How to Make a Multi Strand Bracelet

A multi-strand bracelet is a graceful and elegant arm piece. It can made in several ways, of which two styles are given here.

EditSteps

Memory wire style

Memory wire has two things in its favor for a multi-strand bracelet––it springs back into shape after being pulled and you can make it as many layers as you'd like. It's also incredibly easy to make, even for a beginners.

1. 1
   Assemble the items needed to complete this project. They are listed below under "Things You'll Need".
   
   
   
2. 2
   Measure the amount of strands or layers you want around your wrist by wrapping it around your wrist to find the appropriate length. At least three is needed for a multi-strand bracelet and you can add as many more layers as seems comfortable. As with all good things, don't overdo it.
   
   
   
   • Mark the length with a marker.
     
     
     
   • Remove the memory wire from your wrist.
     
     
     
   • Cut the memory wire using the wire cutters.
     
     
     
3. 3
   Shape one end of the memory wire into a loop, using pliers. This prevents the beads from slipping off the end when threading.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Thread the seed beads onto the wire. How you arrange the beads is entirely up to your creativity. Work out a design or pattern on a jewelery board before commencing. Some suggestions include:
   
   
   
   • All one shape and color of bead, for example, all turquoise beads
   • All one shape but pairs or trios of different colors
   • Different shapes of beads and styles, including faceted crystal or glass beads, rondells, spacers, etc. arranged into a neat pattern
     
     
     
   • Randomly assorted seed, bugle, glass and other beads; whatever you pick up each time from your collection of beads!
     
     
     
5. 5
   Once all the beads are in place, finish off the bracelet. Using the pliers, create another loop at the end of the bracelet.
   
   
   
   • For an added feature, consider hanging a special bead from the loop using a head pin threaded through the loop.
     
     
     

Stretch style

This style is a little more fiddly and requires a sturdy hand but the end result is very pretty.

1. 1
   Assemble the items needed to complete this project. They are listed below under "Things You'll Need".
   
   
   
2. 2
   Thread each strand of beading elastic through one of the spacer holes until all of the strands are threaded through. Even up the spacer so that it sits center of all the strands, with equal lengths of strands each side.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Begin adding the bugle beads. Start from the top strand and thread on the bugle beads. Keep threading on for about 3"/7.5cm of the strand's length each side of the spacer. When completed, tape the end of the strand to keep the beads in place.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Repeat with the remaining plastic strands, working down to the bottom strand.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Check the fit around your wrist. Do this by holding the taped ends and encircling your wrist. Make any adjustments needed (either subtracting or adding more beads).
   
   
   
6. 6
   Remove the tape from the ends of the strands. Lay the bracelet down, with the first spacer facing downward. Thread the strands (from top strand to bottom strand) through the second spacer. To tie off, bring together both ends of the threaded strand and tie into a single square knot. Repeat for each strand. At this stage, the bracelet should now have spaces between each strand.
   
   
   
7. 7
   Trim off any elastic outside of the knot. To secure the knot, add a dash of glue to each knot and allow to dry.
   
   
   
8. 8
   Wear the bracelet. It's now ready for wearing or giving as a gift.
   
   
   

EditTips

• The longer the bugle beads in the stretch style, the faster the creation will be. However, the end style is not as elegant as shorter beads.
• Other seed beads than bugle beads can be used in the stretch style; experiment to find what you like the most.
• Rainbow patterns are very pretty as a bracelet.
• Reflective beads are a good choice, especially since they catch the sun or lights as you move your arms.

EditThings You'll Need

Memory wire style:

• Bracelet length memory wire
• Wire cutter
• Round nose pliers
• Seed beads in color or colors of choice; the amount will depend on how many strands you make the bracelet and feel free to experiment with types of beads
• Jewelery glue (cement)
• Clear tape

Stretch style:

• Bugle beads, glass, in colors of choice
• 2 scroll spacers, silver or gold, with 5 holes
• 5 12"/30cm strands of size .5mm clear stretch beading elastic
• Jewelery glue (cement)
• Clear tape