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.
These instructions will give you a 6.5" inch bracelet around a mandrel. To modify the length, adjust the length of the braided portion accordingly by adding or subtracting additional seed beads to each strand and each side. Note: You will also need some tape and a toothpick or scrap of wire for this project.
- Please watch our video: How to Braid Beaded Kumihimo and Make a Bracelet. In this video you will learn how to do a 8 Strand Kumihimo Bracelet. From what you learned in the video you will cut 8 strands 4 feet in length each.
- Gather all 8 cord ends and tie a simple overhand knot tying them all together. Holding the board facing up, thread this knot through the center hole.
- Place the cords to the left and right of the 32 dot as well as to the left and right of the 16 dot. You will then want to place a cord to the left and right of the 24 dot and to the left and right of the 8 dot. Attach your weight to the knot after you have positioned your cords.
- Now string 16 seed beads, 12 amethyst bicones, and 16 seed beads on to the strand that is between the 7 and 8 notch. Repeat for the strands between the 8 and 9 notch, the 23 and 24 notch and the 24 and 25 notch.
- Now string 16 seed beads, 12 indicolite bicones, and 16 seed beads on to the strand that is between 31 and 32 notch. Repeat for the strands between the 32 and 1 notch; the 15 and 16 notch and the 16 and 17 notch.
- Begin the braiding as shown on in the video. Braid about one inch of cord before you begin adding the beads.
- Continue braiding until you have added all of your beads, or reached your desired length. Then continue braiding and finish with 1 inch of braiding without beads, same as you did at the beginning.
- Carefully take the braid off of the disc, trim the bobbins off and tie an overhand knot.
- Finish off the bracelet with tape and glue as seen in the above video. Allow the bracelet to dry overnight, unclasped for maximum bond.
If you are having trouble stringing the beads on to the cord, we recommend creating a needle with Super New Glue or using InstaNeedle. Sizing Note: With 16 seed beads on the first portion, you will get 1.75". For the beaded focal with 12 bicones on each, you will get 3" in length.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: (scroll down for purchase options)
- SWBI-1453 - Austrian Crystal, #5328 Bicone Beads 4mm, 24 Pieces, Indicolite AB
Project uses 48 pieces. You will need 2 packages.
- SWBI-14591 - Austrian Crystal, #5328 Bicone Beads 4mm, 24 Pieces, Amethyst Shimmer
Project uses 48 pieces. You will need 2 packages.
- DMRR-0151F - Miyuki Round Seed Beads, 11/0 Size, 8.5 Gram Tube, #151F Matte Transparent Cobalt
Project uses 256 pieces. You will need 1 package.
- FCR-4227 - Silver Plated Magnetic Tube Cord Ends/Clasps - Fits Up To 3.2mm Cord (4 Sets)
Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.
- XCR-4238 - Super-Lon (S-Lon) Cord - Size 18 Twisted Nylon - Capri Blue / 77 Yard Spool
Project uses 32 Feet. 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.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:- XTL-5700 - Fiskars 5 Precision Tip Scissors - Super Sharp
- XTL-6113 - Kumihimo Round Mini Disc Disk For Japanese Braiding and Cording
- XTL-6103 - Beadsmith No Tangle Flexible Plastic Thread Bobbins For Kumihimo Or Macrame 1 7/8 Inch (8 Pack)
- XTL-6063 - Gator Weight For Kumihimo Braiding - 1.6 Ounces (1)