Step 9
String a fire polish bead then a couple of seed beads of your choice. Repeat until you’ve added 6cm of beads or the desired length to fit your wrist. Pull the thread so there are no gaps.
Step 10 (See step 12 to add a metal clasp)
String enough seed beads to form a ring that is the right size for a fire polish bead to pass snugly through. In this example 15A’s have been used but you must check this as beads naturally slightly vary in size. Go around the ring again. Pass back down
the strap all the way to the netted beadwork. Weave the end into the work, knotting to secure.
Step 11
Repeat the stringing order used in step 9 on the other side of your work until you have a slightly longer length than the other side - finish with a single fire polish bead and seed bead. When wearing, you can adjust fit simply by slipping one or more beads through the loop. Pull the thread so there are no gaps between the beads then skipping this last seed bead pass back down the strap all the way to the netted beadwork. Weave the end into the work, knotting to secure. You can add a dab of glue to the knot if you wish.
Step 12
If you wish to add a metal clasp to your design instead of the beaded clasp, simply create your beaded chain on each side of your bracelet and thread approx 15 seed beads to create a loop. Thread on one half of your clasp (this may be a jumpring for a lobster clasp design). Thread back down through the first seed bead added in this loop, down the chain and secure your thread. Repeat this on the other side of your bracelet and add the other half of your clasp (add a second jumpring for a lobster clasp and attach this to the loop on the finding).
TOP TIP - Bangle construction guidance
Steps 1-8 are used to make a bangle. The beadwork needs to be firmer and reinforced so after forming each round, go through all the beads in that step again and pull firmly. As you work, check the length by bringing the two ends together around your wrist. To add more thread simply weave the old thread end in then attach a new piece in the same way. To join the ends string 3A, curve the bracelet around and line up the ends – make sure you don’t twist it. Go through the next 1C of the very first round. String 3B and go through the next 1C. Repeat twice. Go through the entire round again to reinforce.
A tubular netting technique is used in this project. For simplicity, we’ve just used seed beads colours A, B, C but provided you stick to the sizes you can use any colour
combination that appeals to you.
Size 15 colour - A
Size 15 colour - B
Size 11 colour - C
Step 1 - starter round
Thread a needle onto about 120cm of thread. String the following beads: 1x C and 1 x 4mm fire polish bead, repeat twice. Knot into a ring leaving a 15cm tail. Then pass the needle through all the beads a second time exiting after C.
Step 2
String the following: 3A, 1C and 3B. Go through the next 1C from the previous round. Repeat twice more. ‘Step up’ ready for the next by going through the first 4 beads strung in this step, you’ll be exiting after a C.
Step 3
String 1 fire polish bead. Go through the next 1C from the previous round. It will look like you are skipping a 1C but this C was added in the first round.
Repeat twice more.
Step 4
Step up’ to the next round by going through the next fire polish and 1C.
Step 5
Pull tight so that the fire polish beads just added sit between those added in the starting round.
Step 6
String the following: 3A, 1C and 3B. Go through the next 1C from the previous round. Repeat twice. ‘Step up’ to the next round by going through the first 4 beads strung in this step – you’ll be exiting after a 1C.
Step 7
String 1 fire polish. Go through the next 1C from the previous round. Repeat twice more. Then ‘step up’ to the next round by going through the next fire polish bead and 1C. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until you have about a 5cm length.
Step 8
Repeat step 7 one more time exiting after a 1C. To draw the netting to a point, go through the next 1C then the next 1C. Pull firmly then go through all 3C’s once more. Knot the thread to the work in a couple of places. This completes the netted part of the bracelet. If you find that the beadwork is rather loose, go through all the seed beads a second time but don’t overtighten or your bracelet will be too rigid.