We’ve been seeing these Gemstone Stretch Bracelets everywhere. And we love them! You can wear a single one or stack them up. They make great gifts, and men can wear them too. Some people believe each gemstone has healing power. We just think they’re so pretty!
We made this video tutorial to show you every step to make your own beaded stretch bracelets. We’ll show you what kind of stretch cording to use and how big, what size beads to get, how to string them twice for added strength, and how to tie a secure knot. Then we’ll share a tip for hiding the knot.
How To Make A Gemstone Stretch Bracelet
Disclosure: This post has some affiliate links for products we think you’ll like. Even if you don’t want to buy the items online, we think it’s helpful to see what they look like, so you can buy them at your local craft store. If you make a purchase from one of these links, we’ll make a small commission. There is no additional cost to you at all, but it helps us a little so we can pay for our web hosting and the tools and materials we use in these videos and blog posts. All opinions are our own from our own personal experience.
How To Make A Gemstone Stretch Bracelet
Materials
17 Round agate stone beads, aqua, 10mm
5 Crystal spacer beads, gold, 2mm x 6mm
Stretch Magic elastic beading cord, .5mm
Big-eye beading needle (optional)
G-S Hypo Cement jeweler’s glue
Bead Bug or masking tape
Scissors
Toothpick (optional)
Steps
1. To get started, cut a 20” piece of elastic beading cord. We like Stretch Magic elastic cord for this bracelet. Place a Bead Bug or a piece of masking tape at one end of the elastic cord to keep beads from sliding off as you bead the bracelet.
2. You can make this bracelet without a beading needle. But it definitely goes faster with one! To thread the beading needle, pull the side of the big-eye needle apart. Slide the elastic cording into the opening. (Don’t you wish all needles were that easy to thread!)
3. To bead the bracelet, feed 6 agate stone beads onto the elastic cord.
4. Then feed on a crystal spacer bead followed by an agate stone bead. Repeat this pattern until you have all five spacer beads between agate stone beads.
5. Feed remaining agate stone beads onto the elastic cord.
6. After you have all the beads on the elastic cord, hold the elastic cord at both ends and pull it to pre-stretch it. Repeat 2 or 3 times. This will prevent the bracelet from stretching out while you are wearing it.
7. To make the bracelet more secure, feed the elastic cord through the beads a second time. Just circle the beads around to make the bracelet shape and feed the needle through all the beads starting with the first bead. Pull the elastic cord periodically to pre-stretch it more as you go.
8. Remove the Bead Bug or masking tape and the beading needle. Then tie the ends of the elastic cord in a knot. We recommend a surgical knot followed by an overhand knot. To tie the surgical knot, start with an overhand knot, like the first step of tying your shoes. Before pulling it tight, feed one end back through the loop.
9. Then tie a second knot on top of the surgical knot. This can be a regular overhand knot. Pull it tight.
10. To hide the ends of the elastic cord, re-thread the needle onto one end of the elastic cord and feed it through 3 or 4 beads. Remove the needle and place it on the other end of the cording. Slide that end through 3 or 4 beads.
11. Before trimming the ends of the elastic, pull the beads apart a little to reveal the knot. Apply glue all the way around the knot. Use the fine applicator of the G-S Hypo jewelry glue or use a toothpick to do this.
12. Pull one end of the elastic to tug the knot under a bead and hide it.
13. Trim the end of the elastic cord. The ends will remain hidden under the beads. Let the glue dry for 24 hours so the knot is glued and hidden inside the bead.
To wear the bracelet, just roll it on over your wrist. To make it larger or smaller add or subtract a few beads. We have made these for our guy friends, too. We just left off the crystal spacers. If you have any questions about this bracelet project or any jewelry project, leave us a comment, and we’ll reply. We love hearing from you!
Happy Crafting,
Jennifer & Kitty
I am going to make these they are beautiful !! Thank you so much !!
Thanks Georgeanna!
J&K
It looks very beautiful. It contains all the necessary things which a person have to look when he goes for stretch bracelet. I will definitely try this at home.
Thanks Ayesha!
J&K
Hard to see what picture no. 8 is being done.
Hi Myra! So sorry it’s hard to see. The clear elastic doesn’t photograph well. In that step, we removed the Bead Bug and the beading needle, then we tied the ends of the elastic cord in a surgical knot followed by an overhand knot. To tie the surgical knot, start with an overhand knot, like the first step of tying your shoes. Before pulling it tight, feed one end back through the loop.
Here’s a similar stretch bracelet with different photos that you might be able to see better. Look at step 7: https://runningwithsisters.com/gemstone-stretch-bracelet-video-and-kit/
Hope that helps!
Jennifer & Kitty
I absolutely love the simplicity yet elegance of these bracelets. I can’t wait to make them. These colors are my colors! Thanks so much for the idea. You two are great!!
Thanks Vicki! We love them and wear them all the time!
J&K