How to Make a Flexible Beaded Bracelet
Bracelets can accessorize any outfit. Flexible bracelets slip on quickly for those busy mornings when you're running behind schedule but still want to look great. Make flexible beaded bracelets that combine just the right colors to match a special outfit. Or, make one for a friend as a thoughtful but inexpensive gift. With a huge selection of beads available, coming up with beads you like best will likely be the most time-consuming part of your project.
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Instructions
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Design the Bracelet
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Concentrate on choosing the size of beads you want to use. Bead size determines the size of the cord or elastic to use. The thicker the elastic, the stronger the bracelet will be. If you want to use small beads, it's better to make a nonflexible bracelet using wire or fishing line.
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Choose bead colors. Use a color wheel to find complimentary colors. A color scheme based on analogous colors can help match a multicolored outfit. Analogous colors are side by side on the color wheel. A complimentary color scheme uses colors opposite each other on the color wheel and works best with solid-colored outfits.
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Design your beading pattern, placing the lightest colors next to the darkest. Generally, it's best to use a maximum of three colors. However, you can add black and white beads for highlighting and contrast.
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Choose the right size of elastic cord that fits in the size beads you want to use. Elastic or stretchy cord comes in sizes ranging from .5 millimeter to 1 millimeter. Choose a color cord that matches your bead colors. It's best to leave the cord on the spool as you add the beads.
String the Beads
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Slide the beads onto the cord. If your cord is already cut, make sure that the length equals the size of your wrist, plus an extra 4 inches. You'll need the extra length to make a surgeon's knot.
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Add enough beads so the bracelet fits snugly around your wrist. The snugger the fit, the less likely your bracelet will snag on clothing and other jewelry. Remember to add an additional 4 inches for the surgeon's knot.
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Tie the ends of the cord together. A surgeon's knot is simply a knot with two winds in the loop instead of one. First, practice the knot using string. Make a loop and place the end of the string through it, leaving it loose. Keep even tension on the string and bring the end up, over and through the loop again. Pull it slowly closed. With a little practice, you'll find the knot is even easier with the flexible cord.
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References
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