Learn how to make your own stylish bracelet with rhinesstone chain and soutache.
Wrap Bracelet with Rhinestones
You will need:
- approx. 40cm gilded 2.5mm rhinestone chain.
- 2m of 3mm soutache cord.
- 1pc. 5mm bayonet clasp or a simple magnetic clasp (as the one shown above) if made without leather cord, or 6mm with leather cord.
- 1m 0.3mm transparent nylon thread.
- Jewellery glue
- 50cm normal 1.5mm black leather cord to put underneath the chain to add volume to the bracelet (optional, not used in the examples.)
The quantities listed are for a standard bracelet designed to wrap around the wrist twice.
Cut the soutache into two pieces, each at least 1 metre long. Place them parallel to each other underneath the rhinestone chain. Sew the ends together securely with nylon thread, finishing with three knots and a tiny dab of glue on the final knot.
If you want the bracelet to be thicker, you can add a 1.5–2 mm leather cord underneath the rhinestone chain (not shown in the example).
Take the soutache that lies closest to the back of the rhinestone chain and weave it to the right side of the chain. Make sure it sits neatly between the crystals. Repeat this weaving motion 5–8 times.
Next, take the other cord and wind it in the opposite direction 5–8 times, then repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the chain. Work in small sections at a time to prevent the bracelet from twisting once it’s finished.
Tip: To make the process easier, secure one end of the bracelet to something like a clamp so the cords and chain stay straight while you work.
When the bracelet has reached the desired length (remember that the clasp will typically add an additional 1–2 cm), tie the cords and the chain together tightly with nylon thread, just as you did before.
Trim the ends of the bracelet so the nylon thread is hidden inside the clasp. Check that the clasp is the right size and has just enough space for the cords. Apply glue to the inner walls of the clasp, and while twisting and pressing, insert the cords and let it dry.
Now your bracelet is ready to shine!
Tip: If you choose to add a leather cord, it will usually be hidden underneath the soutache, so the colour is not very important. Feel free to experiment with different colours and combinations for your bracelet.
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