I was inspired to make this bracelet by something I saw on a friend's wrist. I am not above removing people's bead work from their person in order to inspect it more closely, or to try to trace the thread path, if I see something unusual. Perhaps it's a beader thing, but most folks who know me have gotten used to me asking them to remove pieces of their wardrobe, so that I may photocopy it!!
After I had the idea for this bracelet in my head, I received a copy of a very interesting and original book, Carole Collier's The Three Bead Brick Stitch Necklace Expressions. Carole has devised a very original stitch, using bugle and seed beads, in a manner similar to this. Her stitch is a brick sitich, and more versatile that this one, but I think this bracelet would make a good warm-up project before starting with hers. Check out the book, she even has graph paper for making your own designs using her cool stitch.
Now, on to the bracelet. When making this design, I found it tp be beat to use regular seed beads rather than cylinder type beads, because they tend to match up better to the length of the bugle beads. Here's what you'll need to get started:
54 #4 Japanese Bugle Beads (aproximately)
599 Silver Lined Red 11/0 Seed Beads (approximately)
Grey Nymo "D" Thread
#12 Beading needle
2. Continue for 2 more rows, making the bracelet 3 beads high and 3 beads wide.
3. Next, add 6 seed beads, next to the bugle bead, as a single bead. Pass back up through the bugle, and back through all 6 seed beads. Continue 2 more times for the row.
4. Add another row of 3 sets of 6 seed beads.
5. Continue pattern from Step #1 above, until bracelet is desired length.
6. Add toggle by passing the thread through the first bugle in the first row, then out the inside (next to the middle bead) end of the first. Add 6 seed beads, then 1 bugle, the pass back through the last 3 seed beads. Add 3 more seed beads, and pass through the last bugle bead. 7. Pass the needle back through the second row of bugle beads, to the thread end and tie off. Secure knot with a drop of clear nail polish.
8. Make the loop by passing the thread through the first bugle bead on the other end of the bracelet, then out the inside (next to the middle bead) end of the first. Add 14 seed beads, making a loop. Pass back through the first seed bead strung, and pass back through the last bugle bead. Pass the thread back through the second row of bugles, exiting and tying off the thread. Secure with a drop of clear nail polish.
9. Weave a thread back through all rows to stabilize and secure the bracelet. This will make the fininshed piece stronger and less likely to stretch out.
Of course, this bracelet can be made with any color seed beads or bugles you choose. It works up quickly and has a striking appearance. Try it with different sizes of bugle beads, as long as you can match seed beads to the size of the bugle.
I like the Japanese bugles because they do not cut the thread as eaily as other types of bugles. It has to do with the way they are cut. Also, I know that this closure is not the most ideal, but it does work well with this bracelet, especially if you go back through the loop and toggel a second time with your thread. It will close securly and will stay closed. Enjoy this lovely bracelet, and give those cool necklaces of Carole's a try!
