Wednesday, April 4, 2012

DIY Nautical Rope Bracelet Tutorial

UPDATE:  These are now available in my Etsy store if you'd prefer to buy than DIY :)

I know you're thinking, "duh, I know how to braid, why are you doing this tutorial?"  This actually uses a similar method to creating a Turk's head knot which results in a cleaner looking braid that does not require 3 strands.  In fact, you can use a single strand if you wish.


What I used:
~24 inches of blue and green ropes (purchased in trim section of fabric store)
Glue
Jewelry pliers
2 jump rings
2 cord ends
1 lobster clasp
Scissors 

Leaving a few inches at one end, make a loop

Bring the long end up through the loop

Create a figure 8 with the loop.
For a longer braid, make a larger loop and more figure 8s.

Thread long end through the 1st portion of the figure 8

Thread long end through the 2nd portion of the figure 8

What it should look like after all threading

Lightly pull at both ends to tighten the braid.  Arrange strands by tightening / loosening to get desired look.

Snip rope ends to desired length.  Add clear glue to ends so rope doesn't unravel.

Dab glue in cord end and insert rope ends.  Let dry.  Do this for each side.

Use pliers to fold the cord ends together enclosing the ropes.  Add jump ring.

Do the same thing with the other end but also add your lobster clasp.  

That's it!

For different variations, add more colors / ropes or change the closures as you'd like.

DIY Nautical Rope Bracelet (buy here from Etsy)
Timex + J. Crew Strap
DIY Nautical Wrap Bracelet

42 comments:

  1. This is great and so easy to follow w/your instructions/pics:) Giveaway perhaps? lol

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    1. Oh good! I'm always so pleased when something looks doable from one of my tutorials!

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  2. Thanks so much. It is really interesting! So if i want more braid, do i need to make more 8 in Step 'Create a figure 8 with the loop'? (sorry I don't know how to describe!)

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    1. Thanks for the question! I edited my post to include that a longer loop with more figure 8s will give you a longer braid :)

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks Lisa! You are so sweet for pinning this :)

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  4. Always such great tutorials S :)

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  5. Thanks so much for this tutorial. My daughter will love this. Going to show her when I got home later.

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  6. this is really cool! you are so talented and so creative! :D

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Fashion To Figure Giveaway: Win any item $30 or less
    Poshlocket Giveaway: Win a Shelly Fabric Choker

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  7. How neat! I thought you had actually braided them but then the ends didnt look right for that ;-) Thanks for this tutorial!

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    1. Hehe, I've tried traditional braiding but it didn't give me the look I wanted :)

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  8. what a great idea! and it looks beautifu!

    xxx Anita

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  9. That looks awesome - what a cute DIY :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  10. This looks so easy, I think I might be able to attempt it =)

    No worries on the AI giveaway my dear, it will come eventually just keep me posted. Once you hear from them will you let me know, I might have to request a bigger size since I have been snacking late at night due to cramming for Finals and the upcoming bar!

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    1. Thanks Thu - I'll definitely let you know what I hear. Hope to get this resolved!

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  11. Replies
    1. Thank you! Would love to hear how it turns out :)

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  12. Great tutorial, S! I probably will try to make these this weekend for the little one since the chain is heavy for her wrist.

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  13. Great tutorial :) and loving your watch as well :)

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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    1. Thanks Katherine! I'm loving my watch too - the face is so big that I can tell time so much more easily :D

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  14. Eep! This reminds me that I haven't entered your bracelet giveaway yet *runs to do that*

    Will we see these new bracelets up on your Etsy shop soon? :)

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    1. LOL! I've been rather lazy at putting things on Etsy lately. I meant to put scarves up but by the time I thought of it, scarf season was long over!

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  15. wow! what beautiful idea! this tutoria is amazing! i make also my congratulations for your blog! it is so well done! i love it! i invite you to visit mine....and why don't keep in touch!?
    a big kiss
    Miriam stella

    is fashion my Passion? the MiriamStella's Blog
    MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE CLICK HERE

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  16. I really love your blog!
    Keep posting dear!!

    XX

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  17. this is so cool! i will definitely try this! thank you!

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  18. I love it! I'm so going to try it, thanks so much for the tutorial!

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    1. You are so welcome! Would love to know the result :)

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  19. You are so crafty! I love that bracelet!!

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  20. Thanks for sharing. Love this! I'm definitely going to (try to) make one, but with navy and white rope only to make it super nautical. It'll be perfect to wear on Cape Cod this summer! Thanks again!

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  21. Why are all your tutorials amazing?? :) Gonna try this and the crocheted necklace!

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  22. I love this tutorial! I am having the hardest time finding the ropes. Do you have any suggestions for ordering them online?

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    1. Hi Michelle! You can generally find them with search term "cord" - here's some from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=lp_12899361_nr_n_2?rh=n%3A2617941011%2Cn%3A%212617942011%2Cn%3A12899091%2Cn%3A12899361%2Cn%3A12899421&bbn=12899361&ie=UTF8&qid=1364195453&rnid=12899361

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