Stretch Bracelets

by Judy Larson

Category: Beading
Technique(s): Beading
Skill Level: Beginner

Jewelry isn't just about style, it can be the little boost that makes you feel more put together each day. In this pattern, Judy Larson shares how earrings and stretch bracelets bring joy, color, and meaning to daily life, plus a peek at some new bead finds sparking fresh project ideas.

Materials

Wide Variety of Beads to choose from

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Stretch Cord

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Scotch 0.94 Inch Painters Tape for Taping Wires Together

G13-5

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $5.97
Gold Club Price: $4.48

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E6000 Adhesive Glue 3.7 oz. - Pack of 1

G16-18

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $8.99
Gold Club Price: $6.74

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A wide variety of Charms available

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Tools

Deluxe Bead Reamer Set

DIB-275.00

DIB-275.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $15.57
Gold Club Price: $11.68

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Motorized Bead Reamer with Diamond Drill Tip

G16-42

G16-42
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $26.95
Gold Club Price: $20.21

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EZ Sizer, Bracelet Mandrel, Travel Size

GAU-110.10

GAU-110.10
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

12 Inch Stainless Steel Ruler

G7-30

G7-30
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.97
Gold Club Price: $2.23

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Pro Shear

SHR-544.00

SHR-544.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.95
Gold Club Price: $11.21

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Instructions

Step 1

Choose the stones and embellishments you want for the bracelet.

One 16" strand of beads will usually make two bracelets.

Keep in mind that the larger the beads, the longer the bracelet must be to fit the wrist.

If the bead holes are too small for the stringing medium, enlarge them with a bead reamer.

Note: Stone dust is very harmful to your lungs so beads should be reamed under water to contain the dust.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Choose the stones and other embellishments

Step 2

Cut a 12" piece of stretch cord. It may feel too long, but short ends make it difficult to tie a knot, especially if your fingers aren't very nimble.

Pre-stretch the cord several times. This imitates the pull it will go through when putting on and taking off a bracelet.

Doing this helps prevent the cord from loosening over time.

It also ensures that if the cord has any weak spots, it will break now rather than while wearing the finished bracelet.

Hint: Beads that are laid out may not be as pleasing when strung, or a few may need to be placed differently during stringing. Making a bead stop with tape at one end of the cord will make it easier to string the beads without them falling off during the process.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Cut a 12 piece of stretch cord

Step 3

Lay the beads out in a pleasing arrangement on a bead board or terry towel. Plan for more beads than you think you'll need, since design adjustments may be required to reach the right length.

For example, in the green turquoise bracelet, I removed several small silver rondelle beads and added two larger silver saucer beads to make it long enough.

A stretch bracelet does not look professional when the knot is visible.

Choose one bead with a hole large enough to hide the stretch cord knot.

Adding one or more silver beads gives extra sparkle while also providing a hollow space to conceal the knot.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Lay beads out in a pleasing manner

Step 4

If no hollow element is added, you may need to hollow out a bead to hide the knot.

Use a Mohs scale of hardness chart to determine which bead is the softest, then choose that stone for hollowing.

For example, two 5-6mm chalk turquoise beads were hollowed out to sit on either side of the knot and conceal it. If a thinner stretch cord is used, only one bead may need to be hollowed.

Use a pointed bit instead of a ball bit. This prevents leaving walls too thin, which could weaken the stone around the hole.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, hollowed beads

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, stringed beads

Step 5

After arranging the beads, string them onto the chosen stretch cord. Be sure that one end bead is the one selected to hide the knot.

Check the fit on your wrist. My wrist measures 5 1/2", but I prefer a looser fit. With the beads I usually use, a 7 1/4" length works best.

The length will need adjusting if you use larger or smaller beads.

When placed on a sizing cone, notice that a 7 1/4" strand may not line up with the 7 1/4" mark, since bead size affects how much space they take up.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Check the fit on the wrist

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Make sure to use one end bead to hide the knot

Step 6

Pull the stretch cord tightly through the beads, but not so tight that the beads kink or the cord risks breaking when slipped over your hand.

I prefer my beads snug on the cord. I don't mind if the bracelet doesn't lay perfectly round on the table, since it looks fine on my wrist.

The cord will relax over time, and the bracelet will naturally become more round.

You may choose not to pull the cord as tightly if you want the bracelet rounder right away. This comes down to personal preference and the type of cord you use.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Pull the stretch cord tightly through the beads

Step 7

Follow the illustrations to tie one of the knots commonly used by artists making stretch bracelets.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Modified Square Knot

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Overhand Knot

Step 8

Use scissors or a fingernail clipper to trim the excess cord close to the knot.

After trimming, you may add a dab of glue to secure the knot. This step is optional; some people use glue, others do not.

The two most common choices are GS Hypo Cement and E-6000. Many find that Super Glue can weaken some stretch cords over time.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, Use a scissors or fingernail clipper to trim off

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, add a dab of glue to the knot

Step 9

Once Step 6 is complete, pull the hollow bead over the knot.

If a bit of cord sticks out, use the tip of a toothpick to gently tuck it into the hollow.

If you used glue, allow it to cure for 2-3 days before wearing the bracelet.

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, pull the hollow bead over the knot

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, use the tip of a toothpick to coax it

Step 10

Choose stones you enjoy working with. I often mix higher and lower grade stones because I like the contrast.

I avoid using my valuable Sleeping Beauty stones for these bracelets, but chalk turquoise look-alikes work well, even when paired with sterling silver and natural red coral.

Add a charm or two for a touch of whimsy. I especially love the look of multi-gemstone nuggets paired with riverstone.

What stones will you use to make your bracelets?

Since friends will likely admire them and you may end up gifting a few, make extras!

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, I will put higher and lower grade stones together

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - , Beading, Beads, stretch bracelets

Step 11:

Stretch Bracelets with Rough Cut Stones and Dangles

Rough Stones: 2" to 2-1/2"

Riverstone Beads: 8mm and 10mm

12" of 1mm stretch cord

Judy Larson's Stretch Bracelets - <b>Stretch Bracelets with Rough Cut Stones and Dangles</b>, Beading, Beads, Stretch Bracelets

Reviews

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Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!