PROJECT 04: CRYSTAL BRACELET

Once you’re done reading through the steps you might think my method is weird or unnecessarily complicated, but after years of trying out different ways and types of strings, I find that this one suits me best. In crafting, there’s always more than one technique and I find that it’s better to go with what’s more comfortable for you. And since I don’t like using bead tips as I always worry about it coming off, I always use this method when it comes to stringing.

Another unconventional practice is my choice of string. I like using .02 Nylon, but this string is hair thin and is not advisable for heavier beads, like crystals and stones. But I like using it because I reinforce my bracelets (or necklaces) by going through the beads multiple times. It’s an unnecessary step but it gives me a peace of mind that my pieces won’t easily come off.

And lastly, some measurements, like for the crystals and rings, are estimates as I didn’t keep track of the sizes when I bought them. This project fits a size 7-9, feel free to adjust the number of crystals to make the size you need.

MATERIALS & TOOLS

.02 Nylon Thread       Lobster Lock       Bead Caps       Mother & Son Chain

Split Rings       Jump Ring        Metal Beads       Pliers

4mm Rondelle Crystal Bead

5mm Rondelle Crystal Bead

8mm Rondelle Crystal Bead

STEP 1: PREPARING THE THREAD

Cut about 1 yard of .02 Nylon string. String in one split ring and meet both ends of thread for the split ring to fall in the middle. Tie a knot to secure. Start by threading in 1 metal bead.

STEP 2: STRINGING IN THE BEADS

Continue with one 4mm Rondelle bead, metal bead, 4mm Rondelle bead and metal bead.

STEP 3:

Follow the same pattern as with Step 1, but use the 5mm rondelle crystals.

STEP 4:

String in the bead cap, the 8mm round crystal and close with another bead cap and a metal bead.

STEP 5:

Repeat Steps 3 & 4 until you have about 4 round crystal beads (depending on the size, you may stop at 3 round crystal beads if you’re making a size 4-6 bracelet). After finishing the step for the round crystal bead, string in a 5mm rondelle crystal, metal bead, 5mm rondelle, and basically just doing Steps 2 & 3 in reverse.

 

STEP 6: FINISHING THE CRYSTAL STRAND

String in the other split ring and then thread through the beads again. Sometimes what I do is tie a knot after about 3 beads to semi-secure the split ring and at this point I fix the tension I want for my bracelet before threading through my bracelet 2-3 times and securing it in a knot. But working with this type of bead cap is really tricky because of the decorative holes on them where my strings would annoyingly enter by mistake, so I chose to knot at the 3^rd run so I can freely move the beads around when I get stuck on a bead cap. Make sure to hug the other strings in the knot, thread through 2 more beads and knot again. Don’t cut at the end of the knot, make sure to thread through 3 more beads before cutting the string.

 


STEP 7:

Take some of the chain and attach at one end of the strand. This way your bracelet can be readjusted to fit a size 7 to 9.

STEP 8:

Take the 3mm jump ring and attach the lobster lock to the strand.

OPTIONAL:

.75" Headpin

5mm Rondelle Crystal Bead

Metal Bead

       Pliers                                                                            Round Nose Pliers

STEP 1:

Insert the headpin through rondelle crystal and metal bead. Create a loop using the round nose pliers to close.

STEP 2:

Using the pliers, open the end of the chain from the bracelet and attach the charm. Close chain.

There you have it! A simple crystal bracelet that you can wear to dress up your outfit or when you just need a simple but elegant bracelet for an evening wear.❤
Watch the video below: