I have been making jewelry for about 15 years but I rarely share any jewelry DIY’s because special tools are needed and jewelry making can be complicated (and tedious). However, I recently made a bunch of bracelets for a charity event using a super easy (no tool) knot technique using narrow leather cords that anyone can do. If you can tie a knot, you can do this and it only takes a few minutes. Trust me!!
By the way, this is such an easy project that it would be a perfect craft project for a girl’s night out party or use this project for handmade gifts for the holidays. It’s also easy enough for the kids to make as well!
Ok, so I’m going to walk you through each step in great detail and with a lot of images so you’ll know exactly what supplies you need and can see just how easy this is. Once you look through all of the images, you’ll see just how easy this is!
Let’s jump right in:
Supplies;
Narrow leather cords (package should say 1mm) and they come in a large color selection too:
Package of Lobster Clasps (the smaller, the better):
An assortment of beads (most beads will fit a 1mm leather cord-except tiny seed beads) I also try and buy my beads when they are 50% off at Hobby Lobby. Every other week, their beads are 50% off. Beads and supplies can add up quick!
Large gold/silver beads/balls (It’s very important that you pick up the largest of the gold/silver bead balls because this is how you’ll hid the ends of your cord. In this image below, I’m showing you the two sizes that the beads come in so you’ll know to look for the largest):
Steps for Making Bracelets
1) Begin by taking your cord and cutting 14 inches. Take the end of the cord and make a very small loop (the smallest loop you can make) and tie like you would the end of a balloon where you take the whole loop and bend around and tie. Leave an excess of at least an inch:
2) Add two of the large gold/silver bead balls over both the cord itself and the inch excess cord. Go all the way up to the knot. Trim any excess cord that comes out of the 2nd bead ball:
3) Begin stringing your beads. For bead combinations, take a look at my close-up final bracelet images (at the end of the post) for bead layout ideas. I like to use a larger bead in the middle of the bracelet (for the top of the wrist) and do the exact bead pattern on each side of the large center bead.
For your first bracelet, you’ll need to use your wrist as the guide to figure out how many beads you can have:
4) When you get to the end of your bracelet and you have used your wrist as the measurement, add two final gold/silver bead balls and then slip on the lobster clasp and loop the cord back around through the first gold/silver bead ball:
5) Pull the cord through the first bead but not too tight. You’ll want to make sure your beads have room to bend and move while it’s on your wrist, so give yourself about a 1/4th inch give in the cord:
6) Take your excess cord and wrap it around the cord in between the two bead balls to tie a square knot (a square knot is two knots-the first knot is up and under and the second knot is the opposite-down and over- Basically, you tie two simple knots but just alternate the direction) Do not pull your cord too tight to strengthen your knot. The cord will snap if you pull too tight:
7) Take the excess end of your cord and run it down through the 2nd gold/silver bead ball and trim excess so the end of the cord is right at the ball opening. You’ll have to pull some on the end of your lobster clip to make room to slip the cord in:
And that’s it!!
For necklaces, you use the same exact technique but you’ll need more cord. I measure my neck and add an additional 6 inches for loops, knots and excess cord.
I really hope you guys try this project because it’s really so fun to come up with different combinations and in minutes, you can make your own jewels. Instant jewelry gratification!
I also actually have an easy technique for making gorgeous earrings too but not sure if you guys are interested in jewelry making projects. Let me know if you guys have any interest in an easy earring DIY project and if so, I’ll share that as well.
Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a fantastic Labor Day!
Cheers!
Cyndy
Nancy M. says
What a great tutorial, Cyndi! I have a pile of outdated and/or broken necklaces that I would love to repurpose into bracelets, but I didn’t want to invest in jewelry tools and all that (I am a papercrafter and already have WAY too much paper and tools for that.). I especially like the easy closure design, that’s the part that has always daunted me! I would love to see more easy jewelry posts if you are so inclined!
Cyndy says
Thank you so much Nancy! Yes, this is such an easy and uncomplicated way to make jewelry and it will hold up as well without having to buy even more craft tools (I have completely run out of room!!).
Looks like there are a lot of readers interested in the earring tutorial, so I will for sure share that in a couple weeks. Thanks again Nancy!
Jessie Rios says
Thank you Cyndy, I am experiment ing with jewelry and I would like to learn more, please continue with your tutorials.
Mary Ruth says
Thanks for sharing the jewelry tutorial! I love making my own (when I need something for FUN or to match an outfit or mood I have. The older I get the MORE I have a need to be spontaneous or just ‘do it’ with some bold pieces!
I would love to see the earring tut as well. These are real easy. Good thing your Hobby Lobby and mine are not the same, for I collect the 50% off deals too! I check JoAnn’s too, closer to me. Thanks for the FUN and relaxed post! 🙂
Cyndy says
I wish I had a JoAnn’s near me because I love their beads too! I actually usually go to the International Bead Show whenever it comes to Houston to load up on my beads. However, Hobby Lobby has been getting in some great stones and beads, so I have been lucky.
Yes, looks like people are interested in learning how to make earrings, so I will be sharing that shortly. Thanks so much Mary Ruth for your note! Hugs!
Cat says
Love this tutorial. Yes, please post more! What a fun project to do with my preteen daughters.
joyce says
Love your blog!!!!and would love more ideas for earrings.
debbie says
Cyndy, these are gorgeous. Yes, I would love to learn more. I have wanted to learn how to make jewelry for some time. I think the first one I make will take a long time but after that hopefully it will be faster. I want some for myself (I love fine and costume) and these would be great for gifts as you said. I think people really appreciate when you give them a gift that you have made. Do you ever sell any of these and if so, how much would a bracelet be, please?
Thanks so much for all your great sharing.
Take care
Cyndy says
Thank you so much Debbie!! Yes, your first one will take a little time and then you’ll be popping them out like nobody’s business girl! I sure hope you try it because it’s so fun!
I’m not set up for selling jewelry yet but ironically, I have been seriously thinking about testing out a small collection in my shop on the blog. Your note makes me think that I should really try it! Hmmm… I will keep you posted Debbie.
Kate O'Brien says
Thanks so much for this tutorial!! I have been asking my daughter to make a few bracelets and it doesn’t seem to happen. I am a paper crafter too so I love to craft — I just needed the knotting/loop a/w/a what type of cord to use. YES! earrings would be great too! Thanks again!
Monika Wright says
Drawer full of beads from broken necklaces? Check. Cannot wait to try out your awesome tutorial! Thanks for sharing.
Shirley Rogers says
Thank you so very much for this fascinating tutorial. It has been very helpful to me since I been looking for an alternative to using stretch cord and wire for my necklace and bracelet projects.
Carrie says
I love the way you started and finished the bracelet! I’ve wanted to try something like this before but couldn’t figure out how to do it without a jump ring for the lobster claw to hook to. I love the loop design. A thanks!
Charlene says
Hi, really enjoyed this tutortiall. Just getting into jewelry making and noticed these comments are from 3 years ago. Just wondering if you ever posted the earring tutortial? Loved the loop design! Thanks for sharing!
T J Patton says
Love the help and all the photos were a great help! Thank you!!!
I’m going to get to work on some stocking stuffers now.
Jeanette says
Thank you so much I inherited some lovely glass blown pendants but not being craft wondered what to do. This is marvellous. I will also have a girls lunch with my club and we can all Make bracelets. Much appreciated sharing
Phyllis says
Fantastic step by step tutorial!!! I’m definitely going to try your technique! I’ve got tons of beads just waiting on me to have a fun craft day👍🏻