How to Tie Off Stretch Nylon Cord for Jewelry Making

Stretchy nylon cord is ideal for making jewelry because you don't need clasps or closures. The cord is simply stretched to allow you to put on the bracelet or necklace.

The elasticity of the stretch nylon cord frees you from specific sizing on your pieces. Making jewelry pieces with stretch nylon cord is useful for gift-giving when you do not have the measurements of the person for whom the gift is being made.

Here are instructions for two popular knotting techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon stretch cord Beads Scissors

Instructions

Tie an Overhand Knot

1. Cut off a length of stretch nylon cord.

2. String the beads onto the cord until the jewelry piece is the desired length.

3. Hold the two ends of the stretch cord together, lining them up so the ends are even.

4. Make a small loop and pull both ends through the loop.

5. Pull the knot very tight. Trim the ends.

6. Conceal the knot by tucking it as far as possible into one of the beads.

Tie a Square Knot

1. Cut off a length of stretch nylon cord.

2. String the beads onto the cord until the jewelry piece is the desired length.

3. Place the two ends of the cord along side each other.

4. Cross the left side of the cord over the right side and pass the end under and then up through the center of the loop.

5. Pull the cord ends very slightly to tighten.

6. Take the cord that is now on the right side and cross over the cord that is now on the left side. Pass the end under and then up through the center of the loop.

7. Pull the cord ends to tighten the square knot. This knot must be pulled very tight to keep it tied. Trim the ends.

8. Tuck the knot as far as possible into one of the beads to conceal the knot.

Tips & Warnings

• Test your knots right after you tie them. Give them a gentle tug and make sure that they hold tight. When making a stretchy piece of jewelry, make sure that you always allow enough stretch cord. If you make the jewelry piece too tight, there will not be enough stretch in the nylon cord.