How to Make Sliding Knot Closure Jewelry

Sliding knot closures are common in jewelry that uses cords or leather thongs. Sliding closures originated in traditional Chinese jewelry, but have become common in many other jewelry styles. To use a sliding knot closure, a bracelet or necklace is enlarged to allow a bracelet to easily slip over your hand or a necklace over a head.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Finished cord-based necklace or bracelet
• 1 ft. additional cord
• Scissors
• Lighter or hot glue

1. Lay your necklace or bracelet flat on a table or other work surface. Arrange the ends of the piece so that one is pointing up and the other is pointing down. This will allow them to be pulled to adjust the length of the piece.

2. Tie the extra piece of cord around the two ends. Use a square knot and make sure the two ends of the jewelry piece slide freely.

3. Tie several other square knots next to the first knot. Three or four should be sufficient. They should look like a series of macramé knots.

4. Tie a tight overhand knot to finish the series of square knots.

5. Clip the loose ends close to the finished sliding knot closure with a pair of scissors. If you are using synthetic material, melt the material to secure the ends and prevent the closure from unraveling. If you are using natural material that won't melt, use a little hot glue to secure the ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the knots are tight enough to hold the weight of the necklace but not so tight as to interfere with the sliding motion.
• If you are using a lighter on synthetic material, move it quickly over the ends of the cord to prevent melting in undesired areas.

References

• Sliding Knot Instructions
• Sliding Knot Necklace