Retired - Saint Lucia Bracelet

Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.

1. Unwind your Soutache cords in matte gold and aqua from their cards. Cut each of the cords into 4 equal lengths (27 inches long each). You now have 8 lengths of cord.
2. Wind one of your cords onto a bobbin, making sure to leave a tail of 12 inches sticking out. Repeat with your other 7 cords.
3. Next, please watch the video: How to Make a Simple 8-Warp Kumihimo Braid Bracelet
4. You will follow the same techniques as you learned in the video, just replacing the satin rattail cord with your soutache.
5. Tie your ends into a simple knot, thread it through the middle of the disk, and attach a weight to the end.
6. Line up your cords on your kumihimo disk so that an aqua cord is to the left and the right of the 32 and an aqua cord is to the left and the right of the 16. Next, position a matte gold cord to the left and the right of the 8 and also to the left and the right of the 24.
7. Braid as long of a bracelet that you want (taking into account that the clasp will add an inch). Once you have finished braiding, take your weight off of the tail and clamp it over the strands that you just braided to hold them in place. Remove your braid and strands from the disk.
8. When you Kumihimo braid soutache cords, they have a lot of stretch to them. At this point you should have a length of braid with a knot on one end and your weight clamping over the other end. Hold each end and pull - you are stretching out the braid. If you braided a 6 inch length you most likely have around an 8" length now.
9. Set aside your braid while you watch the video: How to Tie Off and Finish Kumihimo Braid Ends.
10. Take your braid and measure the length that you want for your bracelet, starting at the knot. Based upon what you learned in the video above, place a piece of tape over the braid near the knot and then also at the interval on the braid that is the length you want for your bracelet. Finish off your ends now as seen in the video and attach your cord end caps with glue. Let dry.
11. Open one of the jump rings that comes with the clasp set and attach it to the loop on one of your cord ends as well as one half of your toggle clasp. Close the jump ring. Repeat this step on the other side of your bracelet.
12. Enjoy!

• XCR-0316 - BeadSmith Soutache Braided Cord 3mm Wide - Aqua Blue (3 Yard Card)
  Project uses 108 inches. You will need 1 package.


• XCR-0342 - BeadSmith Textured Metallic Soutache Braided Cord 3mm Wide - Matte Gold /3 Yards
  Project uses 108 inches. You will need 1 package.


• FCL-4893 - BeadSmith Gold Plated Barrel Findings Kit For Kumihimo Braids - Fits 8mm Cord
  Project uses 1 set. You will need 1 package.


• XTL-1054 - E6000 Industrial Strength Glue Adhesive (0.18 fl oz)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-6095 - Beadsmith Lightweight Kumihimo Round Disc Disk For Japanese Braiding and Cording 35mm Hole
• XTL-6108 - No Tangle Flexible Plastic Thread Bobbins For Kumihimo Or Macrame 2 1/2 Inch (8 Pack)
• XTL-6063 - Gator Weight For Kumihimo Braiding - 1.6 Ounces (1)
• XTL-5700 - Fiskars 5 Precision Tip Scissors - Super Sharp