Ask the Experts Stretch Cord Q&A
How do I choose how much elastic cord I need for a bracelet? Should it have any tension on the cord, or only after you put it on? Where do I measure, on the person, to get it right?
The length of a stretch bracelet depends upon the wrist size of the person wearing it and the size of the beads being strung. You’ll need to measure the intended wearer’s wrist to get a more accurate measurement—usually just below the base of the thumb/heel of the hand, or wherever is most comfortable.
Condition your cord before use by stretching it out several times. We generally cut about ten inches of stretch cord, but you can adjust for larger or smaller wrist sizes. The key is to have enough cord to maneuver the tails for creating a knot.
String your beads so they are the desired length of the finished bracelet, accounting for a bit of extra length if the beads are large. An average wrist would need a 7.25 to 7.5-inch bracelet. Use a bit of tension before tying the knot—enough that no cord is showing through the beads, but not so much that the beads pucker.
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- Patti
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