Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
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on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I am talking about the enamel. beads…” read »
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“How do you bury the knots when using all small beads? Daisy…” read »
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I don't use epoxy on any of the jewelry I make, plus depending on the temperature…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“No photo, sorry. I'm really in a bracelet "phase". I tried figuring this out on my…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“Vintaj came out with this line in July. I am glad to see LB is selling…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
About this Tip:
The half square knot gives the effect of flat twisted ribbon. If you already know the square knot, you'll pick this one up in no time. The video will show you how to make a simple half knot macrame bracelet with hemp and a few beads.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Start with 4 lengths of cord that are about 7 times your bracelet size. |
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Step 2: Create an overhand knot at the fold, leaving a loop. Before you tighten the knot, make sure it's large enough to fit your clasp. |
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Step 3: Secure your knot to something that will allow for some tension when you're tying the knots. For this bracelet, we used a clipboard. Make sure the 2 short strands, or core strands, are in the middle and the longer strands, or working strands, are on the outside. We'll use those for knotting. |
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Step 4: Create the shape of a number 4 using the working strand on the left. |
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Step 5: Take the working strand on the right and pass it over the top of the left working strand, keeping to the right of the core strands. Pass the working strand on the right behind the core strands and through the loop created by the working strand on the left. |
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Step 6: Pull both working strands to tighten the knot. Make sure you're keeping tension on the core strands. You've now completed one half square knot. Repeat steps 4-6, always starting with the working cord on the left. |
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Step 7: After doing a few, you'll start to see that natural spiral. |
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Step 8: To insert a bead into your square knot design, simply string the bead onto the two core strands. Round beads and cubes with large holes work best. |
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Step 9: Once your bead is strung, pull the working strands around the sides of the bead and continue on with your square knots. |
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Step 10: To finish the piece, string your clasp onto the core strands and secure it with an overhand knot. |
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Step 11: Trim excess cord and dab the knot with epoxy. |
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On Jan 03, 2012 at 10:07 pm #
Tessa says:Just found this site and I am enjoying finding my way around..learning about hemp bracelets and necklaces..thanks!!
On Sep 14, 2013 at 9:44 pm #
Janel S says:great site, good products with lots of variety.
On Nov 07, 2013 at 2:15 am #
Katie j says:just attempted this bracelet–never macramed before–wondered about #1 saying start with four cords 7 X size of bracelet. Then # 2 says create an overhand knot at the fold—-What fold–Then # 3 says to use the two short strands for the core strands and the two longer ones for the outside. What happened to #1 that said to cut 4 cords all the same length. Found it very confusing.
On May 10, 2015 at 9:33 am #
Moogie says:I’m with Katie J! Totally not understanding these directions. I think I can try it from what I see on the video but the lengths of cord seem to be different & what fold?! Tell me if this is right: cut 2 lengths of cord 7 times the length of your bracelet size & 2 lengths twice bracelet size (?), make an overhand knot at one end, using all strands, large enough to fit your “clasp” bead. Apply epoxy to this knot to secure. Continue with directions as written. Before adding beads, check size of bracelet to be sure beads are placed where you like them, e.g. In the middle of your wrist, off center or random. Finish bracelet as directed. Would this work?