Multi-strand beaded bracelet
This tutorial first appeared on my blog, marblecake, and demonstrates how to create an elasticated multi-strand bracelet, such as this:
To make the bracelet you need beads, multi-strand spacers, beading elastic and some pointed scissors. For this tutorial I am using ten 9 whole spacers from Stitch 'n' Craft and 2mm (size 9/0) seed beads from Jilly Beads. Both offer a very friendly and efficient service, with full online ordering. The elastic is Stretch Magic, which comes in two thicknesses (1mm and .5mm). As the beads are small I'm using .5mm thickness (this can also be purchased at Stitch 'n' Craft). The only other piece of equipment I would recommend is a beading matt, which stops the beads from rolling around - I use a proper beading matt, but a towel or piece of felt would probably do just as well.
Lay all the bits and pieces out where you can easily grab them. I like to put a few piles of beads out ready. Cut a length of elastic, long enough to fit around your wrist while leaving enough length at each to easily tie a knot. You can decide how tightly you want the bracelet to sit on your wrist, but be sure that the elastic will stretch over your hand.
Begin stringing the beads onto the elastic. For this design, I'm stringing a design of ten beads between the spacers. When you have strung the ten beads on (or whatever amount you're using), thread the elastic through the end whole of a spacer.
Continue stringing on beads and spacers until all the spacers are used up.
Carefully tie the elastic in a double knot and make sure that it is secure. The great thing about Stretch Magic is that when the knot is secure it is virtually impossible to get it apart again, but it can take a few attempts to get it securely tied. Snip the ends of the elastic a couple of millimetres from the knot.
Cut another length of elastic and begin stringing beads again, threading it through the next hole up on the spacers.
Knot the elastic as before.
Continue adding strands of beads as above. You'll find that as more strands are added the bracelet will begin to hold it's shape, which makes the whole process a lot easier.
Here's the finished bracelet, and some images of other multi-strand bracelets I've made. If you need advice on beading techniques, where to purchase beading supplies or would like a bracelet made with colours of your choice, then please contact me.
More examples:
