These DIY Metallic Crystal Wrap Bracelets just radiate sparkle and shine! They are chic, yet not overly dressy, making them great for everyday wearing. Super stackable and complimentary to most other bracelets, you definitely need to make one (or multiple) to add to your jewelry wardrobe!
The secret here is metallic embroidery floss, which gives the pieces that upscale look. Move over friendship bracelets of the past!! These adult-friendly pieces use floss in a new, sophisticated way.
What’s really great about these pieces is that there are NO PLIERS REQUIRED, so they are great for beginner jewelry makers. The only tools I used were scissors and a beading needle – and once you get the hang of the square knot technique, they whip up really fast. I created mine as a 3-wrap bracelet, but you can choose to make yours any amount of wraps you want. They also double as chokers/necklaces, depending on how long you make your piece. A 2-in-1 accessory…..yes, please!
Follow below for my easy step-by-step tutorial, and you’ll have these finished in no time at all. Let’s go!
Step 1
Gather materials. You will need 6x4mm metallic crystal rondelle beads (gold, silver and clear are some good basic options), metallic embroidery floss, 0.5mm nylon knotting cord (not stretchy cord!), a small 2-hole button (I used shell ones similar to these, but you can use metal buttons as well) and Gem-Tac. You will also need a flexible beading needle and of course, scissors!
Step 2
Cut a length of nylon thread that is about 6x the circumference of your wrist, plus adding 6″. My wrist is a little under 6.25″ and I cut a piece that was about 4′ long. If your wrist is 7.5″, cut a piece 51″ long. Fold in half. Thread on your button, bring to the fold, and knot it in place, leaving the same amount of loose thread on each side. Thread on your crystal rondelles, using the beading needle. For my wrap bracelet, I used 68 beads. You will want to adjust the amount depending on your wrist size, but the beads can easily be added later on if needed as well, so 68 might be a good place to start. To keep the beads from falling off, secure the very end of the 2 threads together with a piece of tape, acting as a stopper. Let the beads fall to the bottom of the cord.
Step 3
Cut a piece of metallic embroidery floss – this length again will vary a bit depending on your wrist size. I cut a 10′ piece, and my final bracelet was just about 17.5″ long (beaded part). If your wrist is a little larger than 6.25″, cut an extra 1-2 feet or so, but remember, it’s better to over-estimate the length, instead of under-estimating.
Fold the floss in half, and thread the halfway point under the top of the cord. Bring the left side over the middle cord. Bring the right side UNDER the middle cord, then up over the left side, creating a loop. Pull both sides evenly, tight up against the middle cord.
Step 4
Bring the right side now OVER the middle cord, and the left side UNDER the middle cord, then up over the right side, creating another loop. Pull both sides evenly up tight against the middle cord. You have created the first square knot in the sinnet!
Bring the left side OVER the middle cord. Bring the right side UNDER the middle cord, then up over the left side, creating a loop. Pull both sides evenly, tight up against the middle cord.
Bring a bead up against these knots. Bring the right side now OVER the middle cord, and the left side UNDER the middle cord, then up over the right side, creating another loop. Pull both sides evenly up against the bead. Don’t pull TOO tight though, you want the bead to be secure with thread on both sides, not popping out of line.
Bring the left side OVER the middle cord. Bring the right side UNDER the middle cord, then up over the left side, creating a loop. Pull both sides evenly, tight up against the middle cord. This locks the bead in place.
Step 5
Bring another bead up against these knots. Bring the right side now OVER the middle cord, and the left side UNDER the middle cord, then up over the right side, creating another loop. Pull both sides evenly up against the bead. Don’t pull TOO tight though, you want the bead to be secure with thread on both sides, not popping out of line.
Bring the left side OVER the middle cord. Bring the right side UNDER the middle cord, then up over the left side, creating a loop. Pull both sides evenly, tight up against the middle cord. This locks the bead in place.
-Keep repeating this step over and over again, beading down the strand. You always want to be alternating which cord goes OVER the middle cords, to keep the square knot sinnet flat. If you accidentally don’t alternate, you will see a twisting in the sinnet…not good for this type of design!
If you need to add any more beads to the cord, simply pull off the bottom tape, string on beads, and re-apply tape. At the very end, tie off the floss with a regular knot (tightly to secure!) and cut excess cord. I always reinforce the knots with a dab of Gem-Tac.
With the middle cords, tie an overhand knot right at the base of the beaded strand. Tie two more, creating 2 loops for the button to be placed in, like a closure. Make sure the knot spacing can snugly fit the button in – not too loose, not too tight.
Wrap and wear! You can create these in any amount of wraps, any colors, and really, any bead styles. I love a good monochromatic look, but if you want to get fancy, play around with NEONS for a pop of color!
Like I said before, these also can be worn as chokers…..or even double-wrap necklaces, depending on how long your strand is.
All photos copyright Quiet Lion Creations. Email me at info@quietlioncreations.com for permission to use or re-post.
Don’t steal them, it’s bad karma ☺.
