Oysterman Bracelet

Supplies Needed:

• 1mm Cord, either Hemp, Leather, or similar material.
• 9+ Beads with holes big enough for 4 strands
• Project Board and pins
• Tape
• Glue

Decorative Knots Used:

• Oysterman Knot
• Barrel Knot
• Double Half Hitch (DHH)
• Wrapped Knot Clasp

Designing the Oysterman Bracelet

Step 1:  Cut 4 strands of material, each 60 inches long.  Prepare the ends by applying glue to the tips.  Allow it to dry completely.

Step 2:  Slide a bead over all 4 cords.  Arrange it so it is in the center of them.  Secure it to your project board with tape. 

Step 3:  Tie an Oysterman Knot next to the bead.  It’s important to get it as close as possible. Use both strands working together (as if they were 1 cord).

Tip:  The best way to position the Oysterman Knot is to tighten the first part (Overhand Knot), leaving only a small loop.  Try to tighten it so it rests right up against the bead. Then complete the rest of the knot.

Step 4:  Repeat step 3, placing the Oysterman knot on the opposite side of the bead.

Step 5:  Add a bead next to each of the buttons you just tied.  Tie an Oysterman knot close to them, just like the others.

Step 6:  Repeat step 5.

Step 7: Add a bead next to the buttons.  Turn the bracelet so it is vertical and directly in front of you.  Secure it with pins so it cannot move.  You will work with the 2 ends closest to you.  Take the strand on the left and secure it.  Make sure it is very taut.  This will be the holding cord for the next set of knots.

Tip: I like to wrap the cord around a T-pin several times and apply a piece of tape to keep it there. This way the strand doesn't move around much.

Step 8:  Use the right strand and make 3 Double Half Hitches.  Tighten them firmly, and do not allow them to twist.

Step 9:  Add one more bead, sliding it onto the 2 strands so it rests next to the DHH.

Step 10:  Re-secure the bracelet as you did in step 7. It’s important that the holding cord (left strand) is very taut and that the Oysterman Bracelet cannot move around.  Also, be sure to use the same working cord as  in step 8.

Step 11:  Tie 15 to 20 DHH, depending on your wrist size.  As you tighten each knot, make sure the holding cord is not twisting.  This part of the Oysterman Bracelet needs to be as straight as possible.

Step 12:  Turn the entire bracelet around, and repeat steps 7 thru 11.  Measure the design on your wrist to make sure it fits.  If necessary, add more DHH.

Creating the Clasp

Step 13:  To make the sliding Clasp, direct the ends in opposite directions, making a circle with the Oysterman bracelet.  There should be at least 2 inches of space between the last knots in the bracelet, and where the strands cross each other. 

Use the 20-inch cord and make a Wrapped Knot around all 4 strands, at the crossing point.  Refer to Jewelry Clasps for more information and images to help you make this particular clasp.

Step 14:  Cut off any excess from the short cord used to make the clasp. Be careful not to cut the other four strands.

Finishing Touches

Step 15:  Make sure the 4 ends slide easily through the clasp.  Trim them so they are approximately 5 inches long.  Tie a Barrel knot in 2 of the strands, near the end.  Add a bead, followed by another Barrel knot. 

Repeat this process with the other 2 strands.

Step 16:  Lay the Oysterman bracelet on a piece of paper.  Flatten the long sections of Double Half Hitches.  Apply glue, and tape them to the paper while the glue dries.  This will help keep those portions of the bracelet from twisting later on when it is being worn.