DIY: Wrap Bracelets

I enjoy making wrap bracelets. They are inexpensive and easy to make.  Here are a few I have completed:

I made a  wrap bracelet that wraps my wrist twice

 and then connected these with a bead.

For the next bracelet, I creates a 4 wrap bracelet (on left) and then used a lilac bead to join the wraps.

I used three strands of cord to make the bacelet above.

 

Double Wrap:  clear beads with tan cord and tan thread:

Single wrap with a larger cord:

 Single wrap with a larger cord:

 Triple wrap with pink, bronze, and clear beads and a dark brown cord with dark brown thread:

 Trojan bracelet- black gold and pearl beads with black cord and white thread:

 This photo does not do this bracelet justice.  The purples and greens with dark brown leather remind me of my garden.

This bracelet that wraps five times did not take that much longer to make.

Here are some examples of the size cord that I prefer to work with:

 For these bracelets, I used a larger leather cord:

 I like to use a thread color that matches the cord but using a thread of a different color also looks good ( like in the orange and blue bracelet- War Eagle! lol)

I prefer 1mm leather cord.  I have found it at Hobby Lobby and Michaels Craft Store.

I like to use magnetic clasps to close the bracelets, although I have also use buttons.  Many of the magnetic clasps are sold in pairs.  If the clasp is too small it will not stay closed due to the weight of the bracelet.  These were a steal for $1.99 at Hobby Lobby.  You will also need scissors.

 

You will need super glue.  I use the glue once I have completed the bracelet on the knot tied to the clasp and everywhere that I had to attach thread.

I use thread similar to this:

A needle that fits your thread.

Beads (I find it easier to work with simiar sized and shapes)  I use 4mm or smaller.

Directions:

Thread the clasp (to the halfway point) with your leather cord and tie a knot

Add your thread by  tying a knot and trimming the excess thread. ( I add a dot of super glue here when the bracelet is completed)

I attach this to a piece of scrap cardboard that I have cut slits into the side for the cord:

The stich is really easy.  You thread your bead  and then go over one thread and under the other.

Pull your thread through and center the bead between the cords

Then go over through the bead again and then under the next cord.

When you run out of thread tie it off with a knot and then attach new thread with another knot. 

Trim off any excess thread. 

After the bracelet is completed use a drop of super glue on each of the knots.

Once you have completed your bracelet to the length you desire attach the other end of the clasp with a knot and a drop of super glue.

If you need more help there are several videos on You Tube that will walk you through the process. I have seen some demonstrations that do not go back through the bead a second time but I find that the bracelet is much more stable with the second pass. 

 Also, super glue does not work well with jute but works great on the leather cording.

Happy Bracelet Making!