Rainbow Bracelet

Description:  The Rainbow Bracelet features the use of multiple colors to produce an interesting wavy design.  This Micro-Macramé pattern uses classic knots, and is easy enough for beginners.  It’s important that you use a project board with this jewelry project, since you are using fine cord materials, and will need pins to help you control them.

• 2mm Cord material in 4 or 5 different colors
• Project Board and pins
• Fabric or Household glue

• Double Half Hitch
• Square Knot
• Double Half Hitch Mount                      
• Linen Stitch

Cutting and Preparing Cords

Holding Cords: Cut 2 strands (any color), each 36 inches long
Working Cords (x4): Cut 1 strand of each color, 70 inches long                      

This is for a 7-inch to 9-inch bracelet. Increase this measurement by 5 inches for a larger size.

Prepare the ends using one of the techniques described in Cord Preparation. 

Step 4: Attach each of the working cords to the holding cord you just moved, with a DHH. Be sure to attach the colors opposite of the order they were mounted.  The first DHH should rest next to the knots used in the mounting process. Don't forget there are 2 of each color, which should be attached side-by-side. Make the knots tight, and pull the slack out above the knots.  The unknotted areas should be as straight as possible.

Step 5:  Direct the second holding cord on the same angle as the first.  Make another row of knots, pulling them tight, so the bar rests up against the first one. Keep the colors in the same order.

Step 8:  Attach the first working cord on the left (cord 1) to it with a Triple Half Hitch.  That’s one DHH plus a single HH.  This will curve and soften the point.  Next, attach cords 2 thru 8 with Double Half Hitches.

Step 9:  Take the other holding cord and secure it on the same angle as the one previously used.  The second row of knots should be right up against the first, so pull the knots tight.

Step 10:  Use the same holding cord, and direct it back to the left. In other words, start with the one that rests closest to the working cords.  Attach cord 8 to it with a Triple HH.  Then attach the rest of the strands, with DHH.

Step 11: Use the other holding cord and make the second row of knots on the same angle.  The cord closest to the point (#8) should be a Triple HH. 

Step 12: Repeat steps 7 thru 10 until the Rainbow Bracelet is the size you want.

Finishing Touches

Step 13:  Gather all the strands together and use one of the holding cords to make the Linen Stitch.  Wrap for approximately ½ inch.  Switch to the other holding cord to make the final step.

Step 14:  Make a small Overhand Knot with the 2 holding cords, with the crossing point at the top of the circle.  Don’t tighten it.  Wrap each end around the loop several times.  One end should head left, and the other right.  Start at the top of the loop, and work towards the bottom, ending close to the Linen Stitch.  For more information about making this Barrel Twist Clasp for your Rainbow Bracelet, see Jewelry Clasps.

Step 15:  Tie a Square knot using the same 2 strands you made the clasp with as the working cords.  The other cords are the fillers.  Tighten it down securely, making it as tight as you can. Next, direct the ends to the back of the Rainbow Bracelet. 

Step 17:  Apply glue to the knot, and to the back of the bracelet, so the ends stick.  Allow it to dry completely.   Trim off the remainder. 

Step 18:  Apply glue to the “tails” left at the other end of the Rainbow Bracelet.  You can also tie tight Barrel Knots at the tips.  These two ends pass through the loop to hold the bracelet on the wrist.  Tie any type of knot to complete the clasp.