Step-by-Step Tutorial + Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making stretch bracelets is fun, relaxing, and a great way to express your unique style. Whether you're making one for yourself or gifting it to someone special, this guide will walk you through each step—plus show you how to avoid the most common mistakes along the way!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You'll need:
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Stretch cord (0.7–1mm is perfect for most beads)
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Beads (glass, gemstone, wood—your choice!)
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Scissors
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Jewelry glue (like GS Hypo Cement)
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Optional: bead stopper, charms, crimp covers
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Using the wrong cord size
✅ Tip: 0.8mm works well for most beads. Too thick? It won't fit. Too thin? It might snap!
📏 Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Cord
Cut about 10 inches of cord—longer than your wrist size to give you room to tie knots easily.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Cutting it too short
✅ Tip: Always give yourself some wiggle room.
🎨 Step 3: Plan Your Bead Pattern
Lay out your beads in a design you love before you start stringing.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Rushing the design
✅ Tip: Play with color and pattern first. Snap a pic so you don’t forget the order!
💪 Step 4: Pre-Stretch the Cord
Lightly stretch the cord before stringing your beads.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Skipping this step
✅ Tip: Pre-stretching helps keep your bracelet from getting loose later.
🧵 Step 5: String the Beads
Add a bead stopper (or clip) to one end, and begin stringing your beads.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Sharp bead holes
✅ Tip: Check each bead hole before stringing. Swap out any that scrape or snag.
🔁 Step 6: Knot It Tight
Tie a surgeon’s knot (loop twice before pulling through), then an extra knot on top.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Loose or bulky knots
✅ Tip: Pull gently but firmly. Make sure it’s tight without stressing the cord.
🧼 Step 7: Glue the Knot
Add a tiny dot of clear jewelry glue to the knot and let it dry.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Using too much glue
✅ Tip: Less is more! Let it dry at least 30 minutes.
💎 Step 8: Hide the Knot
Tuck the knot inside a larger bead, or use a crimp cover for a polished finish.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Visible knots
✅ Tip: Use a charm, spacer, or larger bead to conceal the knot cleanly.
✂️ Step 9: Trim & Test
After the glue is dry, trim the ends—but not too close! Then give it a gentle stretch to make sure it’s secure.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Cutting the cord too short
✅ Tip: Leave a tiny tail (about 1/8") to keep the knot from slipping.
💖 Ready to Create Your Own?
Making stretch bracelets is the perfect blend of creativity and calm. Avoiding these common mistakes helps your bracelet last longer—and look amazing!
👉 Want to make your own?
Browse my finished stretch bracelets for men and women.
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