Ask the Experts Stretch Bracelet Sizing Q&A

Is there is a way of working out how many beads you will need for a stretch bracelet if the heads are mixed or have spacers? I have 8mm round beads and 11x8mm rice beads.

It is possible to do the math, even if your beads are mixed, by adding up the total length of all the beads and spacers you plan to use until it matches your desired finished bracelet length. Most stretch bracelet sizing is as follows:

• Small wrist: ~6.5 inches (165mm)
• Medium wrist: ~7 inches (178 mm)
• Large wrist: ~7-1/2 to 8 inches (190–203 mm)

To figure out how many beads you will need, add up the length in millimeters of one bead and one spacer (or one length of the pattern you intend to use, if more than two types of beads). Divide the total millimeters of the finished bracelet by the number of millimeters in your beading pattern. The answer will tell you how many times you have to repeat that pattern to complete the bracelet.

Example: If you are beading by alternating an 8mm round bead with an 11mm rice bead, that is a total length of 19mm. If you intend to create a 178mm bracelet, you will divide 178 by 19. The answer is just over 9, which means you will have to repeat your pattern 9 times to reach the 178mm total length.

- Elaine