How To Make A Macramé Bead Bracelet

Who knew knotting could lead to such stunning bracelets? This tutorial is perfect for jewellery making newbies, it would also make a great project for the little nippers or anyone who enjoys crafts and jewellery making.

With connectors available in countless shapes, every design is one-of-a-kind. You can even add your favourite beads for a personal touch (always check the hole sizes to make sure your chosen cord will fit through) and experiment with different colours and types of cords to create unique textures and styles. Imagine using a shell for a fun, holiday-inspired piece, or even attach your favourite charm! Let your creativity shine with endless possibilities.

*This tutorial is for a 19cm bracelet, which is a standard size. If you need a different length, simply adjust the size as needed. 

**In this tutorial, we've used two different colours of cord to help you follow each step more easily.

Recommended Tools & Supplies

• 3m of 1mm Hemp Cord
• Connector ring
• Sterling Silver Beads (6mm)
• Sterling Silver Crimps
• Sterling Silver Carabiner Lobster Clasp
• Sterling Silver 5mm Round Jump Rings
• Glue (such as Devcon Epoxy Glue or Hypo Cement Glue)
• Flat nose or Snipe nose pliers
• 0.3mm Silver Wire (optional)
• Bulldog clip
• Card
• Scissors
• Clear sticky tape

Step 1

Cut the cord into the following lengths: 2 x 100cm and 2 x 50cm. Take a 50cm length and fold it in half. Thread the halfway loop of this cord through a connector and then pass the ends of the cord back through the halfway loop and pull, securing the cord onto the connector. Do this with the other 50cm length of cord, adding it to the other side of your connector.

Step 2

Clip the cords to a stiff piece of card using bulldog clips. Work on one side at a time, so clip the connector close to the top of the card. This makes it much easier to work with and will keep a good tension in the cords.

Step 3

Pick up a 100cm length of cord and pass one end under the two vertical cords clipped to the board. Centre this 100cm length so you have 50cm on the left and 50cm on the right. Take the right-hand side and pass it over the vertical cords and under the left-hand cord.

Step 4

Take the left-hand cord and pass it under the vertical cord and up and through the loop made on the right, making sure it comes out on top of the right-hand cord.

Step 5

Pull both left and right-hand cords together so a knot forms on the vertical cords. You can then slide this knot up to the top to meet the connector.

Step 6

Now take the left-hand cord and pass it over the two vertical cords and under the right-hand cord.

Step 7

Take the right-hand cord and pass it under the vertical cords and up and through the loop made on the left-hand side coming out on top of the left-hand cord.

Step 8

Again, pull both left and right cords together so a knot forms on the vertical cords. You won't need to slide this knot up to meet the knot made in Step 5 as each knot made will naturally sit next to the one made before.

Step 9

Keep repeating steps 3-8 until you get to approx. 3cm length.

Step 10

Thread a bead through the two middle cords. Tip: use sticky tape to keep the ends tight and easier to thread the bead through.

Step 11

Repeat steps 3-8 again until you've reached a length of approx 3cm to finish off this side. Repeat the same steps for the 50cm length cord on the other side of the connector.

Step 12

You have a couple of options on how to finish off your cord ends:

1. Trim off any excess cord leaving approx 6mm length for the crimps. Use sticky tape to hold the ends of threads together creating a 'shoelace' finish. Repeat for the other side. 

2. Wrap the ends with a 0.3mm wire to secure them.

Step 13

Use a small amount of hypo cement glue, dab it onto the cord end and insert into the crimp loop end. Crimp using snipe nose pliers. Repeat for the other side and let dry. Note: hypo cement glue sets in approximately 15 minutes and is completely dry in 24 hours.

For quicker drying results, mix equal parts of Devcon glue, apply small amount on the cord end and insert the crimp. Follow the same steps as above.

Step 14

Open up a jump ring, using snipe nose or flat nose pliers, and attach to a crimp with loop and the lobster clasp loop. Close the jump ring.

Finished!

Your bracelet is now ready to wear.