How to Make a Bead Bracelet

Making bead bracelets is a fun activity that is even suitable for children. Beads are made of many different styles, textures, colors, and substances. You are sure to find something you really like. A bead bracelet would be a great gift idea!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Patience
• Twine, string, stretch magic
• Scissors

1. Pick out the beads you want to use. You can mix and match wood, glass, or plastic beads to make your bracelet stand out, or use all one type of bead for a more subdued affect. Think of who you are making the bead bracelet for and let it guide your design decisions.

2. Lay the beads out in the pattern you want on the bracelet. By doing this, you can be sure to have the beads in the correct order on the finished product.

3. Start stringing the beads. Using stretch magic it is best to leave one end of the string attached to the roll and load the beads from the other. This way they don’t fall off and roll away on you. Remember to load them in the order you want the finished product to be. If you are spelling words, double check to ensure they are spelled correctly whatever direction the bracelet lays on the arm. It’s nice to put a few regular beads then the name or word then some more regular beads. This gives the bracelet more flare.

4. Tie the ends off once you have all the beads on the stretch magic or other string. You will need to cut the end that is still attached to the roll. Make sure to leave enough string to tie both ends together. It’s always better to have too much than not enough! With stretch magic you need to double knot the string. Put both ends of the stretch magic together and tie a knot, and then repeat this step. The reason for this is that the stretch magic string is rather slippery and sometimes the knots will come undone. It’s a good idea to double knot all string to be on the safe side.

5. Cut the leftover ends of string off and your bead bracelet is complete. If your beads have big enough holes you can pull one of the beads over the knots to hide them if you chose.

Tips & Warnings

• Add charms to your bead bracelet to personalize it
• Use regular fasteners for a more professional look
• Don’t get frustrated working with little parts, take your time

[Oktobers]

on 8/18/2008 I've be beadworking for 14 years and this is a great project to start my daughter out with.

[sunnflr]

on 8/9/2008 Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. I made some bead bracelets myself doing these steps.

[Mindee94]

on 8/9/2008 Lots of great options and this makes an awesome addition for starting the beading hobby. My daughter found the article to be A-1 also. Thanks!