This tutorial walks you through how to make this fun and easy seed bead bracelet with herringbone stitch. This project is perfect for beginners! And these bracelets make great handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
I show how to start the bracelet and do the stitch with larger 6/0 seed beads, so it's easier to visualize. The steps are exactly the same for the smaller beads. I also show the stitch with the smaller beads afterward. But to start your bracelet with the smaller beads, follow the same steps shown with the bigger beads beginning at 6:04.
At the beginning of the tutorial, I discuss materials and sizing. If you want to jump right to the actual beading part, skip to 6:04.
HEY NEWBIES! Check out my Ultimate Beginner's Beading Kit (https://www.thebeadmix.com/products/ultimate-beginners-beading-kit). It has EVERYTHING you need to get started making jewelry with seed beads, including EVERYTHING you need to make this bracelet (although you may want to pick out different color beads).
Below is a full material list with additional details:
1. BEADS: the example pictured is made with Miyuki 11/0 Delica beads. The exact colors are from my Fall Fest bead mix. But it will work with any Delica bead mix in my shop. It will also work with round seed beads, as discussed in the video. And if you're just getting started and don't have a big stash of beads, bead mixes are perfect! Each mix comes with a set of color-coordinated beads that look amazing together. You can find all my mixes here: https://www.thebeadmix.com/collections/all-seed-bead-mixes
You can use any size seed bead (11/0, 10/0, 8/0, and 6/0). With larger seed beads, you might need a larger clasp. The most important thing is to use beads that are UNIFORM in size and shape so that they come together nicely. I use Miyuki seed beads in my bead mixes because they are highly uniform.
2. BEADING THREAD: I recommend 6LB Crystal FireLine beading thread. https://www.thebeadmix.com/products/6lb-fireline-beading-thread However, any beading thread will work. Sewing thread is not recommended because it is not as strong.
PLEASE NOTE! In the video I said that FireLine was monofilament thread. This is a mistake. FireLine is thermally bonded thread. Multiple synthetic fibers are fused together with heat and coated with polyethylene. I’m sorry for any confusion.
3. BEADING NEEDLE: https://www.thebeadmix.com/products/pony-beading-needles-size-10-12
4. FINDINGS: In this tutorial, I use wire guards (a.k.a. thread guards - https://www.thebeadmix.com/products/sterling-silver-gold-filled-thread-guards) and a lobster clasp with a closed ring/loop to finish the bracelet (https://www.thebeadmix.com/products/sterling-silver-swivel-lobster-clasp). I also use a 2-inch piece of silver chain (https://www.thebeadmix.com/products/2-inch-sterling-silver-extender-chain) to make the bracelet adjustable, which is optional.
5. SCISSORS
6. RULER
Please let me know if you have any questions. And if you "dislike" this tutorial, please let me know why so I can keep improving. Thank you!
P.S. I apologize for the focus issues in this tutorial. I did not notice them while filming. I will do my best to avoid them in the future.