I spend a lot of time staring down walls of beads looking for the perfect pieces for my next project. Often, usually way off to the side, you’ll find strings of little ‘spacer’ beads – small beads that are disc shaped and meant to go between other beads. I think they’re much too special to be relegated to a supporting role on every project, so I designed these bracelets. If you’re lucky enough to find some center drilled discs you can combine them with pretty embroidery floss for these beads and threads bracelets.
Supplies:
– disc shaped beads (any size or shape, as long as they’re flat and center drilled)
– embroidery floss
– needles with eyes large enough for embroidery floss
– fold over end caps
– jewelry clasp
– jump rings
– jewelry pliers
– scissors
– jeweler’s cement or other clear glue (optional)
Cut a piece of thread at least 6 times as long as the finished length (more for thicker discs.) Fold it in half and tie a knot or two near the end.
Thread a needle onto each end.
Pick up a disc and stitch it as shown. Both needles wouldn’t fit through mine at the same time, just be sure this is the direction you stitch each disc.
Slide the disc down and square it up with the knot. Add another disc the same way.
Slide it into alignment as shown.
Keep adding discs and aligning them as shown. They should all set the same direction for best results. Keep the thread evenly tightened. You want it tight enough to keep the discs in place but not so tight that you can’t bend the bracelet.
When it’s long enough tie a knot at the end.
Bend a fold-over end cap over each end using the pliers. Add a drop of glue before bending it you’d like some extra security. Trim the thread tails neatly.
Jump ring the clasp into place.
Another way to align the discs is one in front, one in back, one in front, one in back, etc.
Another alternative is to tie knots between each disc.
Start the bracelet and stitch through the first disc like before.
Then tie an overhand knot. Using an awl or similarly shaped tool can help to tighten the knot where you want it to land.
Pulling the two strands apart will also help tighten the knot up against the disc.
Repeat the same process of stitching in a disc and tying a knot until you reach the desired length.
Finish this bracelet the same way as the others.
Make a handful (I was able to make 2-3 bracelets per strand of spacer beads) and stack them on your wrist!