How to Make a Beaded Book Thong With Ribbon

Make a book thong by threading beads onto a length of ribbon.

Book thongs are designed to keep your place in reading material. Similar to bookmarks, book thongs are more decorative and intricate in nature. While the unadorned length of the book thong lays on the page of the book, the decorated ends extend out of the top and bottom of the book. Beaded book thongs made with ribbon make useful, customizable homemade gifts for the avid readers in your life.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Charm
• Beads
• Awl (optional)
• Clear nail polish

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a 24-inch length of ribbon using scissors and a measuring tape.

2. Thread your chosen charm onto one end of the ribbon and secure it with a tight double knot. Choose a charm with a hole that is big enough for the ribbon to pass through. Trim the excess ribbon off of the knot using sharp scissors.

3. Thread a series of beads onto the ribbon until they meet the knot you tied in Step 2. The beads should have holes big enough for the ribbon to pass through. Arrange the beads in an aesthetically pleasing way; choose a pattern of colors and sizes that you enjoy.

4. Tie a tight double knot in the ribbon directly after the last bead. If desired, use an awl in order to tie the knot as close to the beads as possible.

5. Tie another knot in the ribbon approximately 10 inches down from the knot you tied in Step 4. This plain length of ribbon is what will be laying along the inside of the book. If desired, measure the ribbon against a book of average size to determine where the second set of beads should start.

6. Thread a series of beads onto the end of the ribbon so that they meet the knot. For an attractive appearance, use the same pattern and color of beads at the end of the ribbon as you did at the top.

7. Tie a final knot in the end of the ribbon after the last bead. Use sharp scissors to trim the excess ribbon.

8. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to each knot in your beaded ribbon book thong and allow it to dry. This helps to prevent the knots from coming undone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are making beaded book thongs with ribbon to give as gifts, customize them for your recipients. When selecting the ribbon, charms and beads, keep the hobbies and favorite colors of your friends and family members in mind.

References

• Bead Studio: Beaded Book Thong
• Art Beads.com: Book Thong