Few basic materials and a little effort is all that is needed to make a unique, handcrafted gift.
The simplest of knots, if worked carefully can be as presentable as any “Nautical Jewellery” available on the open market, usually sold at an exorbitant cost It will have the added value of being unique, made by you.
This first example I will show you requires no tools, just some care and love.
Approx 60cm of 3-4mm line,
Whipping twine or sewing thread
Wooden tooth Pick (x 1 round)
A sharp knife, “Superglue”, gas lighter and a needle will help with finishing off.
Using approximately 50/60cm of line, tie a figure of eight knot about a third of the length of the line used.
Using the longer end of the line, double back and follow the path of the knot tied earlier, taking care to lead the line parallel with the original and ensuring no crossovers are made. The loop in the closed end of your line should be calculated to be approximately half the desired length of the bracelet, measured from the centre of the knot.
Once the tail end has been passed through, the length of the loop can be adjusted to ensure it is opposite the knot. (on whomever’s wrist it will be displayed).
At this time leave both loose ends longer than you think needed and adjust the length of the loop as required.
Pass both tail ends through the loop, adjust to the length needed and lightly mark the ends as it exits the loop. Do not make it tight, 10-15mm will be necessary to fasten the bracelet once on somebody’s wrist, this will also make it comfortable to wear.
Where you have marked off, insert a toothpick through the centre of both lines. Keep this perpendicular to both lines. Trim the excess tooth pick (it should stick out both sides by approx 4/5mm depending on the thickness of the line used) and sand off the ends.
Trim the line with a sharp knife, and seal the ends with the gas lighter. Do not use “Zippo” or matches as this will blacken the ends.
To finish off, put a whipping inboard of the toothpick and close off the end loop in the same way. (allowing space for the line end and toothpick stop to pass through.)
It is better to wear the bracelet with the Closure (Toothpick) on the inside, this will prevent the closure catching on clothing. If this feels awkward or is difficult to do, you can set the closure in the normal way people do and the rotate the bracelet so it finishes off on the inner face.
If you make larger fanciful knots, a thin thread of “Super glue” on the inner face will help hold the knot together. I have not often found this necessary but it is an option.
Coloured line, contrasting whippings, fitting beads or any variation is perfectly feasible.
Just let your imagination run and enjoy fiddling about with strings.
CJD