Wish Bracelet - Hemp & Glass Beads
You will need to know macrame knots for this.
MATERIAL: Very Thin Hemp, 6/0 sized Seed Beads
Q: Can I use embroidery floss like for friendship bracelets instead of hemp?
A: No. It's way too flimsy. You might be able to if you starch or wax the strings to make them more firm but if you use them soft and natural they will just flop to the back of the bead instead of making a frame around it.
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To make this bracelet you will need 3 strands of hemp- each need to be about 18" long- you will also need a few seed beads of your choice. The ability to braid and make forward/backward knots is also a required.
HINT: After stringing the beads on the middle string make a knot under them. The knot keeps them strung up so they don't come off as you work with them!
I find that the medium sized seed beads work the best- the really tiny ones won't fit onto a hemp strand.
TIP: If you'd like to make a clasp for your bracelet you will also need: 2 Crimp Ends and 1 Barrel Clasp.
VIDEO EXAMPLE: • ♦ Friendship Bracelets - How To Add Crimp...
If you do not wish to use a clasp just extend your braids to about 4 inches.
I suggest you continue to measure the length of the bracelet as you make it to make sure you will fit it around your wrist comfortably. **If adding the clasp allow 1/2 of an inch on either side of the bracelet to allow for addition to the overall length.
This bracelet utilizes the friendship bracelet technique of "Forward Knot" and "Backward Knot" alternated though unlike making a friendship bracelet you only need to make a single knot of either variety, not a double.
Make sure you hold the middle string very firmly as you make your knots. Also make sure to continue the pattern exactly.
Example: If you start with the wrapping the right string around the middle and then finish with wrapping the left string then after the bead is pushed up make sure you start again with the right string and finish with the left string.