How to Make a Square Knot Bracelet

Its easy for the girl on a budget to create her own unique accessories. All you need is quick trip to the craft store and these instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors, string or cord

Instructions

1. CHOOSE YOUR MATERIALS: Square knot bracelets are most often made with hemp rope and beads. However, your only limit is your imagination. Any sturdy string, embroidery thread, or leather cord will work. Experiment with different materials and looks, to create a truly unique piece. Try any beads that appeal to you or you can try using multiple colors of string that will be eye catching enough without the addition of beads. Just make sure that any beads you choose have holes big enough to accommodate double the circumference of the string you choose.

2. PREPARE THE MATERIALS: Measure your wrist to determine how long the bracelet will need to be. Add about two inches to that measurement and cut two pieces of string at that length. These will be your "core strings." Next, cut two more pieces of string about three times as long as the first two. These are your "working strings." The hardest thing to learn in making knotted jewelry is how to cut the right amount of string. It is best to cut much more than you think that you will need rather than reaching the end of your string only to discover that all your hard work is going to waste because the bracelet is too small. If using beads, space them out next to the string that is the size of your wrist to give you an idea of where to place them in your design.

3. MAKE YOUR BRACELET: Line up the ends of all four pieces of string and knot them together, leaving about an inch for the tail.

4. Arrange the pieces so that the two longer pieces are on the outside and the two shorter ones are on the inside. Don't worry if you can get them to lie down perfectly in a row, you won't be able to tell once you're finished.

5. Start knotting the bracelet. Take the right, outside (working) string, and bring it left, underneath the two center, core strings. Next, take the left working string and wrap it underneath the other working string, over the two core strings and through the loop created by the right working string and the right core string.

6. Do the exact same things again, except, reverse which working strings go over and under the core strings. Be sure to pull it taut or your piece will look lumpy. You now have a complete square knot. If this sounds a little confusing, just refer to the picture. After a few knots, it will become natural and you will hardly even think about your next step. If using beads, keep count of how many knots you made to ensure that your beads are spaced evenly. Beads can be placed on any string you like, depending on your design. One way to do it is to thread the two core strings through the bead (after one complete knot) and then continue with your knotting. The working strings will hold the bead in place. Keep repeating your knots until you reach the desired length. Tie it off, knot ends together around your wrist.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to be able to take your bracelet on and off with ease, instead of knotting the ends together, use an old button on one end and make a loop on the other