Are you tired of spending a lot of money for leather jewelry that you can easily make yourself? Then get your creativity out of the closet and learn to make bracelets yourself! This is not complicated at all and it also gives you beautiful, handmade jewelry. Try one of the five techniques in this article to make bracelets at your own kitchen table and express your sense of style.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Making a beaded leather bracelet
Step 1. Gather the necessary material
You can find leather, beads, and other materials at hobby stores and online. To make a beaded leather bracelet, you will need leather cords or strips, as well as beads with holes large enough for a leather strap to pass through.
Step 2. Measure the leather and cut it to size
Cut 2 leather cords with scissors. To determine the correct length, you can tie the leather around your wrist and add about ten centimeters to this length. This way you can be sure that the bracelet still fits comfortably around your wrist after tying it.
Step 3. Tie the two ends together
Tie the ends of the cords together by tying a tight knot. Leave 2 to 3 centimeters of the cords sticking out behind the knot so that you can tie the bracelet around your wrist later. To make it easier to string the bracelet, it is best to tape the end with the knot to the table with tape.
Step 4. Start adding beads
Thread a bead on one of the cords and slide it against the knot.
Step 5. Pass the second leather cord through the hole in the bead
Slide the second leather cord through the bead as well, but in the opposite direction. This creates a loop around the bead, so that it stays in place. You will then repeat this process for each bead.
Step 6. Keep adding beads
Add beads to your bracelet by threading one bead on one of the cords and then sliding the second cord in the opposite direction through the bead and pulling. Do this until the bracelet is long enough to wrap around your wrist.
Step 7. Finish your bracelet
Use a simple knot to create the other end of your bracelet. Remove the piece of tape and tie the bracelet around your wrist to complete your masterpiece.
Method 2 of 5: Making a braided leather bracelet
Step 1. Choose your material
You can make this bracelet from three strips of leather - whether these are cords or thicker strands. For a bohemian look you can use thick leather strips. You can create a slightly more refined look by using leather cords.
Step 2. Measure the leather and cut it to size
To determine the correct length, you can tie the leather around your wrist and add about ten centimeters to this length. Then use scissors to cut three leather cords or strips.
Step 3. Tie a knot
Knot the three cords together. Then secure the end with the knot to the table with tape to make braiding a little easier.
Step 4. Braid the leather
Place the right cord over the middle cord. The braiding method used for this bracelet is the same as for hair.
Step 5. Place the left cord over the middle cord
The second step is to put the leftmost cord over the center cord. This cord is now the middle of the three cords.
Step 6. Now lay the right cord over the middle cord again
Now move the rightmost cord by placing it over the middle cord. In fact, this is repeating the first step of the braiding process.
Step 7. Now move the left cord again
Continue the pattern and keep placing the left and right cords alternately over the middle cord.
Step 8. Finish your bracelet
Continue braiding until the bracelet is long enough to tie around your wrist. Tighten the leather to flatten the braid slightly.
Step 9. Use a simple knot to create the other end of your bracelet
Remove the piece of tape, tie the bracelet around your wrist and cut off any pieces of leather that are too long.
Method 3 of 5: Making a leather cuff bracelet
Step 1. Gather the necessary material
To make a leather cuff bracelet you will need pieces of worked leather, fabric glue, a leather needle, waxed linen thread and a snap button or buckle for the end of the bracelet.
Step 2. Measure the leather and cut it to size
Use a ruler to cut a strip of leather 5 centimeters wide. You determine the length of the bracelet by measuring the circumference of your wrist and adding about 2.5 centimeters to this. Use sharp scissors to neatly cut the leather straight.
Step 3. Create multiple layers of learning
Use special fabric glue to glue the cut piece of leather to a larger piece of processed leather. Press any wrinkles out of the leather with your fingers and let the glue dry overnight. By adding a second layer of leather to your bracelet, the end result will look beautifully finished.
Step 4. Cut the bracelet to size
Use sharp scissors to cut the edges of the larger piece of leather to the same size as the piece you glued it to. You should now be left with a thick piece of leather.
Step 5. Stitch the edges
Use a leather needle and waxed linen thread to stitch the cuff bracelet. It doesn't matter which stitch you use for this; the stitching is purely intended to connect the edges of the bracelet and to finish the leather nicely.
Step 6. Add the closure
Use your needle and thread or the fabric glue to attach the bracelet clasp to the leather. After this step, your bracelet is ready!
Method 4 of 5: Making a leather friendship bracelet
Step 1. Choose your material
For this bracelet you will need thin leather cords or strips, fabric glue, a needle and embroidery thread in a variety of colors. You will also need scissors and possibly buckles.
Step 2. Measure the leather and cut it to size
Cut 2 leather cords with scissors. To determine the correct length, you can tie the leather around your wrist and add about ten centimeters to this length. This way you can be sure that the bracelet still fits comfortably around your wrist after tying it.
Step 3. Fasten the leather to the table
Tie a knot about two inches from the end of one of the cords, then tape the cord to the table.
Step 4. Wrap the embroidery floss around the cord
Apply some glue to the leather and then start wrapping a piece of embroidery floss around the cord. Wrap the yarn tightly around the leather as long as you like. Then continue with another color. When you're done, you can cut the yarn and attach the end to the leather with some glue.
Step 5. Add multiple colors
Follow the same steps as above and apply some glue to the leather before starting to wrap a new color of yarn around the leather. Do this for as long as you like and attach the end of the yarn to the leather with some extra glue.
Step 6. Keep following this pattern
Add as much yarn as you like to give your bracelet some color. You can wrap the entire cord with yarn, but also decorate just a few inches this way. The choice is yours!
Step 7. Finish decorating the leather
When you feel you have wrapped enough yarn around the leather, you can cut the end of the last piece of yarn. However, leave about one inch and thread this piece of yarn through the eye of a needle. Push the needle a little under the yarn so that the end is hidden behind the yarn. This way you will not see loose pieces of rope sticking out anywhere.
Step 8. Finish the bracelet
If you want to add a clasp to your bracelet, you can do it now. If you prefer to keep the jewelry simple, you can tie your masterpiece around your wrist and you're done!
Method 5 of 5: Making a studded leather bracelet
Step 1. Gather the necessary material
For a studded leather bracelet you will need strips of worked leather, an X-Acto knife, a hammer, a snap-on clasp and scissors.
Step 2. Measure the leather and cut it to size
To determine the correct length, you can tie the leather around your wrist and add an inch or two to this length. Use scissors to cut the strips to size and trim the corners to round off the edges.
Step 3. Place the studs
Spread your studs next to the leather on the table and think about how you want to spread them over the bracelet. Once you've finished the design, you can use the sharp part of the stud to make impressions in the leather. This way you can easily see later where you want to place the studs.
Step 4. Punch holes for the studs
Use the X-Acto knife to make small holes in the places where you just made prints. These holes only need to be just big enough to attach the studs. Be careful not to make the holes too big; otherwise you can see them peeping out from behind the studs when the bracelet is finished.
Step 5. Attach the studs to the bracelet
Push all the studs through the holes you just made. The clasp is on the back of the bracelet. If necessary, turn the studs so that they are exactly straight (or crooked; that is of course your choice). Then fasten them.
Step 6. Bend the brackets inward
Turn the leather over and use your hammer to bend the studs' hooks inward. If your studs each have two hooks, you can attach them in opposite directions.
Step 7. Add the knots
To attach the buckle to the bracelet, you can buy the snap-on and click on both sides of the bracelet. Sometimes these snap-on buttons also have hooks, which you will have to bend inwards just like those of the studs.
Step 8. Put on your bracelet
Use the snaps to attach your bracelet to your wrist. Adjust studs that are not quite in place yet. Now your bracelet is finished! You can emphasize your new style by making several bracelets and then combining them with each other.