Macrame & Hardware Bracelet Tutorial

This DIY bracelet is so fun to whip up in a few easy minutes, and the list of possible materials is endless.  The bracelet pictured uses hardware nuts as beads, but use glass, clay, or plastic beads if you lean to the “traditionalist” side of jewelry-making.   Making the bracelets in various materials CLEARLY gives you completely different looks.  Find what works for your personality, Rockstar! 

Let’s Do This: DIY Bracelet!

Getting Started:

Cut two strands of cord – one longer than the other.

NOTE:  My strand measurements (very generous):  24″ – short strand;  72″ – long strand.

The short strand is the “anchor” for the knots;  the longer strand is used for the outside “legs” that will be KNOTTED around the two anchor cords.

• Fold each cord in half, hold them together at the half-way point,  and tie a knot in the folded end to form a “loop”.  This will serve as the closure when it’s finished.  **There should be two longer “legs”, and two shorter “anchors”.
• Attach to a solid working surface so you can form the knots.  Fasten the two center strands (shorter) to the working surface so they stay straight and taught.  The two center strands (shorter) will form the “anchor” for the knots.  Each knot is made by tying the outside strands (longer) around the anchor strands.

Make the Bracelet (macrame):

• To form the knots, slip the right outside strand UNDER the two anchor strands and OVER the left outside strand.

• Take left outside strand and slip it through the loop on the right; pull tightly to form knot #1.
• Repeat the knotting procedure on other side to make knot #2:  Outside left strand slips under two anchor strands and OVER right outside strand; right outside strand slips through loop on the left; pull tightly.
• Continue the knotting process, alternating from right to left.  When you want to add a bead (or hardware nut), slip the bead on the two center strands, and continue knotting.

When the bracelet is the length you want, take all four strands together and tie a knot.  That knot can be slipped through the loop on the other end to fasten the bracelet on your wrist.  Alternatively, you can add a final bead that can be used as the closure as well (below).

Voile!  A cute, super-easy, unique bracelet in a matter of minutes.

I hope this tutorial was helpful, and I hope you LOVE your new bracelet!!  Make them for gifts – make them for friends – they are super easy and oh-so-awesome.  I’d love to hear your comments below, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get MORE fabulous crafts delivered right to your inbox!