How to transform hardware store washers into a summer braided bracelet
In short: You do not need expensive jewelry supplies to create a stylish accessory. By repurposing simple zinc washers from a hardware store and basic cord, you can craft a textured, stacked wrap bracelet. The process is as easy as braiding hair, allowing you to use different colors or even graduated ring sizes.
The foundation of this project relies on three strands of cord, each approximately one yard in length. While waxed cotton is a primary choice for its texture, leather strips can also be used. To begin, lay the strands in a pattern—such as an olive green strand in the center flanked by blue strands—and secure them with a knot approximately four inches from the ends. Using a clipboard is highly recommended to maintain tension and keep the strands parallel, which ensures a neat, professional finish.
The braiding technique follows the same fundamental logic as braiding hair: you move the outer strands into the center one by one. The left strand is brought over the middle, becoming the new center, followed by the right strand being moved to the center. The tightness of your braid is entirely up to your design preference, though you must maintain enough control to manipulate the strands effectively.
To incorporate hardware, you can use jump rings, washers, or any item with a suitable hole. If using zinc washers from a hardware store, be mindful of weight; adding too many can make the bracelet heavy. As you braid, slide the washers onto the strands, ensuring they are all oriented in the same direction so they appear stacked in a row. You can use graduated rings—varying from large to small—or uniform sizes. Once you have finished adding hardware, continue braiding the cord alone, finish with a final knot, and pull the strands to even out the tension.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Make a Braided Wax Cord Bracelet | Making Jewelry
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