Make a Beaded Rope Bracelet

Here is one way to make a simple and easy rope stitch bracelet, single threaded. The beadwork explained here is purposefully simple, to aid the beginner but you are free to make it more fancy if you prefer. The end result is quite effective, for very little effort or cost.

Steps

Preparing the Thread

  1. Start with the thread. Cut the end of the thread at an angle, and carefully thread it through the needle hole. Then pull it through about five or six inches/{{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} in length.
  2. Tie the other end of the thread in a simple knot. Tie it firmly a couple of times so that the knot is a couple of sizes bigger. When you're satisfied the knot is wide enough, cut the remaining thread off, but leave a little bit of space before cutting.
  3. Take the shoelace (or thin rope). Burn its end ever so slightly so it will not unravel. Use the end of a candle or lighter flame, or touch it briefly to an electric hotplate.
  4. Pierce the shoelace at one end with the needle. Pull the needle through until the knot stops the thread from moving through any further.

Adding the Beads

  1. Slide the beads onto the thread. This tutorial presents a very simple design so that beginners can learn the technique. For now, simply switch back and forth between three beads in one color, then three beads in an alternating color. However, you can do your bead additions in any way you please, especially if you're already more experienced at beadwork.
  2. Once you've got your needle through the beads, slide them down to the shoelace. Then slide them down to the shoelace.
    • Wrap the beaded thread length around the shoelace. Keep weaving it all the way around the shoelace, as shown in the image.
    • Make sure that the beaded length is sitting nice and flat against the shoelace and that the bead thread doesn't turn bumpy, or else it will feel uncomfortable when you wear it.
  3. Continue weaving around the shoelace until you have it at about the length you want it,. Then knot it again. Wrap the thread around the shoelace about two and a half times, then knot it once. After this, go diagonally through the shoelace five rows of beads back. Now when you come up, knot it and double it as explained above.
  4. Create the "clasp" for the bracelet. For the finishing touch that lets you join the bracelet ends together, add the safety pin to your new bracelet.
    • A golden colored safety pin makes a nice contrast, or perhaps one in a different color from the usual plain metal.
  5. Finished. Try it on, make any adjustments needed to the size, then wear it out to your next special event.

Warnings

  • When you burn the thread, don't make the burned portion too long, otherwise it will loop around.

Things You'll Need

  • An adequate length of thread
  • A new shoelace (rounded) or thin piece of rounded, soft rope
  • Seed beads (small beads) in at least two contrasting colors
  • A needle
  • Scissors
  • A safety pin (preferably an interesting, nicely colored one); the size depends on how large you want the clasp to be, and how strong

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