How to Make a Sinnet Bracelet

Sinnet knots resemble linked chains or zippers, creating intricate designs for bracelets.

Resembling a linked chain, the sinnet knot was used by sailors to plait and braid rope. A decorative knot mostly used today to make friendship bracelets, the sinnet knot uses a series of cinched loops to create a zipper-like design. Quick and easy to tie, a sinnet knot bracelet may be woven from a single piece of string or cord or from two different colored strands to produce a multi-colored bracelet ideal for friendly gifts or a slightly more ornate survival bracelet.

Things You'll Need

• Length of string or paracord
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Measure out the length of your wrist using the measuring tape. Double the length and add an inch, cutting a piece of string or cord to this length.

2. Fold the string in half, forming a loop. Tie a knot at the base of the loop, securing the loop in the middle of the string with the two lengths of string dangling from the knot. For a two-tone bracelet, form a small loop in the end of one strand and use the other strand to tie a knot at the base of the loop. Snip off the protruding end of string formed by the knot so that you’re left with the same result.

3. Hold the string so that the loop points downward. Working with the left hand string first, form a small loop at the base of the knot, ensuring that the end of the string is behind the loop, rather than on top of the loop.

4. Form another small loop with the right hand string. Push this loop through the left hand loop.

5. Pull the left hand string so that the loop cinches. This should knot the left hand string, leaving a loop at the base of the knot.

6. Form another knot in the left hand string. Push this knot through the loop left by the right hand string, pulling the ring hand string to secure the loop.

7. Repeat this process, moving from string to string, until you’ve reached the desired length of your bracelet, ensuring you leave one remaining loop at the end of the bracelet.

8. Thread the string opposite the loop through the loop and pull the loop closed. This will leave you with both remaining lengths of string on the same side.

9. Tie an overhand knot at the base of the loop using both strings. Pull the knot tight, snip off the ends of the strings, and singe the ends with the lighter to prevent them from fraying. The knot may then be pushed through the loop at the other end of the bracelet to secure the bracelet to the wrist.

References

• “The Ultimate Book of Knots: More than 200 Practical and Decorative Knots”; Peter Owen; 2003