Leather Bracelet |
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Description: This Leather Bracelet features two vintage knots that are very similar to each other; the Josephine and Sailor’s knot. Many Macrame books of the past consider these knots to be the same, but they are constructed differently. Make sure you know how to tie both knots easily. The material chosen for this Micro-Macrame bracelet is round leather, but you can switch to another material, particularly waxed fibers. The knots hold their shape better if the material is stiff.
You can click on any of the small images to see larger ones, which come up in a new window. |
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| Supplies Needed: |
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- 2mm to 4mm Leather or other material (2+ yards)
- Project Board and tape or pins
- Fancy button or bead for the clasp
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| Knots Used: |
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Step 1: Cut 1 strand of material, at least 2 yards long. If not using leather, prepare the ends to prevent unraveling. |
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If using leather or fragile material such as Satin, be sure to use the Cross-Pin technique when making your Leather Bracelet. Another option is to use tape to secure the loops to your project board. |
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Step 2A: Fold the cord in half. Use the left end to make the first clockwise loop in the center. Secure it to the board, so the crook (curved portion) is at the bottom, with the ends heading away from you.
Bring the left portion of the cord over the right, as you complete the loop. |
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Step 2B: Using the left portion of the cord, make a second clockwise loop, so it rests on top of and slightly to the right of the first loop. There should be 3 distinct spaces. Make sure you pass the end under the right portion of the cord, in the area just above the loop. |
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Step 2C: Begin the third loop by rotating the left end clockwise again. Direct the end through the first two loops, passing over, under, over, and under as you make your way towards the left side of the Josephine knot. |
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| Tip: Another way to look at it is to pass the end into the right space from above, up through the space in the middle, and down through the space on the left. |
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Step 2D: To tighten the Josephine Knot, tug on the second loop first, so it’s slightly larger. Slowly remove the slack from the other two loops, until the knot is balanced. The overall size of the Leather Bracelet will be determined by this knot, so take your time in this important step. |
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The largest loop (#2) will be used as part of the clasp, so make sure it's the right size for the bead or button. |
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Step 3: Now you will be making Sailor Knots to complete the Leather Bracelet. It’s best to think of the ends as two separate strands. Here are the directions: |
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Step A: Use the left strand and make a counter-clockwise circle, securing it at the crossing point. |
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Step B: Bring the right strand under the loop made in the previous step. Make sure it passes through the middle of it. Bring it over the left cord. |
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Step C: Bring the right end through the space above the first loop, passing under, then over.
The space is just below the Josephine Knot, and is indicated in red. |
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Step D: Weave the right end through Loop 1, passing over, under, and over, passing out of the area near the crook (curved portion).
Another way to look at this is to pass over both portions of loop 1, and under the portion of the right strand that runs through the middle of it. |
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Step E: Tighten the Sailor knot by slowly removing the slack. It should end up about the same size as the Josephine knot. |
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| Step 4: Repeat step 3 as many times as necessary, until the Leather Bracelet is the size you want. |
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Step 5: The bead or button should be secured to the bracelet by directing the ends through the opening, in opposite directions. You can leave a little slack above the button if you wish. |
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Next, pull on the ends until the button is where you want it placed. Tie the first half of a Square Knot so it rests on one side of the shank. If using a bead, it doesn't matter where you place the knot. |
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The second half of the Square Knot needs to be placed on the opposite side of the shank.
Apply a generous amount of glue to the ends as well as the button, and allow it to dry completely. Cut off the excess material. Your Leather Bracelet is now ready to be worn and enjoyed. |
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| Did you know that Free Macrame Patterns has an online store? We set it up at a different site, called Acajou Crafts. Just click on any of the banners like the one below and you will be sent to the store. |
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