How to Make a Three-Strand Stretch Bracelet

How to Make a Three-Strand Stretch Bracelet
Published: Dec 20, 2010
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
2 minute read

A three-strand stretch bracelet is an accessory that every woman should have to complement her wardrobe. Depending on the materials used for the bracelet it can range from casual and earthy to glamorous and sophisticated. Elastic thread makes a clasp unnecessary while making the bracelet simple to put on. Making your own multistrand bracelet is not as difficult or costly as you might think. With a few materials you can make a stunning or casual accessory for your wardrobe that truly is one of a kind.

bracelets au pluriel image by Francis Lempérière from Fotolia.com

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Scissors
  • Beads
  • 2 Pair Of Hemostats Or Locking Pliers
  • Beading Mat
  • 1-Millimeter Elastic Thread
  • 3-Strand Metal Separators
  • beads image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com

    Lay your beads out on a beading mat in the order you want to thread them onto the elastic. Place a three-stand separator at least every 2 inches.

    scissors image by dinostock from Fotolia.com

    Cut three lengths of 1-millimeter elastic thread large enough to fit around your wrist. Pinch three of the ends with locking pliers or hemostats with the long ends open. The elastic makes cutting your elastic to fit around your hand unnecessary.

    hemostats and clamps image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com

    Thread the three strands of elastic through the three holes in the metal separator. It will take some coordination to hold and string all once; just keep a firm hold on the ends that are not clamped and thread the separator one thread at a time.

    bead on a plastic wire image by cirikate from Fotolia.com

    Thread the beads one at a time onto the elastic strands. Alternate the strands so that the beads are even and follow the pattern you have laid out on the beading mat.

    Stock pictures of hemostats used in surgical practice image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com

    Clamp two of the open ends of the elastic stands with the second pair of locking pliers or hemostats, holding the last open strand in your hand.

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    Release one strand of the beaded thread on the first set of clamped ends, keeping the other two firmly clamped with the locking pliers or hemostats.

    Tie the two ends of the first strand of elastic together by wrapping the strands together around your forefinger, tucking the tails through the loop with your opposite thumb and forefinger and pulling them tight, just like tying a balloon. Repeat this with the remaining two strands to complete the bracelet.

    Cut any long ends of the elastic off to within 1/4 inch.

    Annmarie Keller

    Annmarie Keller has been a writer for more than 20 years. She has published her work in "Redbook," "Parenting," "Sunset" and "Good Housekeeping." Keller earned a bachelor's degree in English from California State University, Hayward.

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