How to tie bead and stretch string

To make a beaded bracelet, start by cutting a piece of elastic that's 1.5 times longer than your wrist. Next, fold a piece of tape over the end of the elastic to prevent the beads from falling off. Once it’s secure, add beads until there are enough beads to wrap around your wrist. When you’re done adding beads, take off the tape and tie a square knot with the the ends of the elastic. For tips on adding a clasp to your beaded bracelet, read on!

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Fashion trends come and go, but elastic bracelets remain popular because they are versatile and easy to wear. They are also easy to make, and they can last for a long time if you follow these tips.

Start by making your stretch bead bracelets with good quality elastic cord meant for jewelry making. Do not buy an elastic cord meant for sewing or other crafts.

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Watch Now: How to Make Stretch Bracelets That Don't Break

There are many different types of elastic cord on the market to choose from. Stretch Magic is a favorite of many jewelry makers that is widely available at craft stores and some big retail stores.

Choose a color elastic that is complementary to the beads you are using. A clear cord is an obvious choice, but it can actually be more noticeable with dark colored beads. Not all sizes and colors are available in stores though.

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  Don't Use Elastic That's Too Thin

  
  
  Lisa Yang

  The most popular sizes of elastic cord for making bracelets is 0.7 mm or 1 mm elastic cord, but selecting one depends on the weight of the beads and the size of the hole.

  For seed bead bracelets, 0.5 mm elastic cord works great. Thinner elastic cord can stretch out more quickly with heavier beads unless you use a double strand.

  Cut a piece of cord the size of your bracelet, plus leave yourself at least three inches of elastic on each side to tie your knots. The cord is slippery and nothing is worse than having everything exactly like you want it, and then dropping the end during tying.

  String your beads on the elastic while it is on the spool, or use a ​bead stopper to avoid having the beads slip off the cord.

  Pre-stretch your cord by pulling on each end before stringing. This is a really important step.

• 02 of 04

  Don't Use Crimp Beads With Elastic Stretch Cord

  
  
  Lisa Yang

  The surgeon's knot is the most reliable knot for elastic bracelets. A surgeon's knot is a square knot (also known as a reef knot) with an extra loop through. The extra loop helps keep the knot from slipping. You can add an extra half knot on top of the surgeon's knot just in case.

  Never use crimp beads with elastic.

  Some people try this, but it never lasts long because metal cuts elastic, and there's no changing that. A correctly tied knot will last better in the long run.

• 03 of 04

  More Tips

  
  
  Lisa Yang

  To make a long-lasting elastic bracelet, follow these other tips:

  • Stretch your cord before stringing any beads. Your bracelet will stay the right size and won't stretch out leaving gaps between the beads.
  • Make your bracelet the correct size. A seven-inch bracelet made with 12 mm beads is smaller than a seven-inch bracelet made with 4 mm beads. The larger beads will take away from the inside diameter of the bracelet. String them and then try it on your wrist to check for size.
  • Tie your knot with some tension in the bracelet. In other words, pull the elastic so it is taut and just a little stretched when adding the second half of the knot. The extra tension from the inside helps keep the knot from untying.
  • Tighten your knot from all sides. Pull the top two ends to tighten the knot, pull from the beaded side, pull the left loose end and the right beaded end and vice versa.
  • After cutting the elastic cord, add a dab of glue to the knot. Super glue or E6000 jewelry glue are two that work well. Some people think that super glue can erode the elastic over time. E6000 stays flexible so it is probably a better choice.
  • If possible, cover your knot. This makes your elastic bracelet look nicer, but also protects the knot from wear caused by rubbing between two beads.

• 04 of 04

  Don't Stretch Your Bracelet to Put It On

  
  
  Lisa Yang

  How you care for your elastic bracelet is just as important as how you make it. Follow these tips to make them last:

  How do you string beads in a stretch string?

  Prepare your materials..

  Cut the elastic to length..

  Prestretch the elastic cord..

  Secure the end of the cord..

  Lay out your beads..

  String the beads onto the cord..

  Tie a knot to secure the beading cord..

  Secure the knot with glue..