How to Make a Snug-Fitting Bracelet

Both beads and fabric on an elastic base can decorate your wrists.

You can make a bracelet with elastic materials to keep it snug against your wrist. Elastic doesn't necessarily mean soft, though. A full range of beads and charms can be attached to an elastic base, and so can unusual materials, such as vintage buttons. When soft is just right, use the elastic in a casing made of lace or ribbon. You also can combine the two approaches, adding beads to a fabric casing by sewing them on the outside or threading the casing and elastic through.

Things You'll Need

• 0.5-mm stretch plastic bead cord
• Scissors
• 35 g medium-size glass beads
• Fabric-wrapped elastic bead cord
• 100 vintage buttons
• Bracelet catch
• 1/2 yard ribbon, 1/2 inch wide
• Threaded sewing machine
• 1/4 yard garment elastic, 1/4 inch wide

Instructions

Beaded Bracelet

1. Cut a length of bead cord 9 to 10 inches long. Tie a knot 2 inches from one end.

2. Thread beads onto the other end of the cord in a pattern until the bracelet fits comfortably around your wrist. Pull the cord up through the beads slightly, and tie another knot to hold the beads.

3. Tie the two ends of the cord together with a double knot. Trim the leftover cord to the length of a bead or two, and work each end back through the last bead on its side of the finishing knot.

Button Bracelet

1. Cut two to four lengths of fabric-wrapped elastic bead cord. Tie them together 2 inches from one end.

2. Thread one length of cord through each of the holes of a vintage button. Add more buttons until the bracelet is long enough to circle your wrist, less the length of your chosen catch. Pull the cords up evenly to put slight tension on the bracelet, and tie them together snug against the surface of the last button.

3. Tie the cords at each end onto one half of the catch. Trim the ends and work them back into the last buttons.

Ribbon Bracelet

1. Cut the ribbon into two equal pieces. Turn under and stitch down a narrow hem on each of the four ends.

2. Lay one piece of ribbon on top of the other, with the wrong sides together. Stitch along both edges as close as possible to the edges.

3. Thread the elastic through the tube you've made of the ribbons. Keep the far end of the elastic from slipping into the casing, and let the ribbons bunch up onto the elastic. When the first end emerges from the casing, pull both ends out and knot them together. Try the bracelet on for fit, then tie the knot securely, trim the ends and distribute the ribbon evenly around.

Tips & Warnings

• Stretch plastic bead cord comes in several different colors to coordinate with beads and buttons, and in clear.

• Even everyday shirt buttons were once cut from the inner linings of oyster shells. These buttons make even, bead-like bracelets.

• Mix vintage buttons with beads, for instance as spacers. Shank buttons will hang almost the same as beads. Run all of the cords through the beads.

• Sew buttons, beads or crystals to the ribbon before inserting the elastic, or use ribbon that's already edged with beads or metallic thread.

• Thread larger beads or buttons onto elastic bead cord paired with narrow satin or organza ribbon, and allow the ribbon to bunch up between the beads.