DIY -Braided Hex Cut Bead Bracelet
March 12, 2014 13 Comments
Tools Needed
Scissors
Materials Needed
5 feet waxed linen cord
120(+or-) 2.25mm metal hex spacer beads
1 large hole bead
What fun!! This bracelet is made by incorporating beads into a braid of waxed linen cord. We have made a dozen of these using everything from size 8/0 seed beads ( rounds, & magatmas) to 3mm faceted glass; really any small bead that will fit onto the cord will work.
Preparing the Cords
Step 1: Cut the waxed linen into two 30 inch lengths.
Step 2: Hold the two cords side-by-side and run your fingers along the two strands. The wax on the linen will make the two strands stick together as if they were a single strand.
Step 3: String 17 hex beads onto the end of the two cords and position them in the middle of the cords. (If using a different bead to clasp the bracelet, adjust the number of beads used here to fit snugly over the bead.)
Step 4: Shape the beaded segment of cord into a loop. Secure the loop closed by tying both sides of the cord into an overhand knot. Make sure the knot is positioned against the beads before tightening.
Step 5: Separate the individual strands of cord and cut one strand off with scissors. Three strands will remain.
Step 6: String about 30 hex beads onto one of the cords. Tie a loose knot around the final bead, near the end of the cord, to keep the beads from falling off the strand during braiding. Repeat this step on the remaining strands.
Step 7: Fan out the three strands. Beginning with the left hand strand, push a bead up against the overhand knot. Cross the cord over the front of the middle strand.
Step 8: Push a bead against the overhand knot of the right-hand strand. Cross the cord over the front of the middle strand.
Step 9: Continue braiding the beads in place by positioning a bead against the braid and crossing the cord over the front of the middle strand, alternating from left to right. Add (or subtract) beads as needed until the bracelet fits loosely around the wrist from the tip of the loop to the end of braid.
Step 10: Continue braiding the beads in place until the braided segment fits loosely around the wrist from the tip of the loop to the end of the braid.
Step 11: Secure the end of the cord by tying all three cords together into an overhand.
Step 12: String a large hole bead onto the cords.
Step 13: Secure the bead in place by tying another overhand knot up against the bottom of the bead. Be sure to make certain that the knot is large enough to hold the bead in place. If not, tie an additional overhand knot on top of the one made in the previous step.
Step 14: Finish off each of the cords by stringing a single bead onto the individual cords and tying a single overhand knot to hold the bead in place. Cut off excess thread. Vary the length of each of the threads for a tassel effect.
Love it! I’ve been eagerly awaiting a new project from you. Thank you,
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I love this project! So simple yet so full of pizzazz! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!
Angi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com
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love it! thanks for posting!
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You guys are so generous & I always love the projects you share. This one is especially fun. Thanks Bead Shop Girl….. great blog!
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Love your generosity in sharing these tutorials! This one is lovely and so quick! Thanks so much!!
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Thank you for offering these tutorials online. It makes my move across country, and my inability to attend your fabulous classes, a little less painful.
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Beautiful bracelet. Thanks for the tutorial and the chance to win the materials!
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I love the buddah bead head! Is that sold at B and B?
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We do in fact sell the Buddah bead. You can find it “here in four different finishes”. I also like using the casbah bead which is quite a bit larger but classy.
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You got me hooked when I saw the color of blue waxed cord, I will definitely attempt this. It reminds me of a similar one I made with hex beads on the outside.
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I loved this DIY project. For someone who is not so good at figuring things out, this was easy but the finished effect looks as if it were complicated to make.
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I’m going to try this today! Can’t wait. Thanks B & B!
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Thanks to all of you who commented. Big congrats go out to Ruth who won the kit of supplies to make the bracelet! We are working on yet another DIY for next week! See you then. -BeadShopGirl
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