This wavy bracelet is a variation of a very popular and well used technique; Right Angle Weave. The perfect stitch to Make a quick beaded summer bracelet with seed beads and bugles. Ideal for a fun and quick summer project.
Step 1 – setting up the thread
Cut 2 lengths of 0.25mm supplemax thread, 1 approximately 65cm long and the other 40cm. Attach both together at the end with a size 1 crimp tube (double check they’re both secure). Then cover the crimp bead with a necklace end. I also like to attach my clasp at this point, to make it easier to try on as you’re beading. I’ve used the Tierracast Leaf toggle as I like the size and the subtle detail.
Step 2 – setting up the beaded summer bracelet
I’m using size 8 seed beads and 7mm twisted bugles, both in silver lined aqua. Pick up 1 seed bead on one thread, and pass the other end of the thread through the same bead in the opposite direction (this is a cross-over bead). On the short length of thread pick up 1 seed bead and on the longer one pick up 2. Now cross over in a bugle bead.
Step 3 – creating the beaded summer bracelet
On the longer length of thread pick up 3 seed beads, then cross over through a bugle bead. The long thread will now be on the opposite side. Pick up another 3 seed beads on the longer thread and cross over again in a bugle bead.
This has established the repeating pattern. Continue beading in the same way, always alternating the side the 3 seed beads are added, to create the wavy effect. Continue adding beads until your bracelet almost reaches around your wrist (with approximately 1cm gap between the end of your clasp and the last bead) finish after adding a bugle bead.
Step 4 – finishing your beaded summer bracelet
Pick up 2 seed beads on the long length and 1 on the other and cross over through another seed bead. Now slide a necklace end on (through the back), followed by a crimp tube, once you’re happy with the tension, get hold of the crimp tube in a pair of chain nose pliers (hold onto the ends of thread in your opposite hand and slide the crimp down inside the necklace end then squash it firmly (double check it’s secure). Cut off the excess thread, close the necklace end and attach the other side of your toggle clasp.
I find this can be a little tricky when using springy thread. So I filmed adding the necklace end on to the end of the bracelet to share my tips and tricks for getting it right.
Your bracelet is now finished!
I hope you’ve enjoy our beaded summer bracelet project and feel inspired. There’s lots of ways to adapt the design, just like these examples, by simply changing the colours, or sizes of beads. You can even adapt the pattern to add more cross-over bugle beads.
