Instructions for Making a Hemp Bracelet

To make this hemp bracelet you'll first want to cut to pieces of hemp from the two different colored spools the same length.  For a bracelet cut each piece of hemp twine the length of 40" (3 ft. 4 inches).  Put these pieces together and grab them in the center and fold them in half.

Twist the strands where you've fold the twine creating a loop as shown in the picture.  It will be easiest to follow the stitch/knots  and hold your work in place if you use a clipboard.  We've placed the loop under the clip of the clipboard so that 4 strands are easy to access.

Think of the strings (from left to right) as numbered.  String 1 being the far left string, strings 2 and 3 inside and string 4 being the far right.   To make a secure knot take string #1 and place it over strings #2 & #3, but under string #4.  Take string # 4 under strings #2 & #3 and through the loop you've created between strings #1 and #2.  Pull strings #1 and # 4 to into a knot.

 

It's important that the two outside strands be different colors so that the two-color pattern can be achieved. The first stitch will be the same as the above pattern.  The second stitch will be the mirror of that.  In other words, the second stitch will be string # 4 over strings #2 & #3, but under string #1. Then string #1 under strings #2 & #3 but over and through the loop you created between strings #1 and #2. This is the basic stitch pattern but you will need to do switch the stitch - it's easier than it sounds. To switch the stitch, which should be done after every basic stitch with the hemp cord, you'll take the two inside strings (#2 & #3) and move them (either over or under) to the outside - with #2 and #3 becoming number #1 and #4 and vis-a-versa.

Then do the basic stitch again treating #2 and #3 like the new #1 and #4.  Then switch again.  IF YOU FAIL TO DO THIS STEP, YOU WILL SEE THAT THE INSIDE STRINGS WILL REMAIN LONG AND THE OUTSTIDE (#1 & #4) STRINGS WILL BECOME SHORTER AND SHORTER WITH EACH STITCH.  YOU WILL RUN OUT OF STRING BEFORE BRACELET IS COMPLETE. After every three or stitches, you'll want to insert a bead.  Inserting a bead is simply sliding a bead onto the center two strings and continuing with your basic stitch.

 

Once you've completed your pattern take the remaining amount of hemp and starting braiding working from the outside pieces in.  When you have the desired length (allowing for the knot) grab all 4 pieces and make a standard knot.  You may want to double this depending on the size of your loop.

Leave a little excess of each string to come out of the other side of the knot and trim away any long pieces.  You'll notice when you where this piece that the knot should go through the loop twice and pulled snug to your wrist.  By going through the loop twice, you piece will stay securely on.

 To create the design above you will need the following items