Chloe Zhang
Tying plastic elastic cord can be a tricky task, but it is a useful skill to have, especially for crafting and jewellery-making. The type of cord is important, and there are many varieties available, such as Stretch Magic, which is a popular choice for jewellers. The cord should be pre-stretched to loosen it up before stringing beads, and it is important to cut the cord to the right length. There are several types of knots that can be used, such as a simple overhand knot, a surgeon's knot, or a double knot, and glue can be used to secure the knot.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cord
For crafting and light utility projects, a flexible and colourful option is best. Elastic cords made from polyester, nylon, or polypropylene fabric are ideal for these purposes, as they are available in a variety of colours and offer strong elasticity. Polyester elastic cord, for example, is often used for creating visible hair ties, headbands, and decorative elements. It is constructed with a rubber or latex core sheathed in durable polyester fibre. Nylon and polyester braided bungee cords are also suitable for DIY crafting projects.
If you are creating fashion accessories or jewellery, the durability and tensile strength of the cord become more important. For these projects, a single-strand rubbery and round elastic cord, such as PowerCord or Stretch Magic, may be a better option. While these cords are more challenging to knot, they offer reliable elasticity and come in a wide range of sizes, including larger diameters perfect for bigger beads. To secure these cords, a surgeon's knot (with an extra half knot) is recommended.
It is important to consider the size of the beads or elements you will be using in your project and select a cord that is slightly smaller than the hole size. For smaller beads, 0.5mm and 0.7mm cords are suitable, while larger beads may require a cord with a larger diameter. Additionally, the type of bead should be considered, as some beads, such as gemstone beads, have small holes that may not accommodate all types of cords.
When working on outdoor projects, it is essential to prioritise UV and abrasion resistance. Heavy-duty or super-duty bungee cords are designed for maximum strength and long-lasting elasticity, making them ideal for these applications. They are often equipped with metal hooks featuring plastic coatings to prevent scratches and are engineered to withstand exposure to sun and weather elements.
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Preparing the cord
Firstly, select the right type of elastic cord. For jewellery, a popular choice is Stretch Magic, a strong, stretchy, and clear elastic cord that won't crack or harden over time. It is important to avoid using elastic cord meant for sewing or crafting, as it may not be suitable for jewellery projects. Choose an elastic cord colour that complements your beads. Clear cord is a good option, but it may be more noticeable with dark-coloured beads, so consider opting for a darker colour in that case. The most popular sizes of elastic cording for bracelets are 0.7 mm and 1 mm, but select the size depending on the weight and hole size of your beads.
Before you begin, always pre-stretch your elastic cord. This helps to prepare and loosen the cord, ensuring your design stays the right size and doesn't stretch and distort. It is also recommended to store your elastic cord in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, as exposure to sunlight and warmth can damage the strength of the cord, causing it to snap easily.
Now you are ready to cut your cord. Cut a piece that is the circumference of your wrist, plus about three extra inches on each side to allow for tying knots. This type of cord can be slippery, so having some extra length will give you more control when tying.
Finally, you can begin stringing your beads. Some people prefer to string their beads before cutting the cord, keeping the cord on the spool to prevent the beads from slipping off. Alternatively, you can use a bead stopper to keep the beads in place while you prepare the cord.
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Tying a surgeon's knot
Firstly, cross the left end of the cord over the right and then wrap it under the cord at the bottom. Pull it through the loop in the middle, just as you would when making a basic overhand knot. This first half knot will hold your beads in place as you continue.
Secondly, twist the same end of the cord over and around the other end one more time to create a double wrap. This double twist is what gives the surgeon's knot its security. It provides more friction and reduces the chances of the cord loosening as you work on the second half of the knot.
Finally, to complete the second half of the knot, bring the right side of the cord over the left and then wrap it around, pulling it through the middle of the loop, just like an overhand knot. Pull on each end of the cord to tighten the knot.
For added security, you can apply some jewellery glue, GS-Hypo Cement, or even clear nail polish to the knot. This will ensure your design is secure and that your hard work does not come undone. With this knowledge, you can now confidently create elastic-bead bracelets or any other craft that requires a strong and secure knot.
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Securing the knot with glue
When working with plastic elastic cord, it is important to tie a secure knot to prevent the cord from slipping or coming undone. A simple knot will usually do the job, but for added security, you can follow these steps to secure the knot with glue:
Preparing the Cord and Tying the Initial Knot
Begin by pre-stretching your plastic elastic cord to loosen it up before you start. This step is crucial to ensure that your final product maintains its desired size and shape without any distortion. Then, thread your beads or other materials onto the cord according to your design. Cross the strands over and fold one end of the cord under the other to create a simple, loose overhand knot. At this stage, do not pull the knot too tight, as you will need to make further adjustments.
Tightening the Knot and Applying Glue
Now, cross the strands again and pull tightly to secure a double knot. Ensure that both knots are tightened very firmly in all directions. To enhance the security of your knot, apply a small amount of glue. Use a type of glue specifically designed for use with elastic cord, such as cement glue, which has a fine nozzle for precision application. Avoid using super glue, as it tends to become brittle over time and may corrode the elastic.
Drying and Curing the Glue
Apply a thin coat of glue to the knot, ensuring that it penetrates into the crevices of the knot for maximum strength. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some glues, like UV Knot Sense, cure in seconds when exposed to direct sunlight or a UV lamp, making them ideal for quick projects. Other glues, like Aquaseal, offer longer curing times, so you'll need to plan ahead if using these.
Best Practices
When working with elastic cord, it's important to store your materials in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and chemicals. Additionally, always roll bracelets onto your wrist instead of stretching them to avoid placing unnecessary tension on the knot. By following these steps and allowing adequate curing time for the glue, you can create a secure knot that will enhance the durability of your plastic elastic cord project.
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Storing your jewellery
Improperly stored jewellery can easily become damaged or broken. To keep your jewellery in good condition, it is important to consider the storage temperature and humidity. Storing your jewellery in direct sunlight or hot rooms can lead to premature discolouration. Similarly, cold, drafty rooms or rooms with high humidity can also cause damage. Therefore, the best place to store your jewellery is a room with low humidity and a consistent temperature.
Before storing your jewellery, ensure that it is clean and dry. Moisture can cause the metal to tarnish or degrade more quickly. For example, if your silver necklace gets caught in the rain, be sure to dry it off before storing it. If your jewellery is already tarnished, you should still try to remove the tarnish before storing it for a prolonged period, as dirty jewellery is more likely to display signs of damage such as discolouration.
When storing your jewellery, you can use a jewellery box, hutch, or armoire with a soft fabric lining to keep your jewellery safe. Gold jewellery, for instance, should be stored in a box with a soft fabric lining because gold is soft and prone to scratching. You can also use plastic ziplock bags to store your jewellery to prevent scratching. Additionally, consider keeping your jewellery boxes inside a consistently dark and cool interior closet.
To prevent tangling, you can use a jewellery tree or hang your necklaces and bracelets on a corkboard or a set of mounted antlers. You can also keep your bracelets in a dish to prevent tangling. For earrings, you can use a small treasure chest or a jade box.
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Frequently asked questions
The surgeon's knot is the most reliable knot for elastic bracelets. It is a square knot with an extra loop. You can also add an extra half-knot on top of the surgeon's knot. Make sure to pull the knot very tightly and add some glue to the knot to secure it.
Stretch Magic is a popular choice for jewellery makers as it is strong, stretchy, and won't crack or harden over time. It is important to choose an elastic cord specifically designed for jewellery-making, as a cord meant for sewing or crafting may not be suitable.
It is recommended to pre-stretch the cord before stringing any beads to ensure your design stays the same size and doesn't stretch and distort. You should also cut the cord to the desired length, leaving enough room on each side for tying knots.
