How to Add Beads to Braided Jewelry
Braided and knotted jewelry like friendship bracelets or hemp necklaces can make unique and meaningful gifts for both men and women. Adding beads to a plain braided bracelet or necklace adds a pop of color and interesting details, depending on the color and style of the beads. Making your own braided jewelry is a way to express yourself, and the styles, patterns and colors you use can project your personal style. Once you master the technique, this is a fast and easy craft idea for all ages. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- String floss in various colors
- Hemp string
- Beads in various shapes and colors
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions
-
Friendship Bracelet
-
1
Measure the size of your wrist by wrapping a piece of string around it. Triple that length, and cut the string to size using scissors. Cut another color string of the same length.
-
2
Tie your strings in a knot, and tape them down on a flat surface so they can be pulled taut.
-
-
3
Pull the string on the right so it is straight. Pull the other string diagonally and then across. It should look like the number 4.
-
4
Wrap the crossed string under the straight string, and then up through the "hole" in the imaginary number 4. Pull until you make your first knot. Repeat until you have made 10 to 15 knots.
-
5
Thread both strings through a bead. To secure the bead in place, pull the first string tight, make your 4, loop the string under, and make another knot.
-
6
Make another 10 to 15 knots, and add another bead.
-
7
Continue knotting the string until you get to within 2 inches of the bottom. Tie the strings in a knot.
-
8
Tie the two ends together, using the spare string at the top and bottom, forming the bracelet. If you still have extra string, thread more beads and secure with a knot, or simply cut the extra thread off.
Braided Hemp Necklace
-
9
Measure the size of your neck by wrapping the hemp around it. Triple the length, and cut six pieces to that size.
-
10
Tie all six pieces together with a knot at the top, and tape them down to a tabletop or another flat surface so you can pull the strings tight.
-
11
Separate the hemp into three sections, each with two strings per section. Slide a bead to the top of the first section.
-
12
Braid the three sections together by crossing the first section over the second section. The first section should now be in the middle.
-
13
Cross the third section over the second section. This should now be in the middle.
-
14
Add a bead to the second section, and continue braiding. Continue adding beads to the different sections as you braid.
-
15
When you are finished braiding, tie the ends together to form a knot. Using the extra hemp, tie the pieces together to form your necklace.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For a more varied look for your friendship bracelet, add two beads in a row, or space them unevenly, depending on the look you want to achieve.
If you want a thinner hemp braid, use only one string per section. If you want a thicker hemp braid, add more strings of hemp to each section.
For a varied look for your hemp necklace, add beads to only one of the strings in the section, or add two or three beads together.
References
- Photo Credit string image by Pefkos from Fotolia.com
