I am really loving my new DIY nautical knot bracelet – okay, technically my four new nautical knot bracelets. I ended up making a bunch because they’re so easy and inexpensive to make! With the help of my nautical loving Hubby, I tried a few different kinds of knots before finding an awesome one that lies flat, works perfectly, and looks so pretty as a bracelet. Here’s how we made these summery DIY nautical knot bracelets (sometimes called a Sailor’s knot bracelet)!
Supplies:
- Satin rope cord like this or this (two strands, approximately 22″ long each)
- Two 1″ gold ribbon crimp ends (they also come in silver)
- Lobster clasp with tag connector and two jump rings
- Needle nose pliers
- Gel Epoxy (E-6000 glue works too)
- Toothpick & scrap cardboard (to mix the epoxy)
- Scissors
- Tape
How to Make a DIY Nautical Knot Bracelet:
Before you get started on your DIY nautical knot bracelet, open up the crimp ends a little, using pliers.
Take one length of cord, fold it in half. Lay it down on your work surface so it forms a loop. For my bracelets, I used 2 pieces of cord, each 22″ long, and that made a 6″ long bracelet (including the clasp). Use more cord if you have thicker cord or want a longer bracelet.
Sneak your second length of cord (also folded in half), under the loop.
Loop the bottom cord over and then under the tails of the loop you made.
Then wrap it over one half of the loop, then under itself and then over the second half of the loop.
Gently pull the knot tight, shaping it a bit so it lies flat and the ends are even.
Measure how long you would like your bracelet (don’t forget the clasp adds length). Place tape all the way around the four strands where you want to cut them.
Using sharp scissors, cut all four ends after the tape so the tape holds the cord together. This type of cord unravels quickly, so we immediately added epoxy to the ends. Some tutorials show gluing on the sides of the cord but then it shows, so we glued the ends and only a millimeter between each cord to hold them together invisibly. We mixed the two-part epoxy with a toothpick and used the toothpick to spread on the glue and coax a little between the cords.
 |
| Hubby’s hands! |
Let the epoxy dry for a minute, just so it’s tacky but not hard (this epoxy dries rock hard).
Place the cord into the opened ribbon crimp and use a toothpick to push it all in. It’s wriggly and will try to escape, but the epoxy (still pliable but not totally glued) will help hold it together.
Close the crimp with needle nosed pliers and let your new DIY nautical knot bracelet dry 24 hours.
Add a clasp using two small jump rings. Our clasps were provided by the Etsy shop, Antiqued and I really love them because they already come with tag connectors and look really sleek. At this point, you can also add some chain in lieu of the connector to make the length adjustable.
These easy DIY nautical knot bracelets took minutes to make (and cost only $1-2 per bracelet), so we made a bunch!
This DIY nautical knot bracelet is lightweight and really cheery, which makes it perfect for summer. Plus it’s light and crushable, so it’s the perfect accessory to pack when traveling because it won’t add much weight to luggage but it adds a fun pop of color to any outfit.
P.S. My DIY nautical knot bracelet looks super cute with my Prada-inspired DIY raffia straw hat!
Those are super cute!
Thanks Dana 🙂
I LOVE THEM! you should probably have offered these as a giveaway because they are adorable!
Aww, you're sweet! They are so easy to make, I didn't think they'd have the giveaway lure 😉
Hi Tanya, thanks for linking to my post! Love the pastel colors – I can never have enough of cords and knots!! 🙂 xox, d.www.inspirationrealisation.com
It's definitely addictive to make these!! Thanks for the inspiration.
These are so cute! I love simple bracelets – especially ones I can make myself;) Thanks for the tutorial!
I'm happy you like! I'd love to see your version if you make some 🙂
These are adorable. What size cording did you use and where did you find it? Ty.
Hi Laura, my cord is about 5mm thick, but thicker or thinner will both work. I had some cord half this size that made a really delicate bracelet but I just wasn't feeling the colour.
That is so cute! I want one!
They look awesome! I am pinning this so my teen and I can make a few this summer.
Fun!! You will both have such a great time making these 🙂 Buy extra ribbon crimps because you'll want to make oodles once you make one. We only made four each because that's all I ordered and we were both disappointed (and greedy)! Happy crafting 🙂
Beautiful! (as are your photos!) I hope you'll offer these for sale. 🙂
I promise these are super easy 🙂 I likely won't be making them for sale because there are so many knotted cord bracelets for sale on Etsy. But I'm flattered!
Omg I love this! I come across very few jewelry tutorials that I would actually do one day, but I can totally see myself doing and wearing this. thanks!
I'm so happy to hear that! Happy crafting!
your blog (and home, and diy results…) are gorgeous!
Awww, thanks 🙂 I share some DIY doozies, too, don't worry! Some of my projects are major flops. (I'm currently saving a flop in the garage). But that's part of DIY!
I love this! I've been thinking about making my own bracelet/jewellery and this looks like a fun one to try out. Thanks for the idea!
Making jewellery is super addictive, let me warn you 🙂 I started in high school and it's a hobby I still do occasionally. Happy crafting!
I did it!!!!It is super cute!!!!Thank you for the tutorial!!!I post it on my blog!!!
Your bracelet turned out beautifully! I love the colour cord you used. I'm so happy the tutorial worked for you!! YAY 🙂
lovely! NOw I just have to find some suitable rope…
OOoo, crimp ends. This could change my life. Nice job.
Wish there was a video.
Think of it like lumosity brain training (http://www.lumosity.com/), but free! Keeps us sharp-minded.;)It might take a few tries fiddling with the cord, but once you get it, you get it! Let me know if you have any questions.
super new twist on an old girl guide skill I spy an easy fundraiser for christmas
Simply stunning! Thanks for taking the time to figure out the right knot to use!
It's beautiful!! Thanks for sharing.
I think the knotted cord bracelet looks really great! I feel like it would fit into the style of any teenager nowadays since it is very colorful without being too loud. I’m sure it’ll fit any outfit in any style. Thanks for the tutorial, by the way. Cindy Wilson
Hi! I love this bracelet and want to make one. What is the size of crimp end? Is it 16mm? Thanks!
The crimp ends we used were around 25 mm. You could use larger or smaller, and work with thinner or thick cord. My friend Erica (linked to in the post) made some using the same crimp ends but much thicker cord. Happy crafting!
This is a great tutorial and I can't wait to make some of these. Your pictures were very precise and helpful. Thanks!
This tutorial is the clearest and easiest one to follow that I've ever seen. I'm not great with knots, but you make this look simple enough, that I might even be able to do a few! Thanks for sharing your talent!
I'm so happy that you're going to try this project!
Merci pour ce tuto qui est très intéressant et le rendu est vraiment superBonne soiréeNadou
i need help… LOL!
oh no 🙂
Wow that bracelet is beautiful! I am so gonna make one of these. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Love your bracelet. Gonna try and make one. What size cord did you use?
Brilliant..such a clear tutorial..thanks again for sharing x