New (to us) Easy Caterpillar Bracelet

11/19/2014

Sometimes I think my staff need a more specific task list for days I'm not at the shop because, based on what I see when I return, they seem to have a little too much spare time. On the other hand, it's hard to complain when they spend that time discovering new and easy projects like the one I get to show you today.

Caterpillar bracelet with green agate

I'm calling it the caterpillar bracelet, because that's what it looks like to me. But I'm open to suggestions.

Here's what you need:

7mm rolo chain, about 1/2 to 1 inch shorter than your wrist
One button
About 32 to 36 beads - 6mm to 8mm rounds or rondelles work well
About 3 feet waxed linen

7mm rolo chain, button, 8mm fire polished beads and waxed linen

Here's what you do:

1. String the waxed linen on the button and center it, then tie a knot close to the button. You can use a shank button (as in this photo) or a sew-through button. If the shank is too small for the waxed linen, try putting a jump ring through it and stringing the waxed linen through the ring.

Center the button on the waxed linen and tie a knot

2. Bring the cord ends through the first link of the chain in opposite directions. This first link will be perpendicular to your work surface. Pull the cords snug. Not super tight -- just snug.

String cord ends through link in opposite directions

Pull the cords snug

You'll add beads along one side of the chain, then do the second side. The beads will always be next to the links that lay "perpendicular" to the work surface, and the cord will always go through the links that are "parallel" to the work surface. In this photo, the first link that the button is tied to is "perpendicular."

3. String one bead and bring it close to the first link. Bring the cord UNDER and through the next link of chain.

String one bead and bring close to first link. Bring the cord UNDER and through the next link of chain.

4. Pull the cord snug and adjust the bead as necessary so it sits close to its link.

Pull cord snug and adjust bead against the link

That's the basic step!

5. Add another bead and bring the cord under and through the next "parallel" link. Adjust the bead so it sits next to its link.

In other words, the beads and cord alternate every other link.

Continue until you've finished one side.

NOTE: You need to end with a "parallel" link. Remove one link of chain if necessary.

Each bead sits next to the "perpendicular" links.

Continue adding beads and bringing the cord under and through the next link

And adjust the bead as necessary

Only one more side to do.

6. Flip your piece over to do the other side, starting again at the button. Add one bead and bring the cord under and through the next link.

Side 2: add one bead and bring cord under and through the next link

Continue until finished with side 2

When you reach the end you'll see why you need to finish with a "parallel" link. Your cords will be going through this link in opposite directions (just like you started).

Tie a knot snug against the last link. Then tie a knot in the cord to make a loop that fits around the button. We like to add size 11/0 or 8/0 metal seed beads to the cord before making the loop, but you don't have to. You can also add extra dangles and charms if desired.