How to Make a Sailor's Knot Bracelet

A Sailor's Knot Bracelet uses what is known as a Turk's Head knot. It is actually a continuous braid.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One strand of cord or string. When practicing, a firm cord is preferable.
• To determine the length of cord, wrap it around your hand nine times. (For this project, 1 1/2 yards should be enough.)
• (optional) tube, such as a wrapping paper tube. A 12-ounce tomato-paste can works well.

1. 
   This is a 12 ounce tomato paste can.

   Finish off both ends of the cord so they don't fray.
   
   Tape the cord to a tube, can or pole. (Optionally, you can use your own left hand. See "How to Make a Sailor's Head Knot.")

2. 
   The

   Wrap the cord all the way around the can, creating an "X."

3. 
   When pulling tight, leave room to poke the cord through repeatedly.

   Poke the working end *up* through the top of the "X." Pull tight.*

4. 
   The cord on the left has been pulled *over* the cord on the right.

   Turn can towards you, so the working end is hanging from the bottom. Reverse the cords, forming an "eye" shaped hole. Poke cord "up" through the hole. Pull tight.*
   The cords form an "X.". Poke cord *up* through top of "X." Pull tight.*

5. 
   Notice that you are making a braid.

   Poke the working end *up* through the top of the next "X." Pull tight.*

6. 
   Your working end should be parrallel to the

   Continue until you've returned to the starting point.

7. 
   This bracelet goes around two times.

   Continue poking the cord in and out. Be careful to keep it flat (don't let the cords cross) and parallel to the previous cycles. This bracelet goes around two times; you can do more to make it wider.

8. 
   This forms a surprisingly stong bond.

   Remove the bracelet from the can, pole or hand. If you were making a decorative knot on a pole, you would simply tuck the ends under. Since this is a bracelet, finish by knotting the ends underneath. If you use fusible nylon cord, cut the ends so they touch underneath, sear them with a candle, and quickly press the ends together.

Tips & Warnings

• By tight, I mean moderately tight. You will need room to poke the cord through repeatedly.
• To preserve the end of the cord, you can poke a U shaped loop through each time and pull the end through instead of pushing it.
• This knot can be flattened and made into a decorative mat as well.
• Be careful with fire. Touch the nylon cord to the flame for only a fraction of a second or it will melt away, becoming shorter!

[highcloud]

on 9/6/2009 This will be great to make with some of the kids around here. Thanks!!! 5*

[chicagonan]

on 9/5/2009 I love knots, and will have to try this very soon. Great pictures!

[ellie42]

on 8/29/2009 I think We will try this in my house today. The kids are in need of a good project.

[surly-mac]

on 8/24/2009 Making a Sailor's Knot bracelet is easy thanks to your good article and great how-to pictures: thanks!

[rwhite-writer]

on 8/19/2009 This will be a great project for the guys! Thanks for posting. 5*