How to Do Ladder Kandi Bracelets

Learn how to make a simple pony bead bracelet design.

If you want to make yourself some colorful "kandi" bracelets, start out by learning the "ladder" design, which is one of the simplest techniques. Kandi is the name for the woven cuff bracelets made and traded by people who attend raves and ascribe to the rave style of clothing. Pony beads are used to make kandi, are cheap and come in many different colors. The use of elastic beading cord eliminates the need for using a clasp because you can just slide the bracelet over your wrist.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic beading cord
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Pony beads

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a length of 1/8-inch-thick elastic beading cord to 1 foot long. Feed the end of the cord through the holes of five pony beads and slide them down to the middle of the cord.

2. Bring the ends of the cord across the first row of beads and back through the holes. Now you have a row of beads secured in the middle with the ends of the cord extending from either end of the row of beads.

3. Add a pony bead to each end of the elastic cord and slide them down against the first row of beads. Feed the end of one of the cords through a row of five beads and slide them all the way down.

4. Feed the end of the elastic cord, opposite the one with six beads on it. Pass it through the first five beads and pull the cord so that the five beads become horizontal and parallel to the first row. You also have a bead on each side that runs vertical between the "rungs" of the ladder design. Repeat this process until the ladder is long enough to wrap around your wrist.

5. Tie the loose ends of the cord together in two tight overhand knots. Tie the loose ends around the elastic cord stretching across the first row of beads on the other end of the bracelet to secure the ends together. Trim the loose ends with scissors and slip the bracelet on your wrist.

References

• Kandi Krafter: Kandi Cuffie Ladder
• Kandi Patterns; 3D Ladder Cuffs