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Deirdre R on “Knitting on a Spool with Soft Flex Beading Wire”:
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sewcreative on “Non-Identical Twins”:
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M Little on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Thank you for such great information. I would like more ideas on a work…” read »
grayscrafts on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
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Learning the Ladder Stitch

About this Tip:

The ladder stitch is vital in creating wrap bracelets. In this video, you'll learn how to use the ladder stitch to create a simple single-wrap bracelet.

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Making more than a single wrap?

For each additional wrap around your wrist, you’ll need to add 15 inches of cord and 7-8 feet of thread. Bracelet sizes are subjective, so we’re using a common size of 7.5″ in the chart below. We recommend testing your project often by wrapping it around your wrist to see how it feels.

Single wrap (7.5″): You’ll need 30 inches of cord plus 7-8 feet of thread

2 wraps (15″): You’ll need 45 inches of cord plus 14-16 feet of thread

3 wraps (22.5″): You’ll need 60 inches of cord plus 21-24 feet of thread

4 wraps (30″): You’ll need 75 inches of cord plus 28-32 feet of thread

5 wraps (37.5″): You’ll need 90 inches of cord plus 35-40 feet of thread

Step-by-Step Instructions:

	Step 1: Eventually this will become second nature to your hands. You are essentially creating a figure eight around your cord with a bead in the middle. Take your threaded needle coming from the top of the cord on the left string through your bead under the cord on the right looping back around that cord and string back through your bead. Then pass your needle under the cord on the left and loop around the cord in preparation for the next bead.
	Step 2: Begin and end your ladder stitch wrap bracelet with 1-2 smaller beads to allow for a smoother transition. This should increase the longevity of your piece as there won't be so much tension on the thread and cords. I used one 4mm round bead at the beginning and end of this piece.
	Step 3: It is very important to check the size of your bracelet as you make it. Either check it against your own wrist or use a measuring tape.
	Step 4: Before finalizing your knot, make sure to check that your button can fit through the loop.

Designs using this Technique:

Read the comments (or add your own)

On Nov 03, 2011 at 7:42 pm #
Anna C WonderChick says:

These are great Ali! I definitely have to try this. But it is hard to choose between all the great beads in my stash.
On Nov 03, 2011 at 11:53 pm #
D SOUTHERLAND says:

THIS WAS VERY HELPFUL SOME ARE HARD TO LEARN FROM NOT THIS ONE IT IS GREAT
THANKS
On Nov 04, 2011 at 8:48 am #
Tricia O says:

I LOVE this design! They sell for CRAZY prices in stores and can be made so inexpensively. I look for unique charms to use as the “button” clasp. Think outside the box. Even letter beads can be used to spell out names or words in the middle of bracelet. Kids love these!
On Nov 04, 2011 at 11:03 am #
A Gorman says:

This is great! Very easy to follow.
On Nov 04, 2011 at 12:31 pm #
N Corn says:

Have to try this. I love it.
On Nov 04, 2011 at 8:24 pm #
Cathy H Chocolate Chick says:

Thanks so much for the great, easy to follow instructions!!
On Nov 05, 2011 at 2:10 pm #
Ali says:

Thanks, I hope the instructions help!
On Nov 06, 2011 at 3:00 pm #
Beverly g says:

The instructions are very easy to follow. Now I am going to try this.
On Nov 07, 2011 at 11:24 am #
D Wade says:

This is a wonderful tutorial. The ladder stitch will be a perfect stitch for a choker I am designing.
On Nov 17, 2011 at 11:33 am #
Anna706 says:

Thank you for this, my first one was great. My daughter staked claim on it already. Easy instructions.
On Nov 18, 2011 at 12:22 am #
Mustard Seed Beads says:

Thank you Ali for the instructions. I live in a very rural area 75 miles from town and this is the only way i can learn to make new things. Very helpful!
Grace to you,
Kim
On Dec 02, 2011 at 11:13 am #
S Knott says:

New and loving it. easy to watch and follow. thanks
On Dec 15, 2011 at 8:32 pm #
L rudnick says:

I also see these bracelets as attached multiples – or stacked one on top of another and resembling the thickness of a cuff. how would you suggest further developing this concept and attaching/weaving them in this way ??

thanx for the help !!
On Dec 17, 2011 at 9:01 pm #
Vilma M says:

This is the BEST tutorial is have seen!! Thanks so much!!
On Dec 18, 2011 at 3:45 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:

Wonderful tutorial, Ali — thanks so much! I’m looking forward to trying one of these soon!
On Dec 31, 2011 at 9:19 pm #
D Hartman says:

Nice blog.
On Jan 01, 2012 at 8:40 pm #
Coree M says:

The tutorial is very instructive and easy to follow. Cannot wait until I get to my bead, leather, buttons (some are very old, 6 generations); cord and start making these beautiful bracelets. Thank-You again.
On Jan 01, 2012 at 9:13 pm #
Frances r says:

THANKS FOR THE GREAT INSTRUCTIONS. I HAVE FOUGHT THIS DESIGN QUITE A FEW TIMES. I HAVE ONE QUESTION. WHAT TYPE OF NEEDLE DO YOU USE?

THANKS FRANCES
On Jan 06, 2012 at 4:42 pm #
Tanja L says:

Thanks, Ali! The tutorial is much better than the one on YouTube. Clear and simple. I used 1mm cord and it looks very nice with cat eye beads naturally forming sort of a line…
On Jan 09, 2012 at 5:52 pm #
dcjd says:

Great tutorial. Can plastic buttons with plastic shanks be used?
On Jan 12, 2012 at 3:44 pm #
JustImagine - Val says:

Thank you for the instructions Ali. I’ve always wanted to know how to make these bracelets. Your instructions are very clear and easy to understand. I’m hooked on the ladder stitch now!
On Jan 12, 2012 at 5:59 pm #
A Touch of Style says:

I like it, it’s also a unisex style. I have the same questions as L Rudnick. How could I stak one on top of anothert as a cuff?
On Jan 14, 2012 at 11:02 am #
M Ross says:

Ali! How fun,…you can take this anywhere and work at it! Just one question,…what stringing size cording do you recommend? I know this will depend on the size of hole in the bead but on a general note what’s most common? The leather looks to be about a 2mm?
On Jan 22, 2012 at 5:45 pm #
Elin w says:

Easy to follow. Thank you.
On Jan 28, 2012 at 2:10 pm #
Lyric Chick aka Bev says:

GREAT tutorial Ali! But what REALLY caught my eye was the bracelet you’re wearing. Can you tellus more about it, please? Did you make it? It’s fantastique!!!!
On Apr 03, 2012 at 2:39 pm #
P Santoni says:

Thanks. I’ve been looking for something new and this looks like something fairly easy thatI can do.
On Apr 05, 2012 at 6:48 pm #
Robin Gee says:

There’s an expensive workshop at Beadfest in Oaks, PA teaching you this very technique. Now I can learn it here!! Thanks so much!!
On Apr 06, 2012 at 1:01 pm #
Cha Cha says:

Thank you! I tried this on my own a few months ago, and I failed miserably! Seeing the video instead of reading the instructions to do this is a huge assist! Wish I had found Lima Beads sooner!
On Apr 08, 2012 at 11:26 pm #
Joni says:

Great tute. But it makes it much easier if you clip the bottom ends of your leather cord to the bottom of your clipboard. Just use large binder clips. It works great.
On Apr 12, 2012 at 8:41 pm #
Judy N says:

Ali, Your work is just beautiful!! I really admire everything that you post. What type of thread do you use to fasten the beads?
On Apr 25, 2012 at 2:43 pm #
ScarletBegonias says:

Since Ali is not answering your questions ladies, i’ll take a crack since i saw a video on this on another beading merchants website that starts with a B. Ha!
The suggested thread is Griffin 2.
The suggested leather is 2mm.
The suggested size of the bead is from 6mm to 14mm.
The suggested needle is the big eye needle.
i have no clue how to make a cuff but i’ll ask my magic 8 ball that resides at a beading merchant with the letter Q in it. they also have a really good tutorial on the shambala bracelet. i saw one of those going for $28! I could not believe it!!
Hope this helps.
On Apr 28, 2012 at 9:02 am #
Jenni G says:

Thanks for the measurements for the different wraps. This is the first place I have found that info. Also when making a multiple wrap bracelet how do you anchor the cords without crushing the beads already added? Any tips for this would be much appreciated!
On May 11, 2012 at 10:57 am #
M Little says:

Thank you for such great information. I would like more ideas on a work board and what brand of adhesive is best to use.