6
Inspiring
Projects
Bracelets
Beautiful
A supplement to Bead&Button magazine
618195
www.BeadAndButton.com
W
e beaders love making bracelets.
They work up quickly, offering us the
instant gratification that we crave, yet
theyre substantial enough to stretch our skills and
inspire our creativity.
In this special supplement to Bead&Button
magazine, we bring you instructions for six of our
favorite easy-to-stitch bracelets that have appeared
between our covers over the years. Requiring only
a needle and thread, a handful of beads, and a
few easy-to-learn techniques, these projects make
a great introduction to bead stitching if youre a
novice or a satisfying project to make and wear
if youre a pro.
Besides discovering the beautiful designs, youll
learn different ways to apply the techniques used in
these six projects, giving you a glimpse into the infi-
nite combinations that make beading so compelling.
Get out your bead stash and get ready to bead!
The editors of Bead&Button magazine
Visit BeadAndButton.com today and search for projects to make from hundreds
of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more. With scores of designs represent-
ing all skill levels, youre sure to find several projects youll want to download.
www.BeadAndButton.com
Pearl windows 3
Sparkling waves 4
Inviting vine 6
Daisies on the double 8
Collectors item 10
Arabesque bracelet 12
Basics 14
Want more
fabulous bracelets?
Check out these additional features:
exclusive how-to videos demonstrating basic beading techniques
subscriber-only projects
a community forum where beaders come to talk beads
tips to make beading easier
listings of events, classes, and bead societies
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Beautiful Bracelets 3
stepbystep
[1] On 2 yd. (1.8 m) of conditioned
thread (Basics, p. 14), pick up two bugle
beads, leaving an 8-in. (20 cm) tail.
[2] Sew through both bugles again,
and snug up the beads so they sit side
by side (figure 1, ab).
[3] Pick up a bugle, sew through the
previous bugle again, and continue
through the bugle just added (bc).
Snug up the beads.
[4] Pick up three 110 seed beads, a
pearl, and three 110s. Sew through
the last bugle added, and continue
through the first three 110s and the
pearl (figure 2, ab).
[5] Pick up three 150s, and sew back
through the pearl (bc). Repeat on the
other side of the pearl (cd).
[6] Pick up three 110s, a bugle, and
three 110s. Sew through the pearl again,
and continue through the first three
110s and the last bugle added (figure 3).
Make an easy-to-stitch bracelet with
pearls framed by seed and bugle beads.
Pearl
windows
designed by Katie Jo Glaves
LADDER STITCH
MATERIALS
bracelet 7
1
2 in. (19.1 cm)
1012 5 or 6 mm freshwater
or faux pearls
3 g Japanese size 1 (3 mm)
bugle beads
Japanese seed beads
3 g size 110
1 g size 150
shank button,
1
2
5
8-in. (1.31.6 cm)
diameter
conditioned nylon beading thread
beading needles, #12 or #13
FIGURE 1
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FIGURE 2
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EDITORS
NOTE:
Because their
holes are large
enough to
accommodate
five thread
passes, faux
pearls work
best for this
project. If you
use real pearls,
use the thin-
nest thread you
can find and a
#13 needle.
[7] Pick up a bugle, and repeat
steps 26 until your bracelet is
within in. (1.3 cm) of the
desired length. End with step 3.
[8] Pick up three 150s, the button,
and three 150s, and sew through
the last bugle added (photo a).
Retrace the thread path a few
times, secure the tail in the bead-
work with a few half-hitch knots
(Basics), and trim.
[9] Thread a needle on the tail,
pick up enough 150s to fit around
the button, and sew through the
end bugle (photo b). Retrace the
thread path, secure the tail, and
trim. w
Waves of fire-polished
beads accent a ladder
stitch base.
Sparkling
waves
LADDER STITCH
designed by Jan Zicarelli
stepbystep
[1] On 2 yd. (1.8 m) of conditioned thread
(Basics, p. 14), pick up four 80 cylinder
beads, leaving a 1-yd. (.9 m) tail. Working
in ladder stitch (Basics), sew through the
four cylinders again, and snug up the beads
so you have two side-by-side columns
(figure 1, ab).
[2] Pick up two cylinders, and sew
through the last pair of cylinders and the
cylinders just added again (bc). Continue
adding pairs of cylinders until your band is
the desired length and the number of rows
is divisible by three with one remainder. To
MATERIALS
bracelet 6
3
4 in. (17.1 cm)
199 3 mm oval fire-polished beads
7 g size 80 Japanese cylinder beads
2 g size 150 Japanese seed beads
2-strand slide clasp
conditioned nylon beading thread
beading needles, #12
FIGURE 3
Katie Jo Glaves has been beading
since 2004. She is studying
psychology and art at Prescott
College in Prescott, Ariz., in
the U.S. Contact Katie Jo at
kjglaves@swbell.net, or visit
her Web site, kjdesigns.biz.
4 Bead&Button
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FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5
EDITORS NOTE:
Using colored thread with
crystal-colored beads will
enhance the wave effect.
reinforce the band, zigzag back through
its entire length. Secure the thread with
a few half-hitch knots (Basics), and trim.
[3] Thread a needle on the 1-yd. (.9 m)
tail, pick up one 3 mm fire-polished
bead, four cylinders, and a 3 mm. Sew
through the second pair of cylinders on
the ladder and the next pair of cylinders
in the opposite direction (figure 2, ab).
Repeat for the length of the bracelet.
Exit from the last row on the ladder.
[4] Pick up one 3 mm and two cylinders,
and sew through the last two cylinders
of the previous stitch (cd). Sew through
the two new cylinders again. To reinforce
the ladder, zigzag back through the
cylinders (de) along the entire length
of the second half of the band.
[5] To add the interior waves, exit
between the two end cylinders at one
end of a ladder, and tie a half-hitch
knot. Pick up one 150 seed bead, a
3 mm, a 150, a 3 mm, and a 150, and
wrap the working thread around the
thread bridge between the fourth pair
of cylinders (figure 3). Repeat along the
length of the band, wrapping around
the thread bridge between every fourth
pair of cylinders.
[6] Sew through to the other side of
the band, exit between the two end
cylinders, and repeat step 5 to add
waves to the other ladder.
[7] To add the edge waves, exit an
exterior corner cylinder, and anchor the
thread by wrapping it around the thread
bridge between the first and second
cylinders. Pick up a 150, a 3 mm, a 150,
a 3 mm, and a 150, and wrap around
the thread bridge between the third and
fourth cylinders (figure 4). Repeat along
the edge, wrapping around every third
thread bridge.
[8] Stitch through to the other side of
the band, and repeat step 7 to add
waves to the other edge. Secure the tail,
and trim.
[9] To add the clasp, secure a comfort-
able length of thread near one end of
the band. Sew through the beadwork to
exit between a cylinder and a 3 mm at
the end of the band. Sew through the
first loop of one half of the clasp, and
sew through the cylinder again. Retrace
the thread path five or six times. Sew
through the 3 mm and a cylinder. Secure
the second loop the same way (figure 5).
Secure the working thread in the bead-
work, and trim. Repeat to add the other
half of the clasp to the other end. w
Contact Jan Zicarelli at
jan.zicarelli@mchsi.com.
Sparkling
waves
LADDER STITCH
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Beautiful Bracelets 5
3
Drops of color blossom on this
delicate vine bracelet.
Inviting vine
BEAD WEAVING
designed by Donna Graves
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Beautiful Bracelets 7
stepbystep
Vine
[1] On a comfortable length of Fireline,
attach a stop bead (Basics, p. 14),
leaving an 8-in. (20 cm) tail.
[2] Pick up three color A 110 seed beads
and five color B 110 seed beads.
[3] Sew back through the As (figure 1,
ab). Skip the last bead, and sew back
through the other two As (bc).
[4] Pick up three As and five Bs. Sew
back through the As, and continue
through the last B from the previous
leaf (cd).
[5] Pick up three As and five Bs. Sew
back through the As (figure 2, ab) and
the first B from the previous leaf (bc).
[6] Continue stitching the vine by alter-
nating steps 4 and 5 until your bracelet
is the desired length.
[7] Pick up four As, the split ring, and
three As. Sew back through the first A
and several vine beads (photo). Retrace
the thread path through the loop. Secure
the thread in the beadwork with a few
half-hitch knots (Basics), and trim.
[8] Remove the stop bead, and thread
a needle on the tail. Pick up three As,
the lobster claw clasp, and three As.
Sew back through several vine beads.
Retrace the thread path through the
loop. Secure the tail, and trim.
Flowers
[1] Secure 1 yd. (.9 m) of thread in the
vine, and exit the last B of the first leaf
(figure 3, point a).
[2] Pick up a color C 110 seed bead, and
sew through the B again (figure 4, ab).
[3] Pick up three Cs, and sew through
the same B again (bc).
[4] Repeat with four Cs (cd).
[5] Sew through the vine, and
exit the first B of the fourth leaf
(figure 3, point b). Repeat steps 24
to make another flower.
[6] Continue stitching a flower on
every third leaf at the point where
the leaf meets the vine. When you
have finished the flowers, secure the
thread, and trim. w
Contact Donna Graves at Planet
Bead, Inc., (503) 615-8509, e-mail
her at kissmybead@planetbeadllc.
com, or visit planetbead.net.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4
MATERIALS
bracelet 7 in. (18 cm)
size 110 seed beads, 10 g each of
3 colors:
copper-lined clear, color A
silver-lined green, color B
purple, color C
10 mm lobster claw clasp
6 mm split ring
Fireline 8 lb. test
beading needles, #12
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stepbystep
Daisy chain
[1] On 1 yd. (.9 m) of Fire-
line, attach a stop bead
(Basics, p. 14), leaving a
12-in. (30 cm) tail.
[2] Pick up two 110 seed
beads, three 80 seed beads,
two 110s, and three 80s.
Sew through all the beads
again, exiting the first 110
(figure 1, ab).
[3] Pick up an 110, a 4 mm
bead, and an 110, and sew
through the upper 110 on the
opposite side of the ring (bc).
[4] To make the connecting
tab between the rings, pick
up an 110, and sew through
the next 110 on the ring. Pick
up an 110, sew back through
the 110 just added, and snug
up the beads (cd).
[5] Pick up 10 110s, and sew
through the next 110 (de).
[6] Pick up a 4 mm, and sew
through the upper 110 on the
opposite side of the ring (ef).
[7] Repeat step 4 to make
a tab.
[8] Pick up three 80s, two
110s, and three 80s, and sew
through the lower 110 on
the tab.
[9] Repeat steps 38 until
the band is the desired length
minus the length of the clasp.
[10] Repeat step 4, leaving
the remaining Fireline for
attaching the clasp.
[11] On 2 yd. (1.8 m) of
Fireline, make a second daisy
chain, as in steps 110, but
start by picking up 12 110s
for the first ring. Stitch the
same number of rings, ending
with a tab.
4
designed by Julie Walker
The classic daisy chain is defined by simple
seed bead circles. Doubled and dressed up with
dangles, the original stitch takes on an appealing
sophistication while retaining its youthful appeal.
MATERIALS
bracelet 6
1
2 in. (16.5 cm)
1416 6 mm top-drilled
beads
3034 4 mm oval beads
1517 3 mm round beads
Japanese seed beads
57 g size 80
57 g size 110
2-strand clasp
Fireline 6 lb. test
beading needles, #11
Daisies on the double
DAISY CHAIN
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Julie Walker owns The Bead Cage
in Dayton, Ohio, in the U.S., where
she also teaches her designs.
Contact Julie at (937) 395-0590,
e-mail her at beadcagequeen@aol.
com, or visit her Web site,
beadcage.net.
www.BeadAndButton.com
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Beautiful Bracelets 9
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
Assembly
[1] Lay the two daisy chains
parallel to each other.
[2] With the working thread
from the second daisy chain,
sew back through the bead-
work as shown, exiting at
figure 2, point a.
[3] Pick up an 110, a 3 mm
bead, and an 110. Sew through
the corresponding 110s in the
first daisy chain (ab).
[4] Sew through the two
110s on the left half of the
tab. Pick up an 110, and sew
back through the 3 mm (bc).
[5] Pick up an 110, and sew
through the corresponding
110s in the second daisy
chain. Sew through the lower
half of the next ring, exiting
from the upper 110 of the
next tab (cd).
[6] Pick up an 110, a 3 mm,
and an 110, and sew through
the corresponding 110s in the
first daisy chain (de).
[7] Pick up two 110s, an 80,
an 110, a 6 mm bead, an 110,
an 80, and two 110s, and sew
through the left half of the
tab (ef).
[8] Pick up an 110, sew back
through the 3 mm, pick up
an 110, and sew through the
corresponding 110s in the
second daisy chain (fg).
[9] Pick up two 110s, an 80,
an 110, a 6 mm, an 110, an
80, and two 110s (gh). Sew
through the tab beads as
shown (hi).
[10] Repeat steps 29 for
the length of the band.
Clasp
[1] To add the clasp, thread
a needle on the tail of the
first chain, and exit the upper
right corner of the tab. Pick
up an 80 and an 110, and sew
through a clasp loop. Sew
back through the 110, pick
up an 80, and sew through
the two 110s on the right half
of the tab (figure 3, ab).
Retrace the thread path.
[2] Stitch through to the end
tab on the other band (bc).
[3] Repeat step 1 to connect
the other daisy chain to the
clasp. Secure the working
thread in the beadwork with
a few half-hitch knots
(Basics), and trim.
[4] To add the other half of
the clasp, remove the stop
beads and repeat step 4 of the
daisy chain to stitch a tab on
the end of each chain. Repeat
steps 13 of the clasp.
EDITORS NOTE:
You may choose to
reinforce each loop of
the chain by sewing
through the ring again
before adding the
center bead.
10 Bead&Button
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5
designed by Melody MacDuffee
Whether made of cut glass, metal, or Bakelite, the
special qualities of vintage buttons imbue this
bracelet with the glamour of a bygone era.
stepbystep
Base
[1] Thread a needle on each end of a
4-ft. (1.2 m) length of Fireline or Power
Pro. With one needle, center three color A
110 seed beads, the large button, three A
110s, a color B 110 seed bead, a color C
4 mm fire-polished bead, and a B 110.
With the other needle, cross through the
last three beads (figure 1, ab).
[2] With each needle, pick up four A
110s, a B 110, and a color C 110 seed
bead (bc, lm). Cross both needles
through a small button (cd, mn).
[3] With each needle, pick up a C 110, a
B 110, two A 110s, and three 3 mm fire-
polished beads (de, no). Sew through
the last four beads before the button,
cross through the button, and continue
through the next four beads (ef, op).
[4] With each needle, pick up an
A 110, a B 110, and a C 110 (fg, pq).
Cross both needles through a C 4 mm
(gh, qr).
[5] With each needle, pick up a C 110, a
B 110, an A 110, and a color A 4 mm
fire-polished bead (hi, rs). Sew
through the last three beads before
the C 4 mm again, cross through the
C 4 mm, then continue through the
next three beads (ij, st).
[6] Repeat step 2, but pick up two
A 110s instead of four (jk, tu).
[7] Repeat steps 36 six times. Add
or omit repeats to alter the length by
1-in. (2.5 cm) increments.
[8] Repeat step 3.
[9] With one needle, pick up an A 110,
a B 110, a C 110, a C 4 mm, a C 110,
a B 110, and an A 110 (figure 2, ab).
With the other needle, cross through
all seven beads (cd). Pick up enough
beads to form a loop that will fit over
the end button (de). Sew back through
the last five beads before the end
button, through the button, and
continue through the next four beads
(ef). Sew through the loop again to
reinforce it (fg).
[10] Secure each end with a few
half-hitch knots (Basics, p. 14), dot
the knots with glue, and trim.
Embellishment
[1] Secure 4 ft. (1.2 m) of Fireline or
Power Pro at the loop end, exiting at
figure 3, point a.
[2] Pick up an A 110, a C 110, a color
D 110 seed bead, a C 110, and an A 110
(ab). Sew through the 3 mm below this
bead group (bc).
[3] Sew through the next 3 mm. Pick
up an A 110, a C 110, a D 110, and a
C 110, then sew through the first A 110
from the previous step and the 3 mm
(cd). Repeat (de).
[4] Pick up two A 110s, and sew
through the next 4 mm (ef). Pick up
two more A 110s, and sew through the
next 3 mm (fg).
[5] Repeat steps 24 along each edge
of the bracelet.
[6] For additional embellishment, add
pairs of D 110s as shown in figure 4.
Repeat along both edges, secure the
thread, and trim. w
Collectors item
CROSSWEAVE TECHNIQUE
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Beautiful Bracelets 11
MATERIALS
bracelet 7 in. (18 cm)
shank buttons
5
8 in. (1.6 cm) or
3
4 in. (1.9 cm)
8
3
8 in. (1 cm) or
1
2 in. (1.3 cm)
fire-polished beads
14 4 mm black, color A
9 4 mm silver, color C
48 3 mm silver, color C
size 110 seed beads, 2 g each of
4 colors:
black, color A
hematite, color B
silver, color C
silver-lined crystal, color D
Fireline 4 lb. test or Power Pro 10 lb. test
beading needles, #12
G-S Hypo Cement
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4
Melody MacDuffee
has been beading for
20 years and is the
author of several
beading books.
Contact her at
writersink@msn.com.
12 Bead&Button
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6
Intricate layers of crystals and seed beads
bring out the glamour in this crossweave
technique bracelet.
designed by Joanie Jenniges
MATERIALS
bracelet 7 in. (18.4 cm)
bicone crystals
24 6 mm, color C
12 4 mm, color A
34 4 mm, color B
24 4 mm, color D
Japanese seed beads
3 g size 110
3 g size 150
toggle clasp
2 4 mm jump rings
Fireline 6 lb. test
beading needles, #12
Arabesque bracelet
CROSSWEAVE TECHNIQUE
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Beautiful Bracelets 13
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4
stepbystep
Base
[1] Thread a needle on each end of a
2-yd. (1.8 m) length of Fireline, and
center 10 150 seed beads.
[2] With one needle, pick up an 110,
a color A 4 mm bicone crystal, and an
110. Cross the other needle through all
three beads (figure 1).
[3] With each needle, pick up an 110,
a color B 4 mm bicone crystal, and an
110. Cross the needles through an 110,
a color C 6 mm bicone crystal, and an
110 (figure 2, ab and gh).
[4] With each needle, pick up an 110,
a C, and an 110. Cross the needles
through an 110, a C, and an 110 (bc
and hi).
[5] With each needle, pick up an 110, a
B, and an 110. Cross the needles through
an 110, an A, and an 110 (cd and ij).
[6] Repeat steps 35 six times or to the
desired length.
[7] With one needle, pick up ten 150s,
and cross the other needle through all
10 beads Cross both needles through
the last 110, A, and 110.
[8] Secure the tails in the loop of 150s
with a few half-hitch knots (Basics,
p. 14), and trim.
Embellishment
[1] Thread a needle on each end of a
new 2-yd. (1.8 m) length of Fireline.
Center it in the 110, C, and 110 at one
end of the bracelet (figure 3, ag).
[2] With each needle, pick up an 110
and a color D 4 mm bicone crystal.
With both needles, sew through an 110
(ab and gh).
[3] With each needle, pick up a D and
an 110. Cross the needles through
the next 110, C, and 110 on the base
(bc and hi).
[4] With each needle, pick up four 150s.
With both needles, sew through a B
(cd and ij). With each needle, pick up
three 150s. Cross both needles through
the next 110, A, and 110 on the base
(de and jk).
[5] With each needle, pick up three
150s. With both needles, sew through a
B (ef and kl). With each needle, pick
up four 150s, and cross both needles
through the next 110, C, and 110 on the
base (fg and lm).
[6] Repeat steps 25 along the length of
the bracelet, ending with step 3.
[7] Secure the tails in the loop of 150s,
and trim.
[8] Secure a new 1-yd. (.9 m) length
of Fireline in the beadwork, exiting at
figure 4, point a.
[9] Sew through the 110, the four 150s,
and the B (ab).
[10] Pick up an A, and sew through the
next B (bc). Continue to sew through
the beadwork, exiting at point d.
[11] Repeat steps 9 and 10 along the
length of the bracelet. Secure the tails,
and trim.
[12] Open a jump ring (Basics), and
attach it to half of the clasp and the
loop of 150s on one end of the bracelet.
Close the jump ring. Repeat on the
other end. w
Joanie Jenniges
has had several
of her designs
published in the
past few years.
Contact Joanie
at joanie@beadworkdesigns.com,
or visit her Web site,
beadworkdesigns.com.
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Conditioning thread
Use either beeswax (not candle wax or
paraffin) or Thread Heaven to condition
nylon thread. Beeswax smooths the
nylon fibers and adds tackiness that will
stiffen your beadwork slightly. Thread
Heaven adds a static charge that causes
the thread to repel itself, so dont use it
with doubled thread. Stretch the thread,
then pull it through the conditioner.
Ending/adding thread
To end a thread, weave back into the
beadwork, following the existing thread
path and tying two or three half-hitch
knots around the thread between beads
as you go. Change directions as you
weave so the thread crosses itself. Sew
through a few beads after the last knot
before cutting the thread.
To add a thread, enter several rows
prior to the point where the last bead
was added. Weave through the bead-
work, tying half-hitch knots as you go,
and exit where you left off.
Half-hitch knot
Pass the needle under the thread
between two beads. A loop will form as
you pull the thread through. Cross over
the thread between the beads, sew
through the loop, and pull gently to
draw the knot into the beadwork.
Square knot
Cross the left-hand end of the thread
over the right, and bring it around and
back up. Cross the end that is now on
the right over the left, go through the
loop, and pull both ends to tighten.
Stop bead
Use a stop bead to secure beads tempo-
rarily when you begin stitching. Choose
a bead that is distinctly different from
the beads in your project. String the
stop bead about 6 in. (15 cm) from
the end of your thread, and sew
through it again in the same direction.
If desired, sew through it one more
time for added security.
Ladder stitch
Pick up two beads, sew through both
beads again, and snug them up so they
sit side by side (ab). Add subsequent
beads by picking up one bead, sewing
through the previous bead, and then
sewing through the new bead (bc).
Continue for the desired length.
To reinforce the ladder and even out
the tension, zigzag back through the
beads in the opposite direction.
Basics
Jump rings:
opening and
closing
Hold a jump ring
with two pair of
chainnose pliers or
one pair each of
chainnose and
bentnose pliers.
To open the jump ring, bring the
tips of one pair of pliers toward you
and push the tips of the other pair
away from you.
Reverse the steps to close the open
jump ring.
