Diamond Bracelet

Description:  The Diamond Bracelet was written based on an image Sherry Sullivan sent me of her favorite design.  It features a series of diamonds with beads nestled inside.  The contrasting color creates a star-like pattern in between the diamonds.  This interesting Micro-Macrame bracelet can be made with a variety of cord materials, but be sure to choose something soft against the skin, like Cotton or Satin Rattail.

Supplies Needed:

• 2mm to 4mm Macrame Cord (2 different colors)
• Round Beads with holes large enough for 2 strands
• Project Board and pins

Knots Used: 

• Double Half Hitch
• Square Knot
• Wrapped Knot
• Barrel Knot

To practice making Diamonds, click on the link, or go to Learn Macrame.

Cutting and Preparing the Cords

Step 1:  Cut 8 cords, each 50 inches long.  Prepare the ends with glue to prevent unraveling.

Step 2:  Lay the cords vertically on the project board as follows:

2 Color A
4 Color B
2 Color A

Creating the First Half of the Bracelet

Step 3:  Mentally number the cords 1 thru 8.  The holding cords for the entire design will be 4 and 5.  The other strands will be used to tie the knots onto them.

Step 4:  Direct holding cord 4 to the right, diagonally, and secure it so it is taut.  Attach cords 6 thru 8 to it with DHH.

Step 6:  Slide a bead onto cords 3 and 6, which should be the same color as the holding cords. 

Designing the Second Half

Step 9:  Turn the bracelet around.  When you made the first diamond, the top of it was not closed.  So you will need to do so now.  Select cords 4 and 5 again, as the holding cords, and attach one to the other with a DHH.

Step 10:  Repeat steps 4 thru 8 to make the second half of the Diamond Bracelet.

Finishing Touches

Step 11:  Cut 2 pieces of material, each 20 inches long.  Make a Wrapped knot with 1 of these short cords, around the others, so it rests close to the last diamond made.  Do the same at the other end of the Diamond Bracelet. 

Apply glue to the knots, and allow it to dry.  Cut off the excess from the short cords, along with 4 of the bracelet strands.  You should end up with 4 strands at each end.

Step 12:  Trim the remaining strands to 6 to 8 inches, measuring from the Wrapped Knots.  Apply a bead to 2 ends, followed by a tight Barrel Knot. Repeat this process with the remaining ends. This prevents the ends from sliding out of the clasp.

Making the Clasp

Step 13:  Arrange the Diamond bracelet in a circle, so the ends are heading in opposite directions.  Cut 1 strand of material, 20 inches long.  Place this cord midway between the beaded ends and the Wrapped Knots.  Center it, and tie 4 to 6 Square Knots around the other cords, to form the sliding clasp.  Make the knots snug, but not tight, otherwise the ends can’t slide through easily.

Step 14:  On the inside of the clasp, tie off the ends by making a tight Square Knot (with no fillers).  It should rest right up against the clasp.  Apply glue and allow it to dry.  Cut off the excess.