August 12, 2008

Fringe Bracelet Tutorial



Here is a tutorial on how to make a fringe bracelet, also known as a cha-cha bracelet.
I hope these instructions are clear as I have never written a tutorial before.

Supplies: Beading wire such as Beadalon or Softflex
Beading thread such as Nymo or Fireline
Size 6 seed beads
Various size and shapes of beads in color/colors of your choice
Size 11 or 15 seed beads in complimentary color
Crimps
Clasp
Beading needle

Cut a length of beading wire long enough to add a clasp at each end. Since this is a hefty bracelet make sure that your finished size is about 1 inch longer than your wrist size. For example, my finished bracelet measures 8¾ inches, but fits well on a 7 inch wrist.

Let me see if I can explain this part clearly. You are going to string the size 6 seed beads on the beading wire like you are making a bracelet. You will add one part of your clasp to each end and crimp as usual. The only difference is that you want to have about an inch of the wire not covered by beads when you are done adding the clasp and crimping. You will need room between the beads to add the fringe.


Attach your beading thread to one end of the wire using a square knot with a dot of glue. Needle under the first seed bead. Pick up a combination of 2 or 3 beads ending with an 11 or 15 seed bead. Go back down through the beads you have just strung on, but do not go through the seed bead again. Needle under the next size 6 seed bead and continue to the end.

At the end make a knot and come back through all the size 6 seed beads again, adding beads between each as you go. When you get back to the other end you can either knot and end there or know and turn around and add fringes of beads down the length of the bracelet again depending on the fullness that you want. The bracelet in the photo has 3 fringes between each seed bead.

I apologize that I don’t have any photos showing the steps. Next time I make one I will definitely take some as I go and post them here.

Please feel free to email me if you need clarification on anything at
maryann726@gmail.com

9 comments:

Amanda said...

I thought your tutorial was very clear. What a neat way to make a fringe bracelet! Here's how I make mine:

Start with a chain a bit longer than wrist size. Gather various beads you want to use, and dozens of headpins (or pieces of wire that you can twist into a spiral at one end). String a couple of beads on each headpin, and make a loop to hold the beads on. Then attach each loop to a link in the chain. Depending on the size of the links, add 1 to 3 bead dangles per chain link.

Finish with a clasp and jump ring and you're done! :)

Mary Ann said...

Yes, I've seen them made that way also. My way is the lower cost version and the first one I did was when I had just begun beading. The thought of making all those wire loops was too intimidating at the time.

Unknown said...

This design turned out great! :)

Sara Hardin

Anonymous said...

i have just made this in blues & greens glass pearls & beads, it turned ut beautifully, thank yu very much!

Mary Ann said...

Ladylulu - I'm so glad that you were able to follow it. I would love to see I photo of your finished piece. I bet it looks great in that color combo.

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Almost Precious said...

It looks gorgeous and what a wonderful way to use up those "odd lot" beads. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I just followed your directions and made a fabulous birthday gift for a friend. Really love cha-cha bracelets but get bored with making so many pin rings. This is far easier. Thanks.

Mary Ann said...

I'm so glad your bracelet turned out so great. I'm with you - making all those rings can get tedious after a while, not to mention that it can be hard on the hands.