My Love for Wrap Bracelets

Posted on by Amy

I think most “makers”, no matter what their medium is, enjoy making one or two items more than anything else they make. For me, one of those things is wrap bracelets (and the other is earrings – but that’s a post for another day!). I don’t know why, but seeing a long collection of beads wrapped around a wrist several times just really appeals to my eye.

Two wrap bracelets made with chunky natural turquoise and bronze beads.

Like many other beaders, my initial foray into making wrap bracelets followed the style of Chan Luu…a single bead style flanked by cord and fastened with a decorative button. Over the years I have made MANY of these in a variety of combinations: sparkly; earthy; 4mm; 6mm; seed beads, metal beads, single wrap; triple wrap; five wrap; one bead color; a mixed palette of bead colors and shapes..etc, etc, etc. Even though this is a simple design concept, there are endless ways to change it in ways that will make it your very own.

A simple triple wrap bracelet featuring 6mm red picasso Czech glass druk beads and one of my handmade bronze buttons.
Two wrap bracelets made with 4mm Czech glass beads and bronze beads – and the mixed-bead bracelet also has some seed beads in there as well. TIP: Mixed-bead wrap bracelets like the one on the right are a fabulous way to use up all those little bits-n-pieces you have leftover from previous projects! Just make a pile of beads that are the same size, and while you are stitching, just poke your needle in the pile and let it grab whatever it wants. I am sure you’ll love the end result!
Both of these bracelets feature Matubo 7/o Czech glass seed beads. These beads are large enough to make the project work up quickly. I have also done wrap bracelets in size 11/o seed beads…needless to say, those take a LOT longer to complete!

There are two reasons I am very drawn to this style of wrap bracelet: First, it is simple and understated yet stunning way to celebrate the beauty of a single bead. To some, it seems boring to use just one type of bead in a bracelet that wraps around your wrist so many times, but to me, it is very soothing to the eye to focus on one single point of loveliness.

3mm x 5mm crystal rondelles bring some sparkle to this earthy wrap bracelet!

For another, because the stitching used to create this style of wrap bracelet is very repetitive, the actual motion of making them is very relaxing and meditative to me. Whenever life takes a stressful turn and I feel the need to get myself re-centered, making a wrap bracelet often does the trick. By the time I’m done, my mind has calmed, and I have a wonderful new bracelet to wear!

Of course, though, there are countless other ways to construct wrap bracelets besides the “Chan Luu style”. In fact, there are probably as many styles of wrap bracelets as there are styles of beads, and once again, you are only limited by your imagination! Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.

This mixed-media wrap bracelet is a combination of 11/o Japanese seed beads and 2mm cornerless cubes in brass. When making wrap bracelets, have fun playing around with different bead sizes to find ones that work well together – it opens up many new avenues for design!

Here are some ideas for working patterns (both random and planned) into your wrapped bracelet beading projects:

These wrap bracelets feature beaded patterns with various Czech glass beads and Japanese seed beads.
This is my “Diamonds for Holly” beadweaving kit. Two-hole Gemduo beads combined with 4mm Czech glass melon beads and 11/o seed beads produce a fun and unique wavy edge on this bracelet.

If you’re not inclined towards beading projects that involve a needle and thread, you can make gorgeous wrap bracelets with basic stringing techniques! If you prefer a chunky look, you can string on cord, or if you want to go delicate, you can string on traditional beading wire. (Note: There are also lots of options that fall in between my sample pictures here as well.)

6/o Japanese seed beads and large hole Czech glass melon beads are strung on 1mm waxed cotton cord to make these two wrap bracelets. They worked up very quickly, and are my current favorites!
These bracelets are made with 11/o Japanese sead beads and 2mm bronze cube beads that are strung on beading wire. Note that even though these bracelets are strung on beading wire rather than cord, it is still possible to create a button loop!

And, you can combine different stringing materials into the same bracelet, too, as seen below:

This wrap bracelet combines beads that are strung on traditional beading wire, beads that are strung on cord, connectors made out of forged copper, and an oversized brushed gold lobster claw.

There are so many ways to approach putting together a wrap bracelet. Making them is a fun way to appreciate the beauty a bead imparts; a great use for all those stray beads in your stash; and a stimulating reason to play with combinations you never thought of putting together before. With endless possibilities, there is a wrap bracelet design for every wearer and every occasion!

    • 4 thoughts on “My Love for Wrap Bracelets”

    1. I remember you as being a bracelet kind of girl! Bracelets are fun because you can look at them while wearing them. I’ve found that the more wraps, the better they fit..love your posts

      1. That’s correct, Linnie – bracelets and earrings 🙂 !! I think that’s why I love bracelets so much, too…I just plain love looking at beads, and it’s easy to do when they are wrapped around your wrist! I agree about the “more wraps the better”. Theses days, 6 wraps is usually where I go. The tiny seed bead wraps pictured in the blog are something like 12-15 wraps!!

        I’m glad you enjoyed the post…thank you for visiting my blog!

    2. Great post. I bought one of your kits at the Spring Expo (Nikki was making one and I had to have it!) I haven’t made it yet but looking at all your great bracelets makes me move the kit higher in my to-bead list!

      1. Thank you, Kathy – and I’m glad the post has you looking forward to doing the kit. Enjoy it!!

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