one on top so lets get started!Ā
Cord of some type, (waxed cotton, bamboo, leather, satin, etc). For this bracelet I used aĀ sea foamĀ green hemp cord. I forgot to add a ruler. If you are making this for yourself, lightly wrap the cord around your wrist to determine length.
Double that length and add approx. 10 inches or so for knotting and whatnot.
Beading Thread or embroidery thread (Regular sewing thread can work as well, but may tend to break or snap more easily either during the creating process or while wearing)
Glue/Adhesive or Clear Nail Polish! (I tend to go with the E6000 for most projects, but be sure to be in a well ventilated area and to take breaks if using this product for an extended amount of time). Clear nail polish work just fine for small DIY projects like this one also.
Beads! Choose one color or a make up your own color scheme! Use different shapes! The possibilities are endless! For mine I chose all glass beads but some are frosted and others are shiny. In my hand I have some rondelle beads. They are a multi-faceted type of bead that really give an extra shimmer when outside or under bright lights.
Thread that needle! Knot the longer end.
Fold cord in half and push the threaded needle through the folded center.
Thread your button of choice on that end. (I usually sew it about 3-4 times)
Knot the cord right below the button. Make a second knot a few millimeters or so below that knot. (I do this for added security so when the bracelet is worn the second knot helps prevent the looped end from moving too much)
Push the threaded needle through both knots and prepare for beading!
Pick your first bead of choice. Slide it down the needle all the way down the thread to the base of the second knot you made.
For these next steps, pay especially close attention to the orient of your needle and thread.
Take the needle and put it under both cord strands (Do not thread through the cords, just place under cords)
I am going to be weaving from left to right.
Proceed to pull the needle and thread under the cords until your first threaded bead can come between your 2 cords OR hold the threaded bead under and between the two cords while pulling the needle and threadĀ
Now its time to secure your bead.
While still holding your bead between your 2 cords, take your needle and put it through the bead.
Note that the needle now goes over the cords and only through the bead.
Hold your bead and cords with your forefinger and thumb and pull your needle and thread all the way through that bead.
Pull the thread tight, but not too tight
The end result should look something like this...
Now time to repeat the process you used to add your first bead, with the remaining beads you have selected for your bracelet.
Here's a quick refresher.
Take your second bead and thread it down to the baseĀ
Pull your needle and thread UNDER the cords
Hold that bead between your cords
Pull the needle and thread OVER the cord, through the bead, and over the second cord.
Continue this process, while stopping every now and again to check your progress and to ensure it is going well.
Stop beading when your bracelet is approx. 1/2 and inch from your desired length.
Proceed to wrap the thread around the cords tightly (I usually do this about 3 or 4 times).
Thread THROUGH the cords to secure this.
Make a small square knot with the thread and double knot it.
Make a square knot with the cords right below the thread wrapping
Pull te needle and thread through the knot.
This step is optional. I just like making sure my bracelets are super secure and I often wrap and knot the thread again on the other side of the corded knot as well. Also it gives a little extra flare to the bracelet.
Next is finishing the closure piece.
When determining the loop to push the button through, simply pinch the 2 cords together with the forefinger and thumb of one hand and push the button halfway through wit the other hand.
I say halfway, because to determine the length of the loop, it is best to push the button through the loop to the widest length of the button. For most buttons, this is at the halfway point, but I also know there are a number of different shaped buttons, so just make sure you measure at the widest point.
Use the trusty square knot once again to make the loop for the closure piece.
Make the length of the loop so one can comfortably push and pull the button though; not too tight, not too loose.
Now some finishing touches:
Secure your knots from beginning to end with small dabs of adhesive/clear nail polish. Cut remaining threads and cord once they are dry.
For added creativity: Sew charms directly on the band or sew charms or beads from one of the cords for a dangle effect!
Make a longer bracelet to wrap around more that once!
As I stated before; there are so manyĀ variations and combinations to make. Once you get your process down you may be surprised at what you come up with once your creativity starts rolling!
Also Be sure to visit my online boutique www.lynnish.squarespace.com for handmade jewelry and accessories. I alway accept custom made requests and bulk orders as well!
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