STEP 1
For clarity we’ve used a dark thread in our photographs. Cut two
pieces of monofilament 50cm long – it sounds a lot for a bracelet
but you’ll find it easier to work the later stages of the bracelet if
you’ve got a reasonable length to work with. Start by tying both
strands together in an overhand knot about 5cm from the end.
Pull the knot really tight then thread a calotte onto the long end
and slide it down to the knot – the open side need face the knot.
STEP 2
Add a dab of glue to the knot and close the calotte firmly around
it – don’t trim the excess yet just pull it slightly to one side so you
can cut it when the glue is dry. Thread a single bead onto both
strands. Next, onto one strand string: 1 seed bead, 1 crystal and
3 seed beads. Onto the other strand string: 3 seed beads and
1 crystal.
STEP 3
Bring both strands together and pass them side-by-side through
the channel on the back of a montee. You’ll find it easier to see
the channel if you hold the montee the wrong way up.
STEP 4
Separate the strands. Onto one strand string: 1 crystal and 3 seed
beads. Onto the other strand string: 3 seed beads and 1 crystal.
Once you’ve got the hang of the bead order you may wish to
string one strand up with beads and montees first. Then you can
add the groups of beads to the other weaving through the
montees on the other strand as you go. Pop a clip on the fully
strung strand to stop the beads coming off.
STEP 5
As before, bring both strands together and pass them side-by-
side through the channel on the back of a montee.
STEP 6
Repeat steps 4 & 5 until you have the desired length – check the
size around your wrist as you go. Make sure the montees are all
facing the same way up and the beads close together. Don’t
worry if you have some small gaps as this helps the bracelet to
remain flexible. The double thickness of strand passing through
them helps with this.
STEP 7
When you’ve strung the last group of beads add a single seed
bead to the strand with 3 seed beads and then a crystal. Then
pass both strands through another seed bead. Push all the
beads up and make any adjustments to ensure the bracelet
is symmetrical.
STEP 8
Thread both strands through a calotte so that the hinge is facing the beads. Tie both strands together in a loose overhand knot. Push the calotte up to the beads and position a needle or pin through the loose knot and hold it right inside the calotte. Pull the loose ends so that the knot closes within the calotte. Remove the needle and tighten. Add a dab of glue to the knot and close the calotte around the knot. As in step 2 don’t trim the excess before you close the calotte.
STEP 9
Add the clasp by opening a jump ring. Grip it either side of the join with two pairs of pliers then using a twisting motion bring one hand towards you and push the other away so that the ring opens just like a gate. Slip on the clasp then close the jump ring by reversing the opening action. Finish by adding a single jump ring to the other end.