I love making jewelry! My favorite pieces of jewelry to make are purity rings and necklaces. Bracelets are also fun to make, but its always hard to to tell how much wire, string, or thread to use for your bracelet. Making jewelry is fun and rewarding, so don’t let the troubles of making jewelry get to you! Here are some tips for making beaded bracelets.

Measurement Madness

Measuring your wrist can be difficult, even more so when you are making the bracelet for someone else. If the bracelet is for you, measure the string around your wrist with about an inch more, to leave room for a clasp or knot. If the bracelet is for someone else, use this size guide.

 

Women

Small-6.5 inches 

Average- 7 inches 

Large-7.5-8 inches 

X Large- 8.5+ inches

 

Children 

Newborn- 3.5-4 inches 

3-6 months- 4.25- 4.5 inches 

6-12 months- 4.75 inches 

12-24 months- 5 inches

2-3 years- 5-5.5 inches

4-5 years- 5.75 inches

6-7- 6 inches

8-9- 6.25 inches

10-13 years- 6-7 inches 

Measure the person’s wrist, of course, if you can.

 

Cute Cords

 

What type of cord should you use for your bracelet? Use nylon for heavier bracelets; its strong and durable. Hemp or leather is great for friendship bracelets. Wire can be used for a bracelet with seed beads and small glass beads.

 

Beads Galore

 

Beads are what make your bracelet beautiful! Try using glass beads for a nice bracelet that is a gift or will be worn with dressy attire. Use wooden beads for friendship bracelets. Crystal beads, (fake of course) look great with a fun casual outfit, and are perfect for a girl with  some glam and sparkle! Seed beads are tiny beads that look like shiny seeds. These are great for any kind of bracelet, casual, dressy, or a friendship bracelet. Plastic beads are used mostly for children’s jewelry. They are made of cheaper material, so don’t use them for a nice piece of jewelry.

Tying Troubles

Finishing off your bracelet can lead to a bit of trouble, for lots of people. Should you use a clasp? Do I just knot it? Am I supposed to double knot? Do I use glue on the clasp or knot? You can use a clasp or a knot. Claps are much easier though. If the bracelet is a gift for someone, you should probably use a clasp, especially if it’s a nicely made bracelet. If it’s just a simple beads and string bracelet, a knot it fine. Definitely double knot your end and don’t bother with glue unless you feel like you should. Glue is not needed on a clasp either.