Make a Neon Knotted Bracelet

By Beth Callaghan

Chinese knotting cords in vibrant fluoro shades. They are perfect for creating a delicate woven bracelet that pops with color. Stack them with other bracelets for the ultimate arm party, but they might just outshine all the rest. They're easy to make with simple square knots and a few jewelry bits and pieces.

Supplies

• 4.8 meters (5 and 1 quarter yards) each of micro (size G) Chinese knotting cord, in two neon colors.
• Two ribbon clamps with loops, 16 x 7.5 mm.

• One clasp and one jump ring.

• Scissors.

• Needle nose pliers.

• Clipboard.

• Three binder clips.

• Transparent adhesive tape.

Step 1: Preparing Your Cords

Cut each of your cords into three lengths one and three quarter meters long. You will have six cords, three in each color. Line these cords up and fold them in half, so that all the cords of one color are together. You will now have 12 cords. Line up the loops and place a piece of adhesive tape on either side to keep the cords together. You can now slip your ribbon clamp onto the folded end of the cords and clamp it with your pliers. Once it's clamped, you can peel off the tape; it will come off easily and tear where the clamp has crimped it.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Cords

Using your clipboard, clip your cords to keep them stable. Divide them into three groups of four; the left-hand and right-hand groups will each be all the same color, but the group in the center will have 2 cords of each color. From these three groups, take the two middle cords and pull them taut, clipping them to the end of your board with your binder clips.

Step 3: Knotting the Left-Hand Cords

Begin knotting on the left side; for this step, you will only being working with the four cords in this section. Of the four cords in this group, you will be using the two outer cords to knot. Take the far left-hand cord and bend it towards the other knots, laying it over the two middle cords and under the far right hand cord. You'll notice that this formation looks a little like a number four.

Bring the right-hand cord under the two middle cords and over the left-hand cord.

Pull the cords evenly on both ends to tighten the knot.

You will now repeat this knot, but starting on the right-hand cord. Bend the right-hand cord so that it looks like a backwards four, laying it over the middle cords and under the left-hand cord. Bring the left-hand cord under the middle cords and through the "number 4."

Pull the ends evenly to tighten the knot. You've completed your first square knot.

Step 4: Knotting the Right-Hand Cords

Now you will knot the right side cords; as before, for this step, you will only being working with the four cords in this right section. Of the four cords in this group, you will be using the two outer cords to knot. Take the far right-hand cord and bend it towards the other knots, laying it over the two middle cords and under the far right hand cord, forming the backwards "4."

Bring the left-hand cord under the two middle cords and over the right-hand cord.

Pull the cords evenly on both ends to tighten the knot. You will now repeat this knot, but starting with the left-hand cord. Bend the left-hand cord so that it looks like a four, laying it over the middle cords and under the right-hand cord. Bring the right-hand cord under the middle cords and through the number "4."

Pull the ends evenly to tighten the knot. Now you've got one square knot on each side.

Step 5: Knotting the Middle Cords

The final knot in this row falls in the middle. You will repeat all the parts of step 3, "Knotting the Left-Hand Cords," but here you will be using the four cords in the middle. Be sure to start with two colors on the left and two colors on the right to keep your patterning consistent.

When you've pulled the cords tightly, you'll see your three square knots that complete this row.

Step 6: Knotting the Second Row

For the second row of knots, you need to reorganize your cords. Take the two outside cords from either side and place them out of your way; you won't use them for this row. You'll have eight remaining cords, which you divide into two groups of four. Clamp down the two middle cords of each of these two groups.

Knot the left-hand group of cords as you did in Step 3, and the right-hand group as you did in Step 4. Once you've completed these knots and tightened them up, you'll have a second row with two knots.

Step 7: Complete Knotting

Continue knotting, repeating steps two through six. After each row, you will need to reorganize your cords and re-clamp them in the proper formation. Knot until your bracelet is the desired length.

Step 8: Finishing the Bracelet

When your knotting is complete, pull the loose ends taut and place some transparent adhesive tape on either side. This will keep the cords in line and prevent your knots from unraveling as you cut off the excess cords. Cut the cords relatively closely to your last row of knotting.

With your cords cut, you can now place your second ribbon clamp over the end and crimp it tight. Peel off the excess adhesive tape.

Once you have the clamp securely attached, add your clasp but opening its jump ring with pliers, slipping it on the loop of the ribbon clamp, and closing it up.

Add the single jump ring to the other side of your bracelet in the same manner. Your bracelet is complete! Wear it in style.