Kashmiri Stretch Bracelet

Sunday, July 10, 2011 - Leave a Comment

Opulent Kashmiri Bead Stretch Bracelet inspiration sheet

Simple design, stunning beads! Purple Kashmiri bead stretch bracelet

In our busy lives where we are constantly bombarded with digital information, life can be a little stressful and it can be hard to find time to spend crafting. But with a project as quick as this one (you need just 5-10 minutes!) then you can treat yourself not only to some time out, but a beautiful bracelet that you made yourself! If you’re pressed for time, then this quick project is for you – a bracelet you can make with only a few materials and no jewellery making skills!

Stretch Magic beading elastic and strand of purple Kashmiri beads

You'll need:
Stretch Magic 1mm Beading Cord
Jesse James Boho purple bead strand (or perhaps you prefer blue, red, orange or an assortment!)
Bead stoppers or sticky tape
Wire cutters
Scissors
G-S Hypo Cement (or nail polish)

Begin by removing the beads from the beading wire that they came on. Don't use your good scissors for this as you will nick the blade (I prefer to use my flush cutters).

Flush cutters cutting a bead stopper off the end of a strand of beads

You can rearrange the beads if you like or just keep them in the pattern on the strand. Jesse James' designers do a great job of selecting bead combinations so for this project I am happy to go with them just the way they are.

Cut a piece of Stretch Magic the length of your wrist plus 10cm (4") - about 30cm (12") is a good length to work with.

Measure and cut a 30cm (12") length od Stretch Magic

Pre-stretch the Beading Elastic

Pre-stretch it by holding the elastic at each end and pulling it firmly three or four times. This will help overcome the problem of the bracelet stretching after you've worn it a few times.

Place a beadstop on one end (or tape the Stretch Magic to your workspace) and thread on the beads.

Large purple Kashmiri bead being strung on beading elastic

Tip: Make sure that either your first or last bead is a large holed bead. That way you can hide your knot!

To tie the knot, place one end over the other and tie a half knot.

Tie a second half knot

and pull the knot tightly.

Tie another knot and pull tightly again.

Pulling the double knot in the beading elastic tightly

Repeat two more times, making sure you pull the knot tightly each time. Place a dab of adhesive on the knot and trim the ends of the elastic to about 6 or 7mm (1/4")

Cut the elastic ends close6mm (1/4") from the knot.

and then slide the knot inside the large holed bead.

Sliding the knot in the beading elastic inside a large bead to hide it

I've found this method to be the most successful way to tie off Stretch Magic. You can see a video on how to do this here: https://youtu.be/pkz-Z8eo0VM.

And there you have it - a quick but stunning bracelet!

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