Put the elastic around your wrist where you want the bracelet to sit. If you want a looser fit, add extra slack. If you want it tighter, pull the elastic flush against your skin. The average bracelet is around 7 in (18 cm) for adult women and 8 in (20 cm) for adult men. You can use a colored or clear elastic cord for your project, but keep in mind that a colored cord could be seen through the beads.
If your stretch cord snaps while you do this, no worries! Simply measure and cut another piece.
Think of the tape as a buffer for your beads. As you thread, they’ll stop rather than slip off the cord. The type of tape you use doesn’t matter—just grab whatever you have on hand. No tape? No problem! Use a binder clip or paper clip as a stopper or buffer instead.
Try laying out your pattern of beads beforehand. This is especially helpful if you want a specific bead in the center of the design. [4] X Research source Test to see if you have enough beads on your cord by carefully wrapping it around your wrist—just remember to leave enough slack to tie the bracelet off.
Dab a dot of super glue onto the knot for extra security.
If you used glue to help secure your bracelet, wait at least 15 minutes for it to dry before putting it on. Otherwise, the glue might stretch or move away from the cord.
If you don’t have a tape measure, wrap your wrist with a piece of string to use as a guide instead. [8] X Research source
If you don’t have jewelry wire cutters, that’s okay. Any wire cutter will work. There are many sizes of beading wire out there, so make sure your beads fit through your chosen wire before you lay out your design.
Try clipping a binder clip to the end of your wire to keep your beads from slipping off your bracelet as you bead. [10] X Research source
Tug on the wire before crimping to make the loop around the clasp tighter. The tighter the loop, the less wiggle room your bracelet will have. Tuck any leftover wire through your beads to strengthen your bracelet. Crimp beads separate the bracelet’s beads from the clasp while securing the clasp in place.
Try laying out your bead pattern once you know how long each strand of your bracelet needs to be. Make the line of beads the same length as your wrist (the measurement minus the 1 in (2. 5 cm)). [14] X Research source
If you don’t have beading thread, try using a thin, stretchy elastic instead. [15] X Research source
Make as many knots as you need to keep the loop from unraveling.
For now, don’t worry about the loop coming out of the bead tip. Those excess strings will be trimmed off later. Bead tips can also be called bead clamps, clam shells, bead ends, or string tips and help protect knots while securing jump rings and clasps.
Consider laying out your bead pattern before beading, so you can visually see your design and make sure you have the correct amount of beads.
To remove your beading needle, slide the ends of the thread out of it.
Make each strand the same, or mix up your bead colors or pattern for a more eclectic look. Twist your strands together for a tangled bohemian look.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully made a beautiful multi-strand bracelet. Now all that’s left to do is wear it.
