Create wrapped bracelets with this simple lashing technique.
Making wrapped bracelets just got easier because this simple lashing technique takes just minutes to learn. You can combine leather cord with rhinestone chain for a sophisticated style or use ball chain and leather for an industrial look.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather the tools and supplies to make a lashed rhinestone and leather bracelet.
Here are the supplies and tools you will need to make this DIY jewelry project:
24 inches Greek leather cord
6-1/2 inches glass rhinestone chain
48 inches 5-ply waxed linen cord
1 each button
ruler
needle
Step 2: Create a loop to match the button.
Fold the length of Greek leather cord in half to form the button loop. Size the loop so it will slip over the button. Use waxed linen cord and a simple overhand knot to secure the button loop.
Step 3: Secure the button loop.
Align the waxed linen cord tail with the leather cord and tightly wrap approximately 10 lashes (this should measure about 3/8 inch).
Step 4: Begin lashing the rhinestone chain to the leather cord.
Align the rhinestone chain with the leather cord and begin lashing. Use the waxed linen cord to tightly lash around the leather cord and between each rhinestone setting.
Step 5: Finish lashing the rhinestone chain to the leather cord.
Continue lashing the rhinestone chain to the leather cord. Check the length for fit; the rhinestone portion of the bracelet should be one inch shorter than bracelet size. Clip off any unneeded rhinestone and secure by adding 10 additional tightly-wrapped lashes (about 3/8 inch).
Step 6: Add and secure the button.
Slide the button loop onto the waxed linen cord and one leather strand. Secure the button in place by adding 10 tightly-wrapped lashes (about 3/8 inch). Use a sewing needle to stitch the linen cord tail back through the final lashing and cut off the excess.
Step 7: Finish the bracelet with an overhand knot.
Finish the bracelet with a single overhand knot and clip off any excess leather. Slip the loop over the button and the bracelet is complete.
You can combine leather cord with rhinestone chain for a sophisticated style or use ball chain and leather for an industrial look.
This pattern is easily adaptable; create single, double, or triple-wrapped bracelets using either rhinestone chain or ball chain. You can vary the color of the leather, rhinestones, and waxed linen cord or follow our Design Gallery instructions to make the featured bracelet “Wrapped in Rhinestone”. You may even want to make several; after all this handmade jewelry project is fast, easy, and fun!
Make things!
Mollie
www.rings-things.com
3 Comments
Thanks for this very easy tutorial!
This looks like a great bracelet in theory however, the problem I hept running into was that the 2mm cording twisted around so the rhinestones or beads never stay in place. If you study the design you see there is no way of fixing that issue:-(. Otherwise, it’s a lovely piece.
Hi Melissa,
I think it depends on the cording you use. The Greek leather is very nice quality and keeps its shape well, and the waxed linen (which we’re currently having to find a new supplier for, as the old one closed) actually stays in place on the 2mm Greek leather quite well.
On the other hand… leather is a natural material and varies from batch to batch, and the waxed linen sometimes has a bit more or less wax than other times, so even using the exact same cording we used, but from a different batch… I can see that you might run into the problem you’re describing.
If you happen to see my reply, please let us / other readers know what types / brands / sizes etc of cording you used, so future makers will get an idea of how feasible this idea is, for long-term durability. Thanks!
–Polly