DIY: learn to braid your own Brazilian bracelet!
Alice de Maison Scarlett
Do It Yourself is on trend, and that’s even more true since we’ve been desperately looking for ways to keep busy through one lockdown after another.
Ladies, whether you need to keep your little ones busy for a few hours or you’ve discovered a real passion for crafts, we wanted to offer you a tutorial to learn how to make your own Brazilian bracelets, known to be true good-luck charms.
Ah, Brazil... If you can’t strut your stuff on a lovely beach in Rio, we’re taking you to discover the secrets of their beautiful bracelets in a thousand colors.
All you need to know before starting this tutorial is that patience is key, but it’s worth it. You’re going to learn how to braid two types of Brazilian bracelets: round and chevron!
These bracelets are made from colorful cotton threads. These same threads can also be used in many ways to create a whole set of colorful jewelry. A pendant, ring, chain bracelet or even a cuff using Miyuki beads, for example—the possibilities are endless!
Everything you need to vary colors and styles while letting your creativity run free.
Let’s get started!
Contents:
How to braid a round Brazilian bracelet
It’s one of the simplest braids because it consists of a series of forward knots, but it still requires time and dexterity. The more colors it has, the prettier it is, but naturally, the longer it will take to braid and handle. To get started without pulling your hair out, I recommend choosing three colors.
To make my example easier, let’s say I choose to work with three threads, each measuring 90 cm. I choose a turquoise blue thread like the Caribbean Sea, another yellow like the sun, and finally a green one like the palm leaves beneath which I’d love to sip a good cocktail (I told you I was taking you to Rio).
To have everything you need close at hand, gather:
- A pair of scissors
- A piece of adhesive tape
- A clasp, if you want to be able to put on and take off your bracelet easily.
Also, to work efficiently and, above all, more comfortably when making the knots in question, I recommend setting yourself up on a flat, stable surface.
Now that you’re ready, let’s look at the steps for making a round Brazilian bracelet.
To begin, we’re going to create our first forward knot by choosing the strand furthest to your left.
Here are the steps for a forward knot:
- Take the working thread on the left and hold the other thread or threads in place
- Pass the working thread over the stationary thread to create a loop
- Take the working thread through the loop (it has therefore passed under the stationary thread)
- Pull the thread to the right to finish making the knot
Well done, you’ve just made your first forward knot!
To braid in the round, simply make a series of forward knots by following these steps until you reach the desired length. You can make as many forward knots as you like with the same thread before changing color. This way, you can give your creations many different styles. By alternating the threads regularly, you’ll get a lovely multicolored bracelet. Generally, allow around an hour for this type of braiding.
A little tip: don’t pull your threads too tight! That way, it will be easier to undo the knot if needed, and it will look prettier too!
For a neat finish, I recommend simply braiding the remaining threads to attach them to your chosen clasp. Guaranteed effect!
Let’s make the exercise a little more challenging and discover how to make your own chevron Brazilian bracelet, one of the most famous styles.
Learn how to make a chevron Brazilian bracelet
Because the more colors there are, the more we love it, we’re going to use four different colors—but you can use more if you’re feeling adventurous!
Here’s what we’ll need:
- Four 180 cm threads, so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises at the end.
- A safety pin
- Adhesive tape
Fold your strands in half and tie them together to form a loop, giving you eight 90 cm threads.
With the help of your adhesive tape and safety pin, you’ll be able to hold the threads in place.
Earlier, you learned the forward knot, but for the chevron Brazilian bracelet, you also need to know the backward knot.
Here are the steps to follow to make it:
- Take the working thread on the right this time, and hold the other thread or threads in place
- Pass the working thread over the stationary thread and form a loop with the strands
- Take the working thread through the loop. (It has therefore passed under the stationary thread)
- Pull the thread to the left and your first backward knot is done!
Now, follow these steps:
- Arrange your threads by color: the two threads of the first color should be placed at the two ends of the bracelet, meaning the first thread of color one is in position 1 and the second thread of color one is in position 8. The two threads of the second color should be in positions 2 and 7 of the bracelet, and so on.
- Using the first thread, the one furthest to the left, make two forward knots on each of the other threads, in the correct order, until you reach the middle of the piece (three times in total).
- Take the strand furthest to the right and make two backward knots on each of the other threads, always in order, until you reach the middle of the piece again.
- In the center, you’ll find the two threads of the first color; tie them together twice.
Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for each color until you reach the desired length.
Once you have it, braid the threads together to tie them to the clasp. You’re now the proud owner of a beautiful Brazilian bracelet made by you!
Now all you have to do is have fun creating fancy bracelets in a thousand colors, patterns and widths.
Did you enjoy this tutorial? Don’t hesitate to tell me what you thought of this Brazilian getaway! And if your jewelry collection isn’t limited to a few Brazilian bracelets, remember to organize and protect them in a jewelry box: discover our selection!
