Maya Ellison
Making a plastic bracelet is a simple and inexpensive way to start creating your own jewellery. All you need to make a stretch bracelet is some elastic, beads, glue, and scissors. The process is straightforward: cut the elastic, add beads, and tie a knot. However, there are some important factors to consider, such as choosing the right type and colour of elastic, and knowing how to tie a strong and secure knot. With the right technique, your bracelet will last longer and be more durable.
Characteristics and values of tying a plastic bracelet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials required | Stretch cord, beads, super new glue, cutters or scissors, tape, clear nail polish, elastic, cement |
| Cord length | A few inches longer than the circumference of the wrist |
| Cord brand | Stretch Magic |
| Knot type | Surgeon's knot, double knot |
| Number of knots | 3 |
| Glue application | A small drop applied to the knot |
| Drying time | A few seconds |
| Cutting instructions | Cut the two loose ends as close to the knot as possible |
| Finishing | Tuck the knot into a bead with a larger opening |
| Pre-stretching | Hold one end of the cord in each hand and pull to pre-stretch |
| Bead selection | Choose beads with holes large enough for the cord |
| Elastic colour | Complementary colour to beads, clear cord may be noticeable with dark beads |
| Elastic size | 0.7 mm or 1 mm, depending on bead weight and hole size |
| Care | Keep away from soap, perfumes, hair and skin products, sunscreen, salt water |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
Firstly, select an elastic cord specifically designed for jewellery-making, such as the widely recommended Stretch Magic brand. Avoid using elastic cords meant for sewing or crafting, as they are not suitable for this purpose. Stretch Magic is available in various colours, so choose one that complements your beads. Clear elastic cord is a popular choice, but it may be more noticeable if paired with dark-coloured beads, so consider opting for a darker shade in such cases.
Secondly, ensure you select the appropriate thickness of the elastic cord. The most common sizes for bracelet-making are 0.7 mm and 1 mm. However, the ideal thickness depends on the weight and hole size of your beads. Always select the largest diameter that can comfortably fit through the beads to minimise abrasion and prolong the life of your bracelet.
Thirdly, gather the necessary tools and supplies for assembling your bracelet. You will need beads, super new glue, cutters or scissors, and tape. If you plan to use a surgeon's knot, which is the most reliable knot for elastic bracelets, you may also want to have clear nail polish on hand to secure the knot further.
Finally, consider the length of your cord. Cut the cord to the circumference of your wrist, leaving at least three extra inches on each side for tying knots. This is important because the slippery nature of the cord can lead to dropping the ends during tying if they are too short. Remember to pre-stretch the cord before stringing the beads to ensure your bracelet stays the correct size and doesn't stretch out, leaving gaps between the beads. Additionally, care for your bracelet by avoiding excessive pulling when putting it on and keeping it away from soap, perfumes, hair and skin products, sunscreen, saltwater, etc.
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Cutting the cord to size
Before cutting, you can tape one end of the cord to prevent fraying and make it easier to handle. The tape should be applied approximately two inches from the end of the cord. After cutting, you can pre-stretch the cord by holding one end in each hand and pulling it taut. This is especially important for narrower cords to prevent them from becoming baggy over time.
Once the cord is cut to size, you can begin to string your chosen beads. It is recommended to use a bead stopper or keep the beads on the spool to prevent them from slipping off while you work. The type of beads you choose will also impact the final size of the bracelet. Larger beads will reduce the inside diameter, so it's important to consider this when cutting the cord.
After stringing the beads, you can try on the bracelet to check the size. It is important to tie the knot with tension in the bracelet to ensure a secure fit. Pull the cord taut and stretch it slightly when adding the second half of the knot. This extra tension will help keep the knot from coming undone. You can then cut off any excess cord close to the knot, being careful not to snip any of the threads holding the bracelet together.
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Tying a surgeon's knot
To make a plastic bracelet, you will need beads, stretch magic, super new glue, cutters or scissors, and tape. Cut a length of stretch cord a few inches longer than your wrist. Tape off one end of the cord, then string your beads. Once you are finished stringing, it's time to tie off the bracelet.
To tie a surgeon's knot, start by bringing the ends of the cord together, crossing one cord over the other. Then, wrap the front cord over the back cord and bring it back to the front to form a half knot. To complete the second half of the knot, bring the right side of the cord up and over the left side. Wrap it around the cord and pull it through the middle of the loop. Pull each side of the cord to tighten the knot. You can apply some jewellery glue to make the knot more secure. Finally, cut the two loose ends of the cord as close to the knot as possible.
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Securing the knot with glue
When it comes to securing the knot of your plastic bracelet, using glue is an effective method. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials ready. For this step, you will need super new glue, which is specifically designed for jewellery making and can be purchased from craft stores or online. You may also want to have some cutters or scissors on hand to trim any excess cord after gluing.
Prepare the Knot
Start by tying the two ends of your cord together in a standard knot. Then, create a double knot by wrapping the cord around itself again. It is recommended to put some pressure on the cord while tying to ensure a tight and secure knot. Aim for three knots in total.
Apply the Glue
With your knots in place, carefully apply a small amount of super new glue onto the knot. Use just enough to cover the knot and avoid applying too much to prevent any excess glue from dripping onto other parts of the bracelet. You can hold the untaped side of the cord with your index finger and thumb for better control.
Allow Drying and Relaxing
Once the glue is applied, let the knot dry for a few seconds. The glue will act as an additional binding agent to reinforce the knot. After the glue has dried, release the tension on the cord and allow it to relax. This step ensures that your bracelet maintains its elasticity and fits comfortably around your wrist.
Finishing Touches
Finally, use your cutters or scissors to trim any excess cord close to the knot. Try to finish your bracelet by tucking the knot into a bead, preferably one with a larger opening. This step adds a neat and seamless finish to your bracelet.
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Finishing touches and care
Now that your bracelet is almost complete, it's time to tie off the ends securely. Hold the taped side up with one hand and use your other hand to grasp the untaped side carefully with your index finger and thumb. Stretch out the elastic by moving your hands away from each other several times to ensure the elastic is activated. Then, tie the two ends together in a standard knot, followed by a double knot, applying as much pressure as you comfortably can to avoid excess material showing.
Apply a small drop of super new glue to the knot and let it dry for a few seconds before allowing the elastic to relax. Finally, cut the two loose ends as close to the knot as possible. If possible, try to finish your bracelet by a bead with a larger opening so that you can neatly tuck the knot inside the bead.
To ensure the durability of your bracelet, it is important to select the largest diameter beading elastic that will fit comfortably through your beads. This will minimise abrasion from the beads against the elastic and prolong the life of your bracelet. The most popular sizes of elastic cording for bracelets are 0.7 mm and 1 mm, but the appropriate size depends on the weight and hole size of the beads you have chosen.
Once your bracelet is complete, it is important to take proper care of it to maintain its quality. Always put on and take off your bracelet gently, rolling it over your hand without excessive pulling. Avoid stretching it over your hand as this can cause damage over time. Keep your bracelet away from soap, perfumes, hair and skin products, sunscreen, saltwater, and other similar substances, as these can degrade the quality of the elastic.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need beads, elastic cord, super new glue, cutters or scissors, and tape.
First, cut a piece of cord that is the size of your wrist's circumference plus a few extra inches of elastic on each side for tying knots. Tape one end of the cord, then string your beads. Next, tie the two ends of the cord together in a standard knot, followed by a double knot. Apply a small amount of glue to the knot and let it dry before cutting off any excess cord.
Many jewelry makers prefer to use Stretch Magic, which is available in craft and retail stores. The most popular sizes of elastic cording for bracelets are 0.7 mm and 1 mm, but you should select the cord diameter based on the weight and hole size of your beads.
To make your bracelet last longer, always put it on correctly by rolling it over your hand without excessive pulling. Avoid exposing the bracelet to soap, perfumes, hair products, sunscreen, saltwater, and other similar substances, as these can degrade the quality of the elastic over time.
