How to Finish a Bracelet Made With Stretchy Cord

Beaded bracelets

Stretch bracelets featuring gemstones, metals and pearls can be found in department stores and jewelry boutiques. But you can make your own, using stretch cord and beads bought at the local craft store. Stretch bracelets are fun to wear, but not if the knot comes out and your beads end up all over the floor. Finishing off your stretch bracelet with the proper technique will ensure that your beads stay put, and will make your bracelet look professional and neat.

Things You'll Need

• Beads, .5 mm hole or bigger
• .5 mm or 1 mm stretchy cord
• Craft glue, such as G-S Hypo Cement
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut a length of stretchy cord 24 inches using your scissors. This will give you plenty of stretchy cord to tie your finishing knots.

2. String your beads on the stretchy cord to 7 inches in length for a 7-inch bracelet.

3. Measure your bracelet on your wrist to make sure it is long enough. If it is too long, take a few beads off. If it is not long enough, add a few beads.

4. Take the two ends of your stretchy cord and tie an overhand knot, right over left, close to the beads.

5. Tie another overhand knot, left over right, directly over your first knot.

6. Apply a craft glue such as G-S Hypo Cement to the knots.

7. Allow the glue to dry for several hours.

8. Cut the stretchy cord close to the knots using scissors.

9. Stuff the knots into the nearest bead hole.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a craft adhesive such as G-S Hypo Cement to affix your knots to the closest bead if the knots won't fit into your bead hole.

• Don't get too much glue on your knots. Apply the smallest dot possible to cover the knots completely.

References

• Make Bracelets!; Bracelet Making Tips; Tracy Statler; November 2010