How to Make a Charm Bracelet With Stretch Cord

1. 1

   Step 1: Pre-Stretch the Elastic Cord for the Charm Bracelet

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   Cut a little over 12 inches of clear stretch cord. Before any beads go on, work along it a few inches at a time and give each section a firm tug. This pre-stretch takes out the slack the cord would lose later on your wrist. Skip it and the finished bracelet can sag and show gaps between the beads after a few wears.

   Tip:

   Pull firmly but not hard enough to thin the cord. You want it relaxed, not weakened.

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2. 2

   Step 2: String Wooden Beads Onto the Charm Bracelet Cord

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   Clip a bead stopper onto one end so nothing slides off. String the beads in a random order, but try not to put two of the same color side by side. Kasi uses nineteen 8mm wooden beads in natural shades. If a bead hole is blocked, push an awl through it before stringing. Stop at about half your beads.

   Tip:

   Lay your beads out in order on a towel first so you can see the color pattern.

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   Used in this step8mm round wooden beads assorted colorsbead stopper springs for jewelry making

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3. 3

   Step 3: Add Silver Charm Holder Beads and Check the Bracelet Length

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   Slide on a silver charm holder like any other bead, then string the second half of your beads. The other charm holder goes on last. Lay the strand along a ruler. Kasi's came to 8 inches, so she took one bead off to reach 7 1/2. Those two charm holders are where the charms will hang.

   Tip:

   Measure with the charm holders on. They add length too.

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   Used in this stepTibetan silver connector charms

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4. 4

   Step 4: Tie the Charm Bracelet Elastic in a Surgeon's Knot

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   Take off the bead stopper and bring both ends together. Tie a plain knot, left over right. Then tie a second knot, but wrap the cord over twice before pulling it through. Pull it snug without yanking. Tie the knot right next to a charm holder, because that wide hole will slide over and hide it.

   Tip:

   Watch your nails near the knot. They can nick the elastic.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Glue the Charm Bracelet Knot With Gel Super Glue

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   Hold the two beads on either side of the knot apart with one hand. Keep the charm holder loose so it can move. Shake the glue, then put a healthy drop of gel super glue on the knot and work it into both sides. Gel stays where you put it, so it does not run into the beads or onto your fingers.

   Tip:

   Use gel, not liquid glue. Liquid wicks along the cord and can stiffen it.

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   Used in this stepGorilla Super Glue Gel

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6. 6

   Step 6: Trim the Elastic Tails and Hide the Knot in the Charm Holder

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   While the glue is still wet, snip both tails close to the knot with flush cutters. Then slide the loose charm holder over the knot so it disappears inside. Let go and check that no cord ends poke out. The bracelet part is done. Leave it to dry before you stretch it much.

   Tip:

   Flush cutters give a clean, close cut that scissors cannot match.

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   Used in this stepjewelry flush cutters

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7. 7

   Step 7: Stack a Bead and Bead Caps on a Head Pin for a Charm Dangle

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   Each charm starts as a small dangle. Thread a ball end head pin with a bead cap facing up, a 6mm wooden bead, then a second bead cap facing down. The caps hug the bead from above and below so it looks finished. Make two of these, one for each charm holder on the bracelet.

   Tip:

   Use a contrasting bead color for the dangles so the charms stand out.

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   Used in this stepsilver ball end head pins 2 inchTibetan silver flower bead caps

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8. 8

   Step 8: Bend a Wire Loop at the Top of the Charm Dangle

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   Grip the head pin with round nose pliers right above the top bead cap. Bend the wire over at an angle, then wrap it back around the pliers with your fingers to start a loop. Hold the tail and snip it off inside the loop with flush cutters. Close the loop with the round nose pliers.

   Tip:

   Cover the wire with a finger when you cut. The tail can fly off.

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   Used in this stepround nose pliers for jewelry makingjewelry flush cutters

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9. 9

   Step 9: Join the Charm Dangle to a Connector With a Jump Ring

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   Hold a jump ring with two pairs of chain nose pliers, one on each side of the opening. Twist one hand toward you and the other away to open it sideways. Hook on the dangle and one end of a silver connector charm. Twist the ring closed so the ends meet flush. Repeat for the second charm.

   Tip:

   Never pull a jump ring apart. Twisting keeps its round shape.

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   Used in this stepchain nose pliers for jewelry makingTibetan silver connector charms

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10. 10

    Step 10: Attach the Charms to the Bracelet Charm Holders

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    Open another jump ring the same way. Slip it through the charm holder on the bracelet, then through the free end of a connector charm. Close it. Do the same with the second charm on the other holder. The charms now dangle from the bracelet. Let the glue cure overnight, then roll it onto your wrist.

    Tip:

    Roll a stretch bracelet on and off. Pulling it wide wears out the knot.

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    Used in this stepchain nose pliers for jewelry making

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Keep going

How to Make String Bracelets - Easy Fishtail Pattern

7 steps · about 8 minutes

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