How to Make an Adjustable Bracelet

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By Peggy Hazelwood
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Make an Adjustable Bracelet

How often have friends asked you to make them a bracelet only to find you've misjudged the size of their wrist? The bracelet is either too large or too small. Here's a way to make an adjustable bracelet that's so simple. You you can give it to anyone, no matter their wrist size!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

split rings (think key rings)
large lobster-style clasp
split ring pliers

Step 1

A 9-1/2 inch bracelet.

First, determine the size range of the adjustable bracelet. Even though it's adjustable, you still want to take into account the person who will wear it. For example, if you're making this bracelet for your tiny little friend whose wrist more resembles a bird's than an actual human's, you can use fewer links. On the other hand, if your friend is a healthy woman like lots of us out there, add more links accordingly. This bracelet measures 9-1/2 inches long.
Step 2

Use a large lobster claw clasp.

Gather your links, which are simply split rings or key rings! These are readily available at craft stores or even the hardware store. I used hammered split rings to make this adjustable bracelet, that have a crinkled look for a little more flash. You'll also need a large enough lobster claw clasp that when open, fits over the split rings.
Step 3

Split rings and lobster claw clasp.

To make this adjustable bracelet, I used 11 split rings that measure 25-mm (almost 1 inch) diameter. You could also use smaller split rings; you'll just need more of them. Also, when using smaller split rings, you will be able to use a smaller lobster claw clasp.
Step 4

Split ring pliers can save your thumbnail.

Using your fingers or a split ring pliers, open the first ring. While you hold the split ring open, slip another split ring on and move it around until the two split rings are securely joined. It's like adding a key to key ring, only a little different because it's two split rings. But it's the same idea!
Step 5

Continue linking the split rings until you have the desired length for your bracelet. Add the clasp to one end. You can now fasten the clasp onto any of the split rings making it perfectly adjustable! Since this is a bold, chunky bracelet, I like several links to dangle from the end, so even if you make an adjustable bracelet for your tiny friend, add a few extras.

Comments

writeitout said

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on 3/3/2009 I like the idea of adding charms. Nice jewelry craft.5*

leigha said

on 2/23/2009 Just like I totally botched my comment. Whoops!

on 2/23/2009 Good info once! I totally botched a bracelet that I made for a friend once because of the sizing issue. This would have solved the problem.