Making Adjustable-Length Bracelets From Twine

Use an adjustable design for your twine bracelets so they can slip onto any wrist.

Handmade bracelets make excellent gifts, about as inexpensive as you can find, but are still bursting with heartfelt feeling. Often used as a token of friendship, a twine bracelet is best made with an adjustable design, so it can fit any wrist. Whether you're an experienced crafter or completely new to DIY projects, all that's required is a little bit of colored twine, perhaps beads, some patience and a couple of free hours.

Basic Technique

To start a twine bracelet, line up four strands of twine material. Give yourself at least five or six times the circumference around your wrist to work with. For ease working with the strands, tie them at one end to a sturdy object or tape them down onto your work space. For a curled effect, take the right string and lay it over the two center strings and under the left string, so the string is laying perpendicular to the middle strings. Pull the left string up from underneath the right string and then pull the left and right strings taut. Repeat the process on the other side. During the process, the two center strings remain in place while the left and right strings form a series of closely-packed knots.

Slider-Knots

To make your bracelet adjustable, you'll need to finish off the ends with slider-knots. Once you have completed the bracelet, lay the two ends so they are touching, with an extra loop of twine on each end. Curl each of these ends around and back so they form hook shapes. Cross each of the hooked ends to the opposite sides. Pass one end back around the ropes, making two complete turns. Pull this same end taut. Next pass the other end around the two ropes, making two complete turns. Again pull the string taut. The two ends of the bracelet are now closed, with two small knots. In between the knots, you can see two strands, with single strands outside the knots. When you pull the knots apart, the bracelet shortens. When you pull the knots together, it lengthens.

An Adjustable Clasp

If you prefer a more finished look, you can close off your bracelet with an adjustable metal clasp. One popular closure has a chain at one end and a hook on the other end. Since a bracelet is subject to more shifting around than a necklace, it's advisable to use a clasp with a hook that latches completely closed.

Decorative Details

Once you've mastered the basics of bracelet making, you can get creative by using varied materials. For extra flair, string a bead onto one of the strings in between knots. If you're looking for a more unusual look, try using small hex nuts or any other small item with a hole in the middle.

References

• Beadage: How to Make Hemp Jewelry
• Animated Knots by Grog: Double Fisherman's Bend (Grapevine Knot)