Violet's Buds: Micro Macrame Bangle Bracelet Tutorial

Today's guest post is by KNOTS AND SPARKLEZ, who specializes in micro macrame jewelry.

My name is Vicky and I'm a working at home mom by choice since I believe raising my daughter is more important than my personal financial gratification, and doing this allows me to work in my free time and still be there when my daughter needs me.
I work with tiny (less than 1mm) cords and mostly crystals and Japanese glass beads. Thus the name. Macrame is the art of knotting. All jewelry pieces are designed (aside from a few) and hand knotted by me, and are crafted in a smoke free environment. Some items can be crafted without metallic components for allergies sufferers (even the buttons are metallic-looking but contains no metals) and all items can be made to custom fit. If for any reason you have difficulties in finding the right size jewelry this is for you. I can custom make to fit your size.

Property of Knots and Sparklez 2012 www.knotsandsparklez.weebly.com

BANGLE BRACELET TUTORIAL

This was my first time using memory wire as the anchor for my knots but I’m very happy with the result. The bangle I used is one of those memory wires used for bracelets, it only requires the gluing of the second metal ball at the end. You can do that before you start knotting. I also had to find the best way to anchor my work so it would not move while I knot. The disposable plastic cup worked the best for me; if you find a better method you may use it.

This tutorial is suited for anyone as long as they have a basic knowledge of macramé knots. The knots used are Square Knot, (SK), and Vertical Lark’s Head Knot (LH). The bracelet is not difficult to make and it can be done pretty quickly. It is also very pretty when finished. Happy Wearing!

MATERIALS:

C-Lon nylon cord – 1 strand about 5 ½ ft long (this is your working cord)

1 strand about 1 ft long (this is the cord for the centerpiece)

(1) open ended circular memory wire for bracelets (mine was 7 ½ inches)
(1) x 6mm crystal bicone
(2) x Size 6 seeds COLOR B
(4) x rectangular 6x4mm glass bugles
(26) x Size 11 seeds – about ¼ g
(28) x Size 6 seeds COLOR A
(26) x 4mm crystal bicones
Glue
Scissors
Headpins
Disposable Plastic Cup

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1

First anchor the memory wire to the disposable plastic cup with head pins, all the way around. Pin alternating left and right of the wire. This will keep it from sliding down. (You may have to unpin and re-pin as you work.) The 1st pic shows how I anchored the bangle to the cup. I hold the cup with my knees as I work but you may choose an alternate method like duct taping it to any work surface you see fit.

Step 2

Take the 5 ½ ft cord, find the middle of it and pass under the wire, knot a Square Knot around the wire, make sure the 2 cords you now have are of the same length; if not, adjust, tighten the knot and tie a second Square Knot.

Step 3

String 1 x size 6 seed bead color A on each cord then knot 2 more Square Knots. Now string 1 x 4mm crystal bicone on each cord the same way you did with the beads and tie 2 more Square Knots. Keep knots uniform and all in the same direction, so your work will look even. Keep alternating the size 6 beads and the bicones, separated by 2 Square Knots until you reach about the middle of your memory wire. My wire was about 7 ½ inches and it required 6 sections of crystals and 7 sections of beads on each side.

Step 4

When you have worked enough sections to reach almost the middle, add the last 2 beads then tie only 1 Square Knot. (See where I placed arrow.) It is time now to add the second cord you will use to knot the central flower. Pass it under the wire at its center and tie 1 Square Knot. You now have your 2 Square Knots.

Step 5

Your new cord (1 ft) will be now your anchor (on which you knot) and your old cord (5 ½ ft) will be your working cord (the one use to make knots). Using your working cord tie a Vertical Lark’s Head Knot onto your anchor cord, then repeat on the other side. Your working cords should point outward.

Step 6

String 6 x size 11 seed beads on your working cord and 1 x rectangular 6x4 mm bugle on your anchor cord. Tie another vertical Lark’s Head Knot onto your anchor cord. String 1 x size 11 seed bead on your anchor cord and tie another vertical Lark’s Head knot with working cord. String another 6 x size11 seed beads on your working cord and 1 x rectangular 6x4 mm bugle on your anchor cord, then tie another vertical Lark’s Head knot onto your anchor cord to close the section. Repeat on the right side following the same steps. Pin your work as you go to keep it steady.

Step 7

Slide 1 x Size 6 seed bead COLOR B, 1 x 6mm bicone, and 1 x Size 6 seed bead COLOR B onto the wire and push all the way till the center of your work, if need anchor with pins. To close the 2 sections you will now use your WORKING CORDS (5 ½ ft) to tie a Square Knot onto the wire right under the last Size 6 seed bead. The 2 anchor cords should be hidden inside the knot along with the wire.

Step 8

Now disregard the 2 hidden cords and continue working with the working cords (5 ½ ft). Insert 1 x Size 6 seed bead on each cord and tie 2 Square Knots. Continue with the same pattern of alternating the seed beads with the crystals separated by 2 Square Knots as previously. Continue to the end of the wire.

Step 9

Once to the end of the wire you will have to end with 2 tight Square Knots. Then you can either slide the cords through the back of the knot with a tapestry needle, then glue and cut as short as you can, or just tie a tight overhand knot in the back to bring the cords together then apply a dot or two of glue. Let dry and cut cords as short as possible. Repeat process for the cords we disregarded previously at the end of the centerpiece. Tie an overhand knot in the back then apply glue and cut excess cords.