Beading bracelets can be a fun experience. Anybody can make them. But after the beading is done, you have to be sure to tie off your bracelet securely – or all your work will fall off and roll away.
So how do you tie bead bracelets? To tie bead bracelets, you need a secure knot. Many beaders opt for a classic overhand knot, but you could choose a square knot, surgeon’s knot, or any tie-off which won’t easily become undone.
If you have been looking for ways to bead a bracelet, then here are some simple steps that you can follow. We have provided a step-by-step procedure so that you can understand the intricacies well.
How To Tie-Off or Knot a Bead Bracelet
There are various ways in which you can tie a knot which will keep your beaded creation secure.
Overhand Knot
This knot is the most commonly used in jewelry making and beadwork. It is simple and you have probably used it all your life.
For tying an overhand knot, hold both ends together and form a loop. Take both ends of the cord and pull them through the loop. Pull tight to make a secure knot.
Square Knot
This knot is commonly used in thread work. It secures tightly and is easy to hide between the beads.
Hold one ends in each hand. Pass the one end in right hand over and then under the cord in the left hand (it will look like the ends are wrapped around each other). Then pass the left end over and under the right (like you would in an overhand knot). Pull both ends for tightening the knot.
Surgeon’s Knot
This knot is considered to be very secure. This is always a good one if you don’t want a knot to untie. However, it is a little trickier to tie. It is similar to a square knot but it involves extra pass-throughs for more security.
Hold both ends together and create a loop. Pass the ends through it once and then again. You can then tighten the knot by pulling both ends at the same time. You can trim away any excess cord.
How To Hide Small Knots
Most knots look pretty, or at least won’t look unseemly to the wearer. Still, If you want to hide a knot under the beads in your bracelet, you can.
You may want to have glue by your side before trying to tie a lark’s head knot. Trim off the excess cord and put a drop of glue over the knot. You can then slide the knot under the bead. If you cannot pass the knot from under a bead, then you can tuck the tail ends inside the beads. Simply pour a drop of glue over it to seal it.
Wait for the glue to dry before trying the bracelet. If you don’t wait, then the glue can crack and the knot will also loosen.
How To Make a Bead Bracelet
Okay, so you know how to tie a bracelet.
Now, you might be thinking about getting started with your next project. First, however, you need to have the appropriate materials required ready.
Getting Started
You also need to decide what kind of bracelet you want to make. You can make something as simple as putting the beads on the cord and simply knotting it.
If you are using a cord or elastic thread, you will not need any clasp for securing the beads. Elastic threads are available in varied thicknesses. The thicker kind is sturdy and suitable for projects where you are using large beads.
The thinner ones are delicate and ideal for pairing with smaller beads. If you want to up your game, then you can go for a beading wire. However, you need to remember that beading wire cannot be tied and has to be secured with clasps and crimps. Purchase a wire that is flexible and not too thick.
Once you have chosen the wire, you will have to choose your beads. Different kinds of beads are available in the market. If you have a certain design in mind, then you can purchase beads as per the design.
Plastic beads are the least expensive ones and are available in a variety of colors and shapes. These are ideal for making kid-friendly beads. Glass beads capture light really well and come in beautiful colors. You can also choose semi-precious stones, corals, ivory, shell, and wooden beads.
Making Bead Bracelets Step-By-Step
Once you have purchased all the items required for beading a bracelet, you can go ahead as per your design. Sort the beads as per their size before proceeding with the work. This will make the entire process a lot easier for you.
You can also arrange the beads you have in a bead tray. These make it easier for you to layout your pattern and have a better visualization of how your bracelet will look after you have created one.
Stretchy bracelets are easy to make. These require the use of fewer tools. You can bead one in a few simple steps.
Materials needed:
- Elastic cord
- Beads
- Scissors
- Superglue
- Binder clip or tape
If you want to use a clasp, then you will also need a crimp, clasp, and seed beads.
Step 1: Measure the Wrist
Take the beading elastic and wrap it around your wrist one and a half times. Cut the elastic using a pair of scissors. You can include extra elastic before cutting so that you can easily tie a knot for securing the beads together.
Step 2: Stretch the Elastic
Once you have cut the elastic cord, you need to hold the elastic cord between your fingers. Gently stretch the cord. Doing this will prevent the elastic from stretching at a later stage. If you don’t do this, it will create gaps between beads.
Fold some tape over one of the ends. This will prevent the beads from sliding while you are working on the project. If you don’t have tape, then you can use a binder clip instead.
Step 3: Start to Arrange the Beads on the Cord
You can accomplish this task without using a needle. As most elastic cords are stiff enough, you can put them straight through the beads.
Try to start with the bead with the largest hole first. This will help you hide the end knot later by sliding under the bead with the largest hole. If you have a thing for perfection in your craft, then you won’t want to ignore this tip.
Step 4: Add Beads Until You Reach the Desired Length
You can wrap the bracelet around your wrist from time-to-time to check if you have achieved the desired length or not. You should ensure that the first and last beads touch. Also, make sure that the bracelet is somewhat loose.
If there is any gap between the beads, then you will require more beads. The stretched elastic should not be visible when you tie the bracelet around your wrist.
Step 5: Tie a knot
We won’t go into too much detail here, as we spelled out several knots above. Choose a secure, sturdy knot and tie off your masterpiece. If you want, you can hide the knot under a bead and glue to secure it.
Using a Clamp Instead of a Knot
If you don’t want to tie a knot and want to render a sophisticated touch to your design, then you can consider using a clamp for securing the bracelet. Once you have beaded the elastic cord, you need to put a crimp bead, seed bead, and a clasp in an order.
You can choose any kind of clasp for your work. Lobster-claws or a spring clasp are the most traditional choices. Magnetic ones add to the convenience of the wearer. You need to then thread the wire back through the seed bead and the crimp. The clasp needs to be hanging off from the loop.
Slide the crimp and the seed bead gently towards the clasp. Make the fitting snug but still loose enough for the clasp to wiggle. You can use nose pliers for pinching the crimp bead. This is because the crimp beads itself is your knot. Hence, it needs to be secure. Do not trim the tail.
Once you are done with the steps, you can try the bracelet to check if it requires any adjustments. If the bracelet is too big, then you will have to remove a few beads. If the bracelet is small, then you will have to include a few beads in the bracelet. It is easy to make adjustments while designing a bracelet.
Simply follow the steps to create beautiful bracelets for yourself or for the people in your life. It is not difficult to bead bracelets once you are aware of the steps involved in the process. It is easy and also a fun activity.
All About Bead’s tutorial on YouTube is one of my favorite tutorials. Check it out.
Summary
There are different styles in which you can tie bead bracelets. It all depends on the kind of materials you are using for your project. If you simply want to make a basic bead bracelet, then you can simply make one of the knots with the elastic thread or cord you are using.
If you are looking for a more sophisticated design, then you can consider using clamps. We have mentioned all the steps clearly. You can follow them to craft funky or classy designs of bracelets for yourself or for your loved ones.
Up Next: The Best String For Waist Beads
