Hemp Bracelet
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| Description: This interesting Hemp Bracelet has one or more beads in the center, surrounded by knots in what is called a Buttonhole design. You can also use novelty buttons to decorate the center of this unique bracelet. The overall design uses a technique known as “nesting”, and is a vintage technique found in very few books. This is a relatively easy Micro-Macrame pattern, so is suitable for beginners with a little experience. |
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| Supplies Needed: |
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- 1mm to 2mm Hemp material
- 1 to 3 beads with holes large enough for 2 strands
- Project Board and pins
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| Choose your Hemp Carefully! It's important to inspect the material to make sure it is not dried out. Hemp is supposed to have a slight sheen and should be smooth. If it is rough or dry, it wont' be comfortable on your skin. A good way to be sure you are getting good Hemp is to make sure it is in a package. If it is sitting out, open to the air, it will be too dry. So store it in a plastic bag when you're not using it. |
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| Knots Used: |
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Here's a diagram of the different parts of the Hemp Bracelet.
You can click on any of the small images and larger ones will come up in a new window. |
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Step 1: Cut 6 cords, each 60 inches long. (For a 10-inch or larger Hemp Bracelet, cut the cords to approximately 70 inches). For the clasp, cut 1 cord, 18 inches long. Prepare the ends with glue to prevent unraveling as you work with them.
Step 2: Place the long cords vertically in front of you. Secure them to your board 8 inches from one end. The best way is to tie a temporary Overhand knot, and secure it to the board, rather than each individual strand.
The 2 strands in the center are the filler cords throughout the pattern. The other 4 are working cords, which are divided into 2 sets. If you mentally number the cords 1 thru 6, the fillers are 3 and 4. One set of working cords is 1 and 6, and the other set is 2 and 5. |
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Tip: You can label the cords with different types of tape so you can easily identify them. |
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| Step 3: Take working cords 1 and 6 and tie the first half of a Square knot, around the filler cords. The other two working cords are not used as part of this knot. When you are finished, direct the cords straight out to the sides, resting horizontally. |
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Step 4: Now it's time to switch to the other 2 working cords (2 and 5). First, pass cord 2 under cord 1, heading downward (vertically). Do the same with cord 5, passing it under cord 6. Use them to tie a complete Square knot, around the filler cords. |
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Tip: Since this Hemp Bracelet uses this "nestled" SK pattern, it's important you understand the process very well. So here's another way to look at it: |
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| Think of the working cords you are currently using, as heading towards you. They have to pass under the previous set of working cords, because those strands are off to the sides. After the new knot is tied, the two sets of working cords simply swap places. |
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Step 5: Take the first set of working cords (1 and 6), and direct them under the previous set (1 and 5). Use them to tie the second half of the SK.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3 thru 5 several more times. You can start with cords 1 and 6 each time you repeat the process, or you can alternate which working cords you begin with.
Stop when the Hemp Bracelet is half the size you want. For example: To make an 8-inch bracelet, stop when the design measures 4 inches. |
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This is a close-up of the "nestled" pattern you are creating with the Square knots. It's also called an Alternating Sennit, and it's unique.
The only place I have ever seen this knot described is in a book written in 1903. so it's definitely a Vintage knot. |
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Step 7: Divide the cords into three groups of 2. Slide the beads onto the cords of the center group.
Step 8: Take the 2 cords on the left, and secure the strand on the inside (#2), so it is taut. That will be the holding cord. You can hold it if you wish, but securing it makes this process easier. The outside strand is the working cord (#1).
Tie 5 to 7 vertical Larks Head knots, forming the first half of the Double Buttonhole stitch. The number of knots you make will depend on the size of the beads. The heads of the knots should face outward.
Step 9: Take the 2 cords on the right, and do the same. The working cord is on the outside (#6), and the holding cord is #5. |
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Step 10: Bring all 6 cords together again. Mentally re-number the strands 1 thru 6. To make the second half of the Hemp Bracelet, repeat steps 3 thru 6. Make sure the first set of cords you use are the ones numbered 2 and 5. The second set is 1 and 6. Stop when the Bracelet is the size you want, and both portions are symmetrical.
Step 11: Remove the Overhand knot you tied in step 2. Tie a tight Double Square Knot using 2 working cords together as if they were one cord. Tie the knot around the 2 strands in the middle (fillers). Repeat the process at the other end of the Hemp Bracelet. |
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Step 12: To make the clasp, curve the bracelet into a circle. The ends need to lie next to one another, heading in opposite directions. |
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Take the 18-inch cord and use it to make a Wrapped knot around the others. Make the knot snug, and try to place it about 2 inches away from the last SK tied. Cut off any excess from the short cord only.
If you prefer to use adifferent knot for the clasp of your Hemp Bracelet, see Sliding Clasps for more ideas.
Step 13: Twist the ends repeatedly and tie a Barrel Knot with all the cords, approximately 6 inches from the clasp. Do this at both ends of the bracelet.
If you wish, you can add beads, followed by Barrel Knots, applying them to the individual strands. |
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| Need QUALITY Hemp or other Materials? The online store for this site is open for business every day of the year. We have a large selection of beads, cord, rings, kits, buttons, and more. Simply click on any of the Acajou banners all over this site to go to the store. |
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