When you are an amateur jewelry maker, there is no better activity as fun and personal as letter bead friendship bracelets. These colored beads are not mere decorations but you can add names, initials or important words to your design. Be it you are spelling the name of your best friend or writing a heartening word such as LOVE or HOPE or designing your own bracelet with letter beads, each object is special with letter beads.
You will discover all the necessary information about creating bracelets using beads in the form of letters: the materials, stepwise process, and design hints and ideas on how to ensure your jewelry is unique.
Why Letter Beads Are Perfect for Friendship Bracelets
Letter beads immediately boost a plain knotted bracelet to the next level. That is why they are popular among self-made jewelry makers:
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Personalization- Use names, initials or words that have some meaning.
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Nostalgia- They remind them of summer camp beads and crafts.
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Artistry - Use letter beads with colorful accent beads, charms or knots to make limitless designs.
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Gift-worthy- A bracelet that has letter beads is considerate, personal, and made by hand.
Friendship bracelets with letter beads are the way to an easy project that appears to be spectacular..
Supplies You’ll Need
These supplies are what you need to have before you start. The majority of them are cheap and readily available at every craft store or online.
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1 yard of 0.5mm Chinese knotting cord nylon ( you can use your favorite colors )
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Alphabet letter beads
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Closure button (two holes) 9mm in diameter.
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Scissors or cord cutter
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Light (unless you have a cord cutter)
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Ruler or measuring tape
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Big eye needle
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Clipboard or huge security pin.
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Optional: 5mm accent beads on additional style.
Approximate time required: approximately 1 hour per bracelet.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Bracelet with Letter Beads
1. Cut Your Cord
Begin by tying a length of cord one yard. Fold in half and tie an overhand knot in order to create a small loop (approximately 1/2 inch). This will be used as the button closure in the future.
2. Seal the Ends
You can melt them with the lighter or cord cutter in order to avoid the fraying. Do not burn your fingers--just another swipe through the fire will be all.
3. Master the Knotted Chain
A knotted chain will be used on the bottom of your bracelet. It is a simple knot, where one of the cords goes round the other side, alternately.
Hint: Always leave the cords in the same place (the left cord should be left and the right cord should be right) so that the knots can be even. When you are just beginning to learn how to knot, draw nail polish or a marker on one side of it.
4. Measure and Plan Your Beads
Choose the length of your bracelet the majority of wrist sizes fall within 6–7 inches. Take away the loop and button closure of approximately 1 inch.
And now, line up your letter beads to know how much you will have. They can be put next to each other or knots may be left between the letters.
For example:
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Bracelet size: 7 inches
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Closure: 1 inch
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Bead measure: 4 letters 1/4 inch = 1 inch.
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Remaining nature: 5 inches (2.5 inches knots on each side)
This design makes sure you fit a bracelet.
5. Secure Your Work
Fasten the loop with a clipboard or pin it to a pillow using a safety pin. It is easier to knot when you have your bracelet in one place.
6. Start Knotting
Keep working on your knotted chain until you have a length of it which is sufficient to make one half of the bracelet. It is also easy to add accent beads; you need to move them to both cords, threading them with the needle.
7. Add the Letter Beads
It is now time to have fun: threading your letter beads. Place them in their order with a lot of care and ensure that the word or name will be readable when put on. Insert an equal spacing of letters by tying the number of knots in between beads.
8. Finish the Other Side
When you have finished, proceed to knot up the other side, to suit the first one. Determine the size on your wrist and proceed on to the closure.
9. Attach the Button Closure
Pull both the cords through the button holes and make a tight overhand knot. Trim any excess cord. You can either slide the button firmly between the knots or leave a minor gap.
10. Wear and Share
Now you have your bracelet of letter beads. Pull the loop over the button and it can be put on or given.
Creative Ideas for Letter Bead Bracelets
Now you have your bracelet of letter beads. Pull the loop over the button and it can be put on or given.
Cool Designs of Letter Bead Bracelets.
It is the beauty of letter beads that they are so customizable. Here are some design ideas:
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Names: Ideal with best friends, children or pets.
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Motivational Words: Use HOPE, PEACE or JOY.
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Inside Jokes: Create a bracelet that you and your friend will only have inside jokes.
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Stackable Sets: Make a number of bracelets with the various words and wear them simultaneously.
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Theme Color: Have the colors of the cords and beads match your outfits.
Tips for Success
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A nylon knotting cord is stronger and endures longer.
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Check bead order twice, before tilling--it is easy to put on backwards letters!
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Do work in bright light in order to easily see the cord and bead holes.
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Provided that it is a gift, you may want to make matching bracelets to you and your friend.
Why Letter Beads Make the Perfect DIY Gift
A letter bead friendship bracelet is not merely a piece of jewelry but a souvenir. Homemade gifts demonstrate consideration, imagination and love. The bracelet can further be remembered by adding the name of a friend, a special date, or a word that is significant.
One of the crafting ladies commented, I saw something I really wanted to offer to a friend who is not doing so well. This was IDEAL. It is what is so great about a handmade gift, plain material turned into something meaningful.
Buy Letter Beads At Wholesale Prices
Final Thoughts
Friendship bracelets using beads in the shape of letters are a popular, nostalgic, and interesting craft. All you need is a few supplies and an hour of your time to make jewelry that is colorful, personal and stylish.
Get some cord, select a word that is inspirational to you, begin knotting. Your bracelet will bring happiness whether you are making one yourself or as a well-wishing present.
