how to do the braided criss-cross bracelet
Published on Nov 23, 2015
A step-by-step description for the braided criss-cross bracelet.
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The "Braided" Criss-Cross: Step by Step
Start by having your 3 criss-crossed strands laying together
When you have all three criss-crossed strands ready, hold them so they are on top of one another.
The strands change places as you "braid," so in this diagram we'll name the strands A, B and C:
Bottom strand (dark blue) = A
Middle strand (light blue) = B
Top strand (bone) = C
The strands change places as you "braid," so in this diagram we'll name the strands A, B and C:
Bottom strand (dark blue) = A
Middle strand (light blue) = B
Top strand (bone) = C
through the first loops of the two top strands
Pull the first loop of the bottom strand
Start by bringing the first loop of A through the first loops of B and C. You'll need to hold these in place as you work through the next loops, but pretty soon they'll be secure enough for you to stop holding them.
bring strand B through second loop of strand A
Now you'll begin bringing each strand through the second loop of the strand on the bottom.
You can actually hold the top two strands together and do this as one step, but when you're just starting it's a little easier to see what you're doing if you handle them one at a time.
You can actually hold the top two strands together and do this as one step, but when you're just starting it's a little easier to see what you're doing if you handle them one at a time.
Ready for strand C
Strand B is through the second loop of strand A
Strand C also goes through second loop of strand A
Now you'll bring strand C through the second loop of strand A.
Keep bringing strand C through strand A
So strand A is now the top strand
Strands B and C are through the second loop of strand A
When you're finished, strand A will be on the top, B on the bottom, and C in the middle.
Bring strand C through the SECOND loop of strand B
The pattern depends on bringing each strand through each loop of each color.
Now that strand B is on the bottom, you'll bring strands C and A through the SECOND loop of strand B.
Now that strand B is on the bottom, you'll bring strands C and A through the SECOND loop of strand B.
Strand C is through the second loop of B
Bring strand A through the second loop of B
One more strand to bring through the second loop of strand B.
Strand C is on the bottom
Strand B is on top, and
Strand B is now on top, and strand C is on the bottom. Next you'll bring strands A and B through the SECOND loop of strand C.
A in the center and B on top
Here's another view of C on bottom,
Go through the SECOND loop of strand C
The top two strands (A and B)
Be careful to pull the strands through the correct loops. When all of the strands are together it's harder to see the loop you need. Separate them slightly to be sure you're in the right place.
the second loop of strand C
The top strand, B, is pulled through
Finished with the second loops!
Now that each strand has been pulled through all of the second loops, you're back to your original arrangement: A on the bottom, B in the middle and C on top.
We'll do the same thing with the THIRD loop of EACH strand.
We'll do the same thing with the THIRD loop of EACH strand.
Strand B goes through the THIRD loop of strand A
Strand C through THIRD loop of strand A
Strand B on bottom, C in middle, A on top
Strand C through THIRD loop of B
Strand A through THIRD loop of B
Strand C on bottom, A in middle, B on top
Strand A through THIRD loop of C
Strand B through THIRD loop of C
Original pattern: A, B, C
Finished with the THIRD loops!
Strand B through FOURTH loop of strand A
Strand C through FOURTH loop of A
Strand B on bottom, C in middle, A on top
the FOURTH loop of strand B
Strands C and A being pulled through
When pulling two strands at a time through a loop, just be careful to keep them in the correct order.
Strand C on bottom, A in middle, B on top
FOURTH loop of strand C
Strands A and B through
Strands in original order, A, B, C
Finished with FOURTH loops!
Going to the FIFTH loop of strand A
By now you should have it all figured out. The top two strands go through the next loop of the bottom strand.
Repeat with the same loop for each strand.
Repeat with the same loop for each strand.
Going through the FIFTH loop of strand B
Going through the FIFTH loop of strand C
Keep "braiding" until you reach the end.
Add more loops as needed to keep the strands even
As you reach the end you'll probably find that not all of the strands are the same length. This happens because of variations in seed beads and because the "braiding" process tightens the strands.
If necessary add another loop, or a smaller loop, to even out the ends.
If necessary add another loop, or a smaller loop, to even out the ends.
So all 3 strands are pretty much even.
A loop of only 6 beads was added to strand C
Tie an overhand knot and push it close to the beads
Hold all of the cords together
Ready for the button
or . . .
Add a button and tie another knot
You can use a shank button or a sew-through button.
This photo shows a sew-through button where only two strands of cord fit through the holes. No problem! We can tie it off around the remaining cords. Or (next slide) . . .
This photo shows a sew-through button where only two strands of cord fit through the holes. No problem! We can tie it off around the remaining cords. Or (next slide) . . .
BEad creative with your finishing!
Use the cord to make dangles from the button.
. . . Bring the cords through the button, tie a knot and create dangles by adding beads and tying knots at the ends. Tie off any other ends and cut close to the knot. If you want, add a dab of clear glue to the knots.
