How to Braid a Leather 8-Strand Bracelet

Create bracelets from leather cord.

Leather makes sturdy, attractive jewelry for both men and women. Leather bracelets add a rustic, natural touch to any outfit, making these bracelets very versatile. Making your own leather bracelets allows you to create custom pieces that specifically complement your wardrobe. Some of the sturdiest leather bracelets use eight strands you can weave together with a little practice.

Things You'll Need

• Leather cord
• Scissors
• Twist tie

Instructions

1. Cut eight strands of flat leather cord four times as long as you want your bracelet to be. For instance, to make a 7-inch bracelet, you need eight 28-inch strands. Fold them in half and wrap a twist-tie around their center, bundling them together. Slip one half of a toggle clasp in place over the twist tie.

2. Separate the eight strands so you have four to the left and four to the right. Label the strands "1" through "8" from left to right.

3. Cross strand 5 over strand 4, bringing the length of strand 4 to the right and the length of strand 5 to the right. Bring strand 6 to the center, weaving it under the body of strand 4. Bring strand 3 to the center, weaving it over the body of strand 5 and under the body of strand 3.

4. Bring strand 7 and then strand 2 to the center, weaving them over and under the strands already in the center. Continue with strands 8 and 1. Pull on all of the strands to tighten your first weave. Continue weaving in this way until you reach the end of your bracelet.

5. Pinch the ends together, bend them down to create a loop, push the ends through the loop and tighten. Remove the twist tie from the leather and push the knot through the resulting loop to close your bracelet.

References

• Leather Braiding by John: Braiding 8 Strands
• Phiala's String Page: A Few Medieval Braids