Happy Monday! I have a fun jewelry project for you this morning that uses simple macrame and beads. In fact, it’s a pretty common design, but if you’ve seen the look and wondered how to do it, I can show you!
What you will need:
- 20 lb. Hemp (you can also use cotton, jute, bamboo or even embroidery floss – this is a very versatile project!)
- Glass beads with a large enough hole for your cord (these are some cool recycled glass beads I got from Happy Mango Beads)
- Glue-on end caps and jewelry glue
These end caps are approximately 7mm. They fit 5 strands of hemp, which is why I used this design, but if you get 4mm-5mm sized end caps, you can do this with just three strands of hemp as well.
Cut 5 strands about 3-4 feet long. If you are running short on twine, it’s okay of your center strand is only about 12 inches, but the strands you will use to make the knots need to be a lot longer.
Glue on your end cap. Secure your end – I like to clip it to a clipboard while I work. Separate your strands so that 2 go to the right, 2 go to the left, and one is in the center (again, the center one can be shorter). Tie a knot around the center cord. You will do this by passing the left cords over the center strand, and passing the right cords under the center strand, then up through the gap between the left and center cords. It’s just like making a regular square knot, but the center cord is secured inside. Snug your knot up.
Repeat this as many times as you like. I made 5 knots to get started, but this is totally your preference. If you want to use fewer beads, you can center them along the top, and fill in the two ends with just knots. Or, you can begin adding beads right away – this is totally a matter of preference. When you are ready to begin adding beads, this is how you do it.
Thread a bead onto the center strand and move it up to the bottom of your existing knots. Continue knotting as you were, placing the knot under the bead. Tighten it up, securing the bead. I made a second knot after the bead before adding the next one on.
When you reach the length you like (approximately a 6 inch woven length), cut off your cords and glue on the other end cap.
This length may vary a little depending on a few things – the most common length for a bracelet is 7 inches (though you can make this larger or smaller depending on your wrist size). The end caps and clasp will usually add about 1 inch. So a 6-inch woven length will give you the 7-inch bracelet. But, if you are using larger beads (like these), you need a slightly longer bracelet, because the inner diameter will be smaller with larger beads.
Just attach a clasp, and your bracelet is ready for wear (or gifting)!
Mi señora es el regalo de materiales a en venga que llegado a Venezuela esa igualito a sino si me hacer bracelet a en lo mejor que ella si este gusta mas
Nice! Thanks for the tutorial!
I think you have a loot of knowledge in this subject andd you really know
your stuff.
Love this bracelet! These beads are gorgeous but I’m just wondering what size they are?
If I have to ballpark it, they are around 10-12mm. I got them as a strand that wasn’t labeled.
nice. turtorial……….
I thought it is a tought process now you made it easy. Now i can try myself……….
Very nice bracelet! I might try this with some leftover panora style beads, as the holes will be a good size for this project. thanksfor sharing your creativity!
As far as I can tell, this appears to be the same knot you use to make the paracord bracelets. Is that the case? If so, I will have to give it a try, because I finally got around to learning that this summer to teach day camp kids. I love the way it looks here!
I absolutely love the colors combo of the twine and the beads…simply gorgeous!
Love it. Thanks for such clear instructions.
This is such a great project! I love how it’s a little bit rough, but in the right way. And the colour… I love all things greeny-blue. Well done, Adrianne! Pinned-a-roo!
Oooh I love this! Have hemp and beads but no end cap…could I do a loop and button closure?
Always love your jewelry! :-)
Oh, for sure! Or a sliding knot – I was just focusing on the knots and finishing it off easy on this project. :)
Fab! Thanks Adrianne! Gonna try it! :-)
Super cute! I love your jewelry projects!
I’ve always wanted to learn how to make these. Thanks for your detailed tutorial with photos! Love the bracelet! :D
I’m SO glad that you shared this because I HAVE always wanted to know how to do this! Pinning and trying it
oooohh… so pretty… must try. Of course I got lost when you started explaining the knot but that’s because the only knot I know how to do is the one to tie a shoelace into… I’m sure I’ll get it :)
I loooooooooove, loooooove it!!!! I’m so making this. I love crafty jewelry. Pining!
XOXO
Cami @ TitiCrafty
I love this, but I know my skill level & I just can’t do it. Love your stuff!!!!!
I am all thumbs and have a short attention span… so if I can do it anyone can! Try it with some found objects to practice on, Or ask your crafty friend to make you one!
I really love all the jewelry segments you make. The beads you used on this go well with the color of hemp used. Thank you for everything you make on your blog, you are very talented.
I really like it! have to try! thanks for sharing