Zig Zag Bracelet

by Ali on 02/14/13

Additional Images:

Project details:

This is a design provided to us by TierraCast designed by Tracy Gonzales.

When I saw all of these great components geared towards leather I admit, I was excited. I love working with leather especially for bracelets, so when I saw this bracelet and was given a chance to make on I jumped on it. The great thing about this bracelet is that it looks so much more complicated than it really is. Still, it might be helpful to lay your pattern out first, making sure to have your bracelet length measured out so that you don't make it too small or too big.

↓ Step-by-step

↓ Buy the supplies

Supplies you’ll need:

large classic hook (TierraCast)
2 5mm nugget 3 hole bar (TierraCast)
2 6x2mm (ID or inner diameter) barrel beads (TierraCast)
7 4x2mm (ID or inner diameter) barrel beads (TierraCast)
8 7mm nugget beads w/2mm hole (ID), this is the minimum beads you need to make the bracelet, but add more if you want to - I did :-)
2 7" lengths of 2mm leather cord
15" length of cord

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Align the leather cords next to each other with the 15" length in-between the shorter strands, with 4" hanging over at both ends.

Step 2

String 1 6x2mm (ID or inner diameter) barrel bead onto the ends. Apply a dab of glue to leather at the short ends between the cords. Slide bead up to the ends over the adhesive and "crimp" the barrel using flat nose pliers to gently press the barrel down onto the leather.

Step 3

Make a small loop in the 4" tail of leather cord, this is for the hook to clasp to. Wrap the loose end around the base of the loop once and tie an overhand knot. Tighten securely adding in a bit of adhesive. Trim excess cord.

Step 4

String one 5mm nugget 3 hole bar onto the 3 cords with the longer cord being in the middle.

Step 5

Now it's time to start the Zig Zag :-)
String 1 7mm nugget with a 2mm hole onto the center cord. String 1 4x2mm (ID or inner diameter) barrel bead onto the center and 1 of the adjacent outer cords. "Crimp" the barrel using flat nose pliers to gently press the barrel down onto the leather. This will hold you pattern firmly in place, but it isn't a required step for the bracelet to work. The bracelet will still stay mostly in place even without the "crimping" of this bead.

Step 6

Repeat the pattern from "Step 5" six times, alternating the adjacent cord that you slide the barrel onto. I also, varied the beads between the barrels. Mixing the size, type and metal color allows you to make it more personalized. Just make sure that the beads all have holes 2mm in diameter.

Step 7

String a final nugget bead onto the center cord, then string on the second 3 hole bar. The 3 hole bars should be about 5" apart. It might be a good idea, if you are planning on "crimping" down all the smaller barrels, to wait until the bracelet is complete before finalizing with a crimp.

Step 8

String 1 6x2mm (ID or inner diameter) barrel bead onto the end. Apply a dab of glue to leather at the short ends between the cords. Slide bead up to the ends over the adhesive and "crimp" the barrel using flat nose pliers to gently press the barrel down onto the leather. Trim the two short tails.

Step 9

Make a small loop in the 4" tail of leather cord, slide on the hook. Wrap the loose end around the base of the loop once and tie an overhand knot. Tighten securely adding in a bit of adhesive. Trim excess cord.