How To Make Beaded Bracelets In Under 2 Minutes – 7 Examples

Yes, I’ve made several pieces of homemade jewelry on this blog, but learning how to make beaded bracelets was probably the easiest and quickest of all.

I just can’t get over beading at the moment. I’m obsessed with it. It’s one part of jewelry making that is so accessible to everyone, and I love it!

The homemade bracelets below can be a great way to use up those odd beads, and I can’t tell you how many I have!

How To Make Simple Bead Bracelets

My daughter Kelly named these the Tea Break Bracelets a few years ago when she and a friend wanted to make something special for graduation gifts. They look great and they take one minute to put together, at a fraction of the cost you would pay in-store.

Like most students, they had very little time and money but still wanted to give something memorable, so after evaluating their finances and a 10-minute brainstorm they came up with the Tea Break Bracelet, which they named after making 33 of these simple beaded bracelets within a 30 minute morning break.

You Will Need:

• 1 Cotton thread
• 3 Beads with large holes

Method:

Step 1. Take a piece of cotton or leather thong of any thickness that can be knotted

Step 2. Double it up and thread it with any large-holed beads

Step 3. Finish with a slip knot (See notes here on tying slip knots). By finishing the bracelet with a couple of slip knots, there was no extra cost for clasps or other fasteners, and the bracelet size would be adjustable to suit both males and females (wow, maybe they did learn something at college, after all).

So there you have it, how to make simple beaded bracelets! These are really popular and aren’t just for giving on graduation, they are for anyone looking for a low-cost homemade gift to give to a friend or relative at any time.

DIY Bracelets With Beads & Elasticated String

Here’s another easy way to make homemade bracelets. This classic elasticated bracelet slips on and off without a catch. They are quick to make and will usually fit any wrist size.

With the ever-increasing selection of beads and stones available in virtually every shape, color, and material, you can also be sure of making unique, matching jewelry every time.

This couldn’t be easier! I literally made 30 of these bracelets within an hour and a half to sell at a charity sale. They cost me just under a dollar each, and I sold them all for 10 dollars each.

The bracelets below have all been made using the same method, some of which have been made using leftover beads.

You Will Need:

• Beads: Anything goes, but do make sure they are not too heavy or sharp for the elastic.
• Elastic: Jewellery making elastic and elasticity come in various thicknesses and colors, l usually find the 0.8mm thick elasticity in clear or black is suitable for most projects. Elasticity is a soft, flexible bead cord resembling nylon but stretching like elastic. Its limber nature makes it ideal for bracelets, especially when using beads with a small hole.
• Glue: I usually use super glue or clear nail varnish; both work well.

Method:

1. Take one piece of wrist-length elasticity and add your beads.
2. Tie the elasticity together at the ends in a couple of reasonably tight knots.
3. Now glue the knot for additional security, and that’s it.

6 Beaded Bracelet Examples For Your Inspiration:

DIY Multi Strand Bracelets For Cool, Stylish Looks

I’ll always have leftover beads from other projects, and always be disappointed. I felt like it was a waste. But then it dawned on me that there has to be some way to make use of them, and it’s multi-strand beads.

I’ve made them lots of times using an array of different beads threaded with either cotton cord, beading wire or strong elastic. Each one has turned out absolutely beautiful and all are very simple to make! You’ve gotta give this a try.

DIY Chunky Cord Bracelet

This gorgeous chunky bracelet was made with beads of a similar color and tone but different shapes and sizes. I like to organize my left over beads by color, so it’s easy to do this sort of thing. But I’ve also made it with multi colored beads of the same size on many occasions, and that looks amazing as well. There are no rules in beading!

A few of the beads will need to be threaded with 3 strands of cord for this bracelet, so make sure some of the beads have fairly large holes.

What You Will Need:

• Thin cotton cord
• Selection of chunky beads
• 2 Leather ends (I’ve used a round leather crimp but a flat leather crimp is just as good)
• 2 Jump rings
• 1 Lobster clasp

Method:

Step 1. Cut the cord in to three 18 inch pieces

Step 2. Then you’re going to want to knot all three pieces of cord together at one end, making sure you leave sufficient cotton cord to fasten the leather end on to it. What you end up with should look like in the picture above. (See notes on fastening leather ends)

Step 3. Thread all the cotton cords through one fairly large bead, with a hole wide enough to fit all the cords. It should sit snuggly against the knot, without slipping through it.

Step 4. Separate the three pieces of cord. Then, thread a bead on to each piece followed by another large bead onto all three pieces of cord. You’ll then need to push the beads back towards the knot as you go. Just think big bead, 3 smaller beads and then 1 big bead again.

Step 5. Repeat step 4 until you feel like you’ve achieved a good length. Make sure the beads will fit around your wrist, or the wrist of whomever you’re gifting this to. Finish up with all three pieces going through a large bead and then tying a knot.

Step 6. Trim off any access cord then attach a leather end to each end of the bracelet, if you are using a round leather end push the cords into the end and carefully squeeze the first link. For a flat leather end (See notes on fastening leather ends).

Finish by adding a jump ring to both sides and a clasp onto one side. Then wear this beautiful bracelet until your hearts content. (See notes on opening a jump ring)

DIY Bead And Wire Bracelet

So let’s shake things up a bit, shall we? This bracelet also looks good as a gorgeous chunky necklace and has been made from a glass beads mix, which you can pick up very reasonably on line. Or, like the other bracelet you can make use of the left overs from your other beading projects!

I’ve used three strands for this one but threaded mainly on two as I wanted to allow the silver of the tigertail to show through. There’s no point putting something on that masks something even more beautiful beneath.

What You Will Need:

• 42 inch tigertail beading wire
• Selection of beads
• 2 Jump rings
• 2 Crimp beads
• 1 Lobster clasp

Method:

Step 1. Measure three lengths of beading wire about 14inch each

Thread a crimp bead followed by a jump ring onto all three lengths of beading wire. Push all three wires back through the crimp bead, creating a loop.

Adjust the size of the loop by pulling the crimp bead towards it, making it smaller, but large enough to let a jump ring move freely. Then, you’ll need to squeeze the crimp bead closed with the crimp pliers so it’s not going anywhere. (See notes on crimp beads).

Step 2. Thread all three lengths of wire through the first 1 or 2 beads, depending on preference and then separate the wires and thread a bead onto each outside wire.

Repeat the whole process again; so all three wires through the one bead then separate and thread a bead onto each outer wire.

You’ll want to repeat the sequence until you reach the required bracelet length but finish with the one or two beads through all three wires as you did at the start. If you want to make this a necklace instead of a bracelet, just keep threading until you’ve got something suitable to fit around your neck.

Step 3. Once again, thread a crimp bead followed by a clasp onto all three lengths of beading wire, and then push all three wires back through the crimp bead. This should create a neat little loop.

Adjust the size of the loop by pulling the crimp bead towards it, making it smaller, but large enough to let the clasp move freely. Then, squeeze the crimp bead closed with the crimp pliers.

Trim the beading wire leaving just enough wire to push back through the last bead. Then you have yourself a stunning little bracelet that will impress your friends when you tell them you made it yourself!

Quick Memory Wire Bracelets DIY

Let me show you how to use memory wire to simplify the job! I make these as stocking fillers at Christmas for the girls in my family, and they’re always excited to see what colors and beads I use every year. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!

Things To Note:

Memory wire coils can be threaded with cute beads to make an absolutely gorgeous snake style bracelet, and it can wrap around the wrist to compliment any outfit. They also keep their shape beautifully without the need of any extra kit, cutting out the hassle of having to use a clasp.

You can whip up a few in an hour if you know what beads you’re going to use. When I’m bored and fancy a quick creative project, I gather all my beads together and experiment with what looks good together. This can take a little longer, but the results can be surprisingly stunning!

Bracelet coils of memory wire are usually available in heavyweight or lightweight, and depending on what type of beads you’ll be using you might want to consider which you go for with care.

• The lightweight wire is easier to bend and manipulate but you do need to use small lightweight beads on it. This can create a fantastic, delicate-looking bracelet fit for a princess. This probably goes without saying, but be a bit more careful with this as it can lose its shape more quickly.
• For large or heavy beads go for the heavyweight wire, it’s harder to bend but keeps its shape perfectly with heavier beads and, depending on the color and pattern of your beads, it could be suitable for a guy as well.

I’ve used a selection of 8mm glass beads, 6mm acrylic pearls, and some small silver 4mm beads on lightweight wire for a beautiful, effortless look. Remember to check with your bead supplier that the beads you want to purchase are suitable for the wire, because as said some beads are just too large to use on light weight wire.

What You Will Need:

• Memory wire
• Selection of Beads
• Jewelry pliers and wire cutters

Method:

Step 1. Cut a piece of memory wire that’s 3 to 4 coils long. Start off with this many so you can get your feet wet.

Step 2. Once you’ve got the right length of memory wire, grab the end with the round-nosed pliers and twist it over and around into a loop. This will stop your beads from falling off as you thread them, and keep them secure at that end when you come to wear or gift it.

Step 3. Thread the beads on to the wire in any order you wish, keep threading on the beads until you are left with about ½ of empty wire at the end. Be creative, you don’t have to use all the same beads.

I like to use a 3 bead combination, as I have demonstrated with the purple bracelet in the picture. Thread one type of bead, then a different one, and then return to the previous bead type and thread another so that you have two beads of the same type and one different. Then, choose a third bead type and thread 3 of them, and then repeat. It looks so gorgeous and hopefully will inspire you to come up with your own combinations.

You absolutely can use the same bead for all of it if you wish, and this works great for showcasing a really beautiful bead type you’ve got your hands on. Even asymmetric bead combinations can look nice – there are no rules!

Step 4. Finally, grab the remaining end of the memory wire with the round-nosed pliers and twist it over and around into a loop as you did with the other end. You guessed it, this seals the bracelet and makes sure everything stays in place.

There you have it, a stunning little piece of jewelry that will compliment any woman’s, or even a man’s jewelry collection.

As I’ve said, I use these memory wire bracelets for stocking fillers. They’re relatively cheap to make depending on the type of bead you’re using. If you’re looking to give one of these as a standalone gift you could use a more expensive or special bead.

There are so many different types of beads that your choices of combinations are endless! But what gets me the most is with such an easy method you can quickly make yourself or your loved ones a completely unique bracelet, one that nobody else in the world is wearing!

Matching Beaded Earrings

To make it an extra special gift, you could pair it with some matching beaded earrings! You can find out how to make the earrings in the picture to go with the bracelet here, and it’s definitely something you should try.

Making Beaded Bracelets For Men

DIY jewelry doesn’t just have to be for women. These stylish homemade bracelets for men can look great on the fashion-conscious male.

Making bracelets for men is an extremely easy and economical gift idea. Sometimes, they cost less than a dollar. Don’t forget that homemade jewelry is so unique that you don’t need to worry about anyone else wearing the same piece, making it perfect for someone special.

Tea Dyed Bone Bead Bracelet

Looking for something different? Why not have a go at this stylish bracelet that’s been made with tea-dyed bone beads and threaded with cotton thong.

You will need:

• Jewelry Making Beads – 12mm round bone beads (with large holes)
• Thin beading elastic
• Cotton or leather bootlace (thong)

Method:

1. Thread the beads with both the leather and the elastic until you come to the last 4 beads, thread these with the elastic only.
2. Tie the two ends of the elastic together into a tight (but not too tight) knot so that the bracelet slips on and off easily and then secure the knot with a dab of super glue and leave to dry.
3. Thread the leather through the last 4 beads, 2 on to each side (by threading the beads on to each side of the leather the knot in the elastic will be hidden from view when the bracelet is stretched to slip it on and off).
4. Tie a knot into each end of the leather close to the beads, and then tie the two ends of the leather together, leaving a big enough gap in the leather to allow the bracelet to be taken on and off quickly.
5. Trim the leather if necessary.

Simple Slip-On Bracelets For Men

All you need to make a simple slip-on bracelet is a piece of Elasticity and a few beads.

Method:

Step 1. Take a piece of wrist length Elasticity and thread on your chosen beads.

Step 2. Knot the elasticity tightly (but not too tightly) together at the ends, and then glue the knot for added security.

It couldn’t be easier, these practical homemade bracelets are the easiest and most popular option. They slip on and off without a catch and can usually fit any wrist.

Conclusion

That’s all I have for you today folks. I hope I’ve shown you that making homemade beaded bracelets isn’t really all that hard, and it can actually be quite economical to use up your leftover beads!

Use these as inspiration for your own beading creations. But you have to let me know, what’s your favorite bead color or shape combinations? Do you make bracelets, necklaces, anklets? Share your experience and ideas in the comments section below.