One of the most practical knots you'll learn to tie when working with leather cord is the sliding knot . It's also known as a coil knot or a barrel knot because of its shape. It eliminates the need for a clasp and end caps on bracelets and necklaces and is a great way to lengthen and shorten necklaces to suit your neckline. But it's way more than just a means of making adjustable jewellery - it's very versatile and it can be used in  so many ways  to add interest to your leather cord jewellery. Take a look at some of the many different ways it can be used and then scroll down to see how to tie a barrel knot. Use it to secure beads in the centre of bracelet or necklace. In this example, a barrel knot on either side of the focal beads keeps them from working their way around to the back of the bracelet. Use barrel knots as a decorative element to add interest to a plain cord This necklace uses white barrel knots to give the plain black stringing cord some interest, withou......

Are you ready to sparkle? It's Day 5 of the Twelve Days of Christmas Earrings Extravaganza and I've brought out two of my favourite jewellery making materials: leather and crystals. Bling-a-bling-bling - these Jewel Tree Earrings definitely make a statement! The simple but clever construction of these earrings is made possible because of the flexibility of the gold leather - it can be easily rolled, holds its form, it's lightweight, and has the look of precious metal - all in all, it makes for a very luxe pair of earrings! So, here's what you'll need: Sizzix Leather trim piece, Metallic Gold 7-Strand 0.018-Inch Bead Stringing Wire, Silver Rose 2 x 6mm Amethyst Swarovski bicones 2 x 4mm Lt Siam Swarovski bicones 3mm Swarovski flat back crystals: 36 x Purple Velvet ; 18 x Amethyst ; 18 x Lt Siam 2 pink/gold iris finish teardrop beads 2 x 8x7mm gold basket bead caps 2 x gold crimp covers 6 Size #2 gold crimps Tools: Scissors; Multi Hole Leather Jewelry Punch ; regular ......

With leather jewellery being so popular at the moment, there is now a plethora of cord ends on the market to neatly finish off your jewellery. But sometimes, the best way to finish leather jewellery is not with a cord end at all. Sometimes, the best way is with a sliding knot. The beauty of this knot is that it's adjustable to fit the wearer and there is no clasp required. So let's take a look at how to make it. I've already made my bracelet and knotted off the cord ends to keep them in a neat bundle. Form the bracelet into a circle with the ends overlapping. Take a length of cord about 20cm (8") long and hold it about 4cm (1 1/2") from one end. Place this along the bundle of cords. Hold it under the thumb of your non-dominant hand and with your other hand, begin to wrap it around the bundle of cords including the cord you laid down in the previous step. Continue wrapping the cord around the bundle loosely, working back towards the cut end of the wrapping cord. Ma......