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Strapping Zig Zag Bracelet

by Ali on 03/26/15

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Project details:

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I was in the shop pulling some lengths of ribbon and leather for designs over the next couple weeks when an idea struck. Typically to roll up leather cord after cutting it, I wrap it around all 4 fingers until I get a nice large coil. Because we just received these buttons, I thought I'd try to use this method and a button as a closer. I found some really soft sky blue suede lace to use. I still needed a pop of color and a way to cinch the leather and attach the button, so I chose the fuchsia waxed linen for its coral pink tones. To finish off I threw on some metallic matte O-beads and some 6/0 in grapefruit and rainbow topaz.

↓ Step-by-step

Supplies you’ll need:

  • 6-7' suede leather lace
  • 2 - 16" lengths 7-ply Irish waxed linen for wrapping
  • 2 - 16" lengths 7-ply Irish waxed linen for creating loop closure
  • 1 - 12" length 7-ply Irish waxed linen for attaching button
  • 24 - O-beads
  • 11 - 6/0 seed beads in 2 different colors
  • 1 - 15-16mm button with shank on back

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Make 4 to 5 wraps, your "coil" should be about 6.5-7.5" depending on how large or small you want to make your bracelet. Cutting a bit of cardboard to the desired length can be helpful for wrapping your leather around.

Step 2

Using a 12" length of 7-ply Irish waxed linen, tie a knot around your leather to hold the coil together, this is in preparation for attaching your button.

Step 3

Pass each end of the waxed linen you just used through the loop in the button shank and pull until your button is about 6mm from the leather. Using these tail ends, tie a knot, still keeping the button 6mm from the leather. This is so that your button will have room to move into the loop closure.

Step 4

Wrap the tail ends in opposing directions around the 6mm space between the shank and the leather. Finish by knotting.

Step 5

Using 2 16" lengths of 7-ply Irish waxed linen, tie a knot around your leather to hold the coil together at the end opposite the button, this is in preparation for creating the loop closure. Using your button to help measure how large to make your loop, tie a tight overhand knot to form the other end of the loop. Embellish the 4 tail ends using a combination of the seed beads and knots.

Step 6

Bunch the leather together at one end and wrap with a 16" length of waxed linen. This technique is similar to wrapping tassels. Once you are happy with the amount of wrapping, tie off with a secure knot. Repeat this at the other end.

Step 7

Embellish the tails from your wrapping again using a combination of the seed beads and knots.