- 1). Pick out charms and other accessories for your bracelet(s) before you head for the leather cord display since the size of the holes must be assessed before you buy cord. Choose 1.8 mm over 1 mm round leather cord---both popular choices for slide bracelets---as the former is stronger and wears longer. Accommodate heavy amulets by choosing thick leather cord (up to 6 mm) to super-size your wrist statements.
- 2). Choose between all-natural leather, dyed natural leather and synthetic leather cord if you are looking for the biggest range of color selections, though the most popular pick for today's slide bracelet continues to be black. Check out several types of synthetics if you prefer not to use leather, such as waxed linen and rubber-silicone cord, both of which are highly recommended by professional crafters for making slide bracelets.
- 3). Cut the leather cord you've selected into 3 to 4 foot lengths. Patterns for making slide bracelets require this much leather cord to make sure there's enough to make a 1 to 2.5 inch fastener loop while leaving plenty of cord to make multiple knots.
- 4). Start the crafting process by doubling the cord so your working piece of leather measures up to 2 feet long. Knot the end with a loop to create an eye for your clasp. Pin the work to a thick piece of cardboard, crafting board or a section of foamboard so the project stays stable while you work on it. Add pins as you go.
- 5). Begin sliding beads, embellishments or charms onto the leather cording. Decide between knotting the bracelet after adding each charm or stringing multiple beads onto the slide bracelet before--or in place of--tying knots.
- 6). Create your bracelet knots by looping one leather cord over the second and bringing the end under and through each bead. Expect this process to take time until you get the hang of tying knots (if applicable) and threading and butting charms up against the feature on either side to create a tight fit.
- 7). Slide the remainder of the charms onto your bracelet. Tie a final knot when it's reached the desired length. Slide a closure bead (large enough to fit snugly into the loop you created at the start of the project) onto the cord and secure it. Alternately, purchase a bracelet clasp set and attach it using instructions on the package.
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