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DIY Braided Bead Bracelet

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It’s been awhile since our last bracelet DIY. I don’t know about you, but our wrists have been begging for another colorful addition for months now. So after playing with some materials that were already on hand, we’ve created a tutorial for a braided bead bracelet, which is a not so distant cousin of the hex nut and wrap bracelet. Because honestly, you can never have too many . . .

You’ll need:

Cut the waxed linen cord into a 26″ and 19″ piece. Fold the longer strand in half. Align one end of the shorter strand with both ends of the longer strand. Fold the excess over the top of the folded piece creating two parallel loops. (Click images to enlarge)

Tie a knot about half an inch down from the loops. Snip off the extra fourth strand, leaving 3 equal strands of equal length.

Start braiding the strands. After about an inch or so, braid in the beads. Thread a bead onto the outer left strand.

Push the bead against the base of the braid, and cross the left strand over the middle. Now thread another bead onto the outer right strand. Push it to the base of the braid and crossover.

Keep a finger at the base of the braid, holding the beads in their place and keeping the braid tight. Continue threading on beads before each strand is crossed over.

Finish the bracelet with another inch of braided cord, measuring it against the wrist. Tie a knot.

Thread on a two hole button – two strands through one hole and one strand through another. Secure it with another knot.

Trim the end.

Your bracelet is finished! Try using different colored waxed linen and beads.

(all images by HonestlyWTF)

367 Comments

  7. Johanna    January 10, 2012

    You just came up with a solution to my “there’s not pretty enough bracelets in my local stores” problem :) thank you for sharing this! xoxo

  8. Flora    January 10, 2012

    You guys make the absolute best DIYs. Thanks. I love making these to give away to friends.

  20. shannon    January 10, 2012

    you should definitely have a giveaway where the prize are you awesome bracelets you’ve made!! just so jealous of your beautiful accessories!!

  37. tortuga    January 10, 2012

    how funny! I ended up doing something like this when I tried to make the hex nut bracelet and I’m glad to see a tutorial for this. great minds think alike, but your bracelets always come out looking much prettier, as per usual. keep up the good work <3

  38. Sheila    January 10, 2012

    You super talented at making these bracelets, do you have a shop where you sell all the DIY jewelry that you make? I can never get the right materials and it never comes out as good as yours… I think I suck at making jewelry in general, LOL

  40. Catarina F Pinto    January 10, 2012

    AMAZING! I’m doing it right away! :D

    I just did a DIY inspired by Andy Torres COS knot necklace :D

    Stop by my blog – I’d love to! :)

  43. heidi    January 10, 2012

    love this! When you make these, do you tie the bracelet to anything to create tension? I’ve been trying to come up with something, but my best idea so far is to pin it to a dog collar and put the collar around my foot or a table leg. Any better ideas?

  44. Ella    January 10, 2012

    I love all your tutorials on bracelets, I have made so many!!

    thanks for the help!

    xoxo

  47. Erica    January 10, 2012

    @Heidi, you won’t need to tie it down to create tension because the waxed linen cord has no stretch and is sticky enough where it will hold the beads in place nicely. Good luck! xx

  56. Steffy    January 10, 2012

    Oh my gosh, just another amazing DIY! Totally in love with your bracelets. Please do more DIY’s!

  63. KYBOE USA    January 10, 2012

    I need these in every color to coordinate with my watches. You make it look so easy, I think I might be able to make them (or a mess!).

  71. beatrix    January 10, 2012

    Thanks so much for all of the great bracelet diys! :D
    Could you do one every week or so? :)

  73. Bettina    January 10, 2012

    I love this DIY. These bracelets look so pretty! Did you get these beads at a special bead store or is something a local craft store would have?

  77. Tracey Fisher    January 11, 2012

    Wow. Great Tutorial!!!! Now I have a craft to do with my teenage girls that I think they would LIKE to do with me.
    Thanks

  84. Elodie    January 11, 2012

    Great diy !

    Just wanted to know how thick is the thread you used ? Thanks a lot and take care xoxo

  87. Jess Wilcox    January 11, 2012

    Okay I love these! I have done something like this when I saw the hex nut bracelet, but I didn’t care for my clasp. I am obsessed with the cute buttons, but the link isn’t taking me to them, please help! I have been trying to find something like that for so long. Thank you in advance! xoxo

  88. Erica    January 11, 2012

    @Jess, they must have sold out of the buttons. I’ve updated the link to more two holed gold buttons! Good luck! xx

  89. Star    January 11, 2012

    man, I wish I had saw this DIY while I was in the craft store today… something told me to pickup some seed beads.

  92. Julie    January 12, 2012

    so cute!! all the bracelet DIYs are fabulous, and i love how creative everything is on this website! *worships*
    <3

  94. shannon    January 12, 2012

    @ erica
    will you then consider the giveaway to help those unfortunate ones who arent great at DIYs? (ahem.. me!!)

  95. Erica    January 12, 2012

    @shannon, totally taking it into consideration. thanks for the suggestion. stay tuned!! ;)

  97. Casey    January 12, 2012

    I have totally been wanting to add some color to my wrists and I’ve been in the crafty mood – tonight’s project sorted.

    Thanks so much WTF!

  99. Lauren    January 13, 2012

    Honestly, congratulations ! :D This blog are awesome, and your ideas too. I think I’ll made this bracelet. :P
    Bye ! :)

  101. Diane    January 13, 2012

    Erica – I too am obsessed with bracelets. I noticed in your last bracelet DIY the photo showed two bracelets (1 blue and 1 green) that looked like they were made from leather and ball chain, but they seemed to be triple strands of leather and double ball chain. Is there a tutorial for that one or any resources that you can direct me to?

  102. Erica    January 13, 2012

    @Diane, that is our DIY Wrap Bracelet found here . Links are under the supply list for the chain and leather. Happy DIYing! xx

  103. S    January 13, 2012

    it really pretty!!!!! really want to try it, if u did not have waxed linen cord, could you use any type of string

  105. Jamie    January 13, 2012

    I tried this one and I got waxed linen cord, I have had somewhat of a problem with the linen cord unraveling when I am trying to bead it?? Not sure why or if I have gotten the wrong cord, could you please help!! I have one done but would love to make many…. =)

  107. belle    January 14, 2012

    i’m in love with this look. i am already looking for the materials. when getting the waxed linen does it matter if it’s 2, 3 or 4 ply?

  108. Caitlin    January 14, 2012

    This is a great bracelet. I love all the bracelets you make and have made a bunch. I especially like the woven chain bracelet and was just wondering where you purchased the curb link bracelets in the above pictures.

  110. wieneke    January 15, 2012

    I love it, although I have a problem with the inches.. I only know centimeters haha… but looking for material on ebay.. now just wait for them to arrive.

  112. Jeeya    January 16, 2012

    I’m a total DIY person & can’t wait to try these too… I’ve made a few of my own in the past, but they look different and I’ve used different materials. The whole DIY section is AWESOME!!! ….some great ideas!

    I’d love inputs from your guys on my [ Indian ] Art & Fashion blog:

    http://www.g–yo.com

  115. ayh    January 18, 2012

    Where did you get the studded gold bracelet you’re wearing in the front of the stack, the one closest to your hand? Its gorgeee

  120. Assya    January 18, 2012

    Hi,
    First I have to say that I love your DIY projects. I am trying to make one of these braided bracelets however I am having the hardest time with it. I don’t if it is the type of waxed linen cord that I am using but it is not staying in place and I find it hard to be able to thread a bead without the whole thing coming undone. Also the end of the cord itself comes undone. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

  124. lucy    January 20, 2012

    i love these. where did u get these buttons? the link u have isnt the same thanks

  125. waltx009    January 21, 2012

    Love the bracelet, although I had the hardest time making one! They didn’t have any of the waxed cord at my local store, so I bought some small yarn instead, and I also ended up with size 6 instead of 8 beads. Next time I will have to try the waxed cord!

  126. Stella Kodi    January 21, 2012

    you alway make my day with your lovely DIYs…so cute..

    P.s. check my tumblr for a reblog of your technicolor short.

  127. jandi    January 21, 2012

    hi, this diy is fantastic!

    also, would you mind sharing the exact name of the silver and gold coloured beeds you used for this project? i followed the link ornamenttea.com, but i can’t seem to find the ones you used. they’re quite pretty and a perfect match for the waxed linen cords…

    thank you!

  128. Sara    January 22, 2012

    seriously this is the best DYI its soo pretty .. im gonna make one for me my bff and my little sister .. can’t wait to get the materials!!!!

  129. robin    January 22, 2012

    how do you keep the beads from ending up UNDER your wrist and the button on top?

  133. GonzoDeluxe    January 26, 2012

    I just made two of these and I’m not stopping! Took me a minute to get the braiding right so that the beads would lay outside of the center. Once I got that sorted, it all fell into place.

    I used regular hemp cord, which was unraveling like a mofo, so I just lit a candle, waited a few minutes, and drug the ends quickly through the wax. Easy peasey.

    Dying to try the hex nut one.

    Thanks SO much for these DIY’s!

  134. Katie    January 27, 2012

    I’m doing this one soon, and I did the hex nut one last night. I LOVE your DIY’s. Also, you are the first person I’ve seen who, like me, has a white engagement ring with a yellow gold band. I feel like I’m in good company.

  135. Paula    January 28, 2012

    AWESOME, just made my first bracelet and am planning on making more.

  136. Em    January 29, 2012

    I used a clipboard to hold it at the top while braiding. Fun stuff but it takes a little practice!!

  137. Eliana    January 30, 2012

    I LOVE IT!!! Is nothing more desapointing when somebody put a DIY and is a failure when you try.
    BUT HERE IS ALWAYS GOOD!!!
    Did one of this bracelets and came exactly like the ones your make!!!
    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

  138. Grace    January 30, 2012

    I just made my own bracelet, and it was really easy! Thanks very much for the tutorial!! <3

  139. chris    January 30, 2012

    love all your DIY bracelets and I’ve gotten my sister hooked too!

    its been asked before but I didn’t see an answer – the gold bracelet at the front of the stack closest to the wrist, with the square studs, may I know who makes it? I absolutely COVET it.

    thanks, xx.
    chris

  140. Melissa    January 31, 2012

    Most awesome tutorial! I made a few of these and everyone has been commenting on them. Thanks for sharing! (:

  142. Blinkerbunnie    February 2, 2012

    I love all your diys if u can’t get your hands on linen cord would embroidery or hemp or cotton floss or cord also work.?

  143. Becky    February 2, 2012

    Love this! But, I have a question. The turquoise bracelet in the middle appears to be of a different style. Is it? Can you share how to create it?

  144. Massiell    February 4, 2012

    Honestly you are awesome! first of all because you are a master to create these stunning bracelets and second of all because you share your art!!! from 0 to 10 I give you 10!!!

  145. Mary Jane Tharpe    February 4, 2012

    I hope practice makes perfect! My first one doesn’t look as pretty as the ones in the picture. Maybe trying to drink margaritas whilst crafting is not a good idea!!

  146. Sophie    February 4, 2012

    I really need help for ” into a 26″ and 19″ piece” is that inches or …

  153. dilek    February 15, 2012

    loved this bracelets.Tomorrow i’m going to shopping and try this bracelets:)so exciting:) I want to share your pictures and diy in my blog:)

  155. christine    February 15, 2012

    the cording i bought would not fit through the seeds no matter how i coerced it, ended up using embroidery floss. the braids weren’t as neat, but i still love it. thanks!

  156. Katie Martin    February 15, 2012

    This bracelet is definitely cute and looks really simple. At first I wasn’t exactly sure of what you meant with your explanations, but reading all the way through as well as paying close attention to the pictures helped. Thank you for including so many!
    I am curious if embroidery floss works as well as the waxed linen? It probably wouldn’t be quite as solid, but that might also make for a little more comfort on the wrist, especially if people have sensitive skin. Also, do you have a favorite place to get your beads?
    Well, no matter what, I am definitely excited for a new project!

  161. indiana    February 21, 2012

    Hi i love this tutorial i have a question can i use a size 10/0 sea bead because i can’t find the size 8/0 on the craft store that i go becausr i don’t buy online thanks

  162. Tracey    February 22, 2012

    I could only find wax linen in white and black, boring! I got the white and 2 size beads, 8/0 and 10/0. I couldn’t seem to get the 8/o to fit onto the linen and it looked very small. Used the 10 and everything went smoothly. Very fun, pretty bracelet! Will be on the lookout for different colors. Hemp??

  165. anonymous    February 27, 2012

    the bracelets were really cool, i’d love to try it sometime. i used to make bracelets all of the time and i would crochet things, but i kind of just stopped doing it as i got older. maybe it’s time to start back up! thanks!

  168. Margaret Wimberley    March 1, 2012

    Very pretty. Want to try to make them with my granddaughter.

  169. ankita lalwani    March 3, 2012

    absoluely love dis! thanx a lott! gonna start with one right away :)

  171. cicy    March 5, 2012

    This is really kewl,can anyone suggest shops and online websites for good and heavy black metal jewellery??

  172. Kristi    March 5, 2012

    This is an awesome DIY! Such a simple idea, for such a beautiful gift for friends and family! Thank you!

  173. Petula    March 5, 2012

    Oh yea, I am really loving this… I’m going to have to try this, but I was hoping to use cord I have and don’t think I have any waxed… I’m going to look in a minute. Gorgeous! Thanks.

  174. Kinna    March 7, 2012

    This is simply beautiful. however you make it look alot EASIER that the execution. I’ve been trying this for 2 weeks with my students. They leave dissapointed and I leave EFFIN frustrated!. Honestly….WTF!!!

  179. didi    March 10, 2012

    This tutorial looks easy but I had the hardest time keeping the beads into place ! Do you have any tips to make it easier ? Love you DIY by the way ! :)

  180. kati    March 11, 2012

    Found this on pinterest and decided to make them…but my local craft store only had one color of waxed linen cord so i decided to use hemp cord instead (looked almost identical and was the same size, but in looots of colors). Let me tell you…you need the waxed stuff. Haha. It took me 45 minutes to about a half inch braided, because the thread kept fraying at the ends and I couldn’t get the beads on. I’m making the trip to the other craft store 40 minutes away from my house today to get the waxed cord, I am not giving up until I have some beautiful bracelets! Just letting everyone know…if you think of using something else…don’t. Definitely get the waxed linen cord. Good luck DIY-ers!

  184. StylishTrendy    March 14, 2012

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  185. Samantha    March 14, 2012

    soo cool! I recently brought some like this in Bali but really want to learn how to make them myself. Now I can! Thanks! x

  189. Funny Images    March 20, 2012

    I really loves your DIY, it looks beautiful and can give such gifts to girl friend to impress her. Thanks for sharing

  191. samantha    March 24, 2012

    omfg im so gonna make these!! im allergic to metal so I cant wear chains but omfg these look like chains!! perfect for me!

  192. Imani    March 25, 2012

    I love these! My daughter and I worked on these last week, they are fantastic. Now for the hex bracelet!

  194. Love Horoscope    March 27, 2012

    Hey, these are a really cool idea! I just started getting creative about different types of jewelry incorporating different Zodiac signs (as you went over in your post over here: http://honestlywtf.com/art/whats-your-sign/ )

    Do you think you could make several bracelets that when you wear them in a certain order will make one big, neat image? You’ve really got me thinking, and with a bit of brainstorming we could make some great jewelry!

    Thank you for sharing!

  195. Kathy    March 27, 2012

    I am going to try these, I am dreaming of the colors so I can stack a few of them. Thanks!

  196. Esther    March 28, 2012

    I really need to know where to get colored waxed linen! I can only find white or cream! I need colors! Not Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Ben Franklin! What do I do??

  197. Anna    March 28, 2012

    I love this bracelet, but why do you ask for 1.5 yard of cord and then only say to use 45 inches of it? thats like a foot of cord left over…

  204. Shawnie    April 8, 2012

    These look very cool
    think i might try making them :)

  207. Stephanie    April 10, 2012

    I ran into a problem trying to make these. Big craft stores like Michaels and JoAnns don’t have the correct size threading. I find the correct size beads but then can’t thread them onto the rope/threading. Do you get all of your materials online?

  209. Kate    April 11, 2012

    I recently purchased some similar bracelets at a market while on vacation – but they aren’t nearly as nice as these. Looks pretty easy to do too! :)

  210. jessicagarcias    April 12, 2012

    So simple to make but when wore it looks stylish…

  214. Bre R.    April 14, 2012

    love these bracelets! just how to tie it on to your arm to secure it?

  218. Ferris    April 20, 2012

    Where do you get all your cool looking beads, buttons, etc.?

  219. Alice    April 20, 2012

    Sigh… I was so excited to try this that I didn’t bother looking for the wax linen string and instead just used the regular thread that I have at home. I made the two strings into three strings each to make it more sturdy, but this still just is not working. So a tip for anyone trying to do what I’m doing, don’t! Just follow the instructions. As soon as I get around to getting this thread, though, I’m trying again!

  221. Romelyn    April 27, 2012

    Hi I quick question. I bought 1mm waxed cotton cord and 8/0 seed beads, but i’m having a really difficult time threading the beads onto the cord. I gave up because it’s taking me 10 minutes to get the bead on, and then the end of the cord keeps fraying. Should I use a larger bead? Is there a thinner cord size?

  222. Suzanne    April 28, 2012

    Just made a couple of these tonight with my daughter. Do you have any tips or helpful gadgets to use to keep the cord tight while beading?

  225. Claire    May 2, 2012

    Hi Erica,
    What is the exact color of the name of the Toho beads that you used? Galvanized gold? Bronze? Thanks, great diy!

  227. jennn    May 2, 2012

    where can i find the materials ?
    I can’t find any beads or the waxed linen cords anywheree.. I went to 3differnt michaels and joann fabrics…

  230. mae    May 8, 2012

    Hi,
    I was wondering if you had to choose the beads that were the same size. I have a pack of seed beads but the sizes are different. I tried making the bracelet but since the beads are uneven they did not turn out right.

  233. Vedette    May 10, 2012

    This looks so awesome. I am going to try this out with my kids on the weekend. I’m sure they would love to do things like this, thank you for giving me a new weekend project.

  237. Emily M.    May 14, 2012

    I am making these and I used the cotton waxed cord. That is all they have at Michaels. I got the 6 and it BARELY fits on the cord. It is so frustrating. I need a bigger bead but they don’t have any. I LOVE THESE BRACELETS but I don’t have the right stuff.

  239. flo    May 23, 2012

    Thank you for this tutorial! My friend’s birthday is tomorrow so i’m going to make this one for her.

    loves flo ♥

  240. Bj Hickman    May 28, 2012

    Erica, I just want to commend you. You have such amazing tutorials, but even more impressive is how quickly and efficiently you respond to questions in the comments sections of your tutorials. I had a couple of questions, and I was able to browse your comments and find the answers to them all. That’s rare on most DIY blogs. Thank you for so generously sharing your giftedness with us other DIYers.

  241. Zoe    May 28, 2012

    Thank you so much for the idea! Also for the link to the waxed linen distributer. Its been difficult to find one that ships to Canada without breaking the bank.
    Thank you!

  242. kati    May 29, 2012

    tip: if the ends of your cord keeps fraying and you can’t get the beads on, take a little clear nail polish and put it on the end of the cords, and twist them (in the natural direction that they are already twisted) until the ends are really small and pointy. let the nail polish dry, and you should have no more problems :) i tried to make the bracelets about 12 times until i finally though to do this. good luck!

  243. emmy    May 31, 2012

    What color beads from Ornamentea.com is used in this tutorial? I see from the pictures its a goldish/bronze color and I also see a silver from other pictures. Cant tell which color is used for the 8/o seed beads. I think the silver lined medium gold is sold out. Boo

  244. Piercing supplies    June 4, 2012

    What a great post thanks for sharing these beautiful bracelets.These are so easy to make you have shown it so nicely.Liked them perfect now will wear matching with my dresses by making it.

  245. ciera    June 9, 2012

    hey not only did i just make these bracelet and love them i also love your other bracelet. can you tell all your fans where you got ‘em at ..please!!!!

  247. Barbra    June 14, 2012

    so cuteeeee!! i luv it, i will try it but i don’t know where can i buy the beads…
    loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee

  248. Fajas    June 15, 2012

    I’ve seen something similar before but instead of beads, she used golden knots for it.

  250. brooke    June 16, 2012

    How do you do the light pink and white bracelet , so cute but i can not seem to find a tutorial anywhere !

  252. Deanne    June 18, 2012

    This is sweet, thanks for posting this! I’m having issues threading most of the beads, though. I have 1 mm waxed linen cord and the 8/o sized seed beads. Someone told me to use glue or beeswax but it’s taking longer than I thought to thread the beads in. I’ve also tried trimming the ends of the cord but it becomes a repeated issue. Any advice?

  253. francisca    June 20, 2012

    Awesome! For more diy fun, including hand weaving, dying, batik, and jewelry join our workshop in Costa Rica!
    ethicalfashionacademy.com

  256. Lisa    June 25, 2012

    I tried your tutorial using drop fringe beads. It turned out gorgeous. Thanks for the tutorial. Your bracelets are beautiful.

  258. thess    June 28, 2012

    so lovely informative idea i like pink and my little girl as well….
    whampoah.com/project1/watphrakheo.html

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