A double wrap leather beaded bracelet uses a technique called “laddering”, where beads are threaded between leather cord, like a ladder. These bracelets were popularized in the nineties with Chan Luu’s double wrap pearl bracelets. The lustrous sheen of a pearl does complement the sleekness of leather well, but I love the way these bracelets look with organic gemstones, sparkle beads, or a creative mix of whatever strikes your fancy. These wrap bracelets look relatively easy to make, and they are, but they do require a bit of a time investment if it’s your first time making them. It’s a perfect project for sitting on the beach or outside on a cool summer morning.
Double Wrap Leather Beaded Bracelet Materials
1mm Round Leather Cord
14 Inches of 4mm Faceted Tiger Eye Beads
1 Brass Button
Beading Thread
Measure the leather cord to suit your wrist and bracelet length. The standard length of a women’s bracelet is 7 inches. This diy bracelet wraps around twice, so double that length and add 4 inches for the closure to get 18 inches. Since the leather cord will run down both sides of the bracelet, multiply by 2. A 36-inch leather cord will make this bracelet.
I used a single strand of faceted Tiger Eye beads to make this bracelet, but I love the way different bead sizes and sparkles look in this style. You may want to try a single graduated strand, mix different size and colors of beads together, or even weave a double strand. Check the links below for inspiration.
For beading thread, it’s best to go for Tuff Cord #0 or KO. Tuff Cord will hold up much longer, but I was out so I just used nylon sewing thread and doubled it up on a needle. If you do this, do it with the expectation that your bracelet may break. If you use Tuff Cord, you may not need to use a needle.
Double Wrap Leather Beaded Bracelet Instructions
Thread the leather cord through the brass button, and move it down to the halfway point on the cord.
Take the thread, and wrap it around the leather cord at the base of the button, covering the loose thread ends. Wrap over from right to left, and under from left to right. Finish with the thread on the left side.
There are many ways to ladder. This method is basically a figure eight.
Thread the bead on, and bring the thread to the upper right side of the right leather cord. Bring the thread over the leather cord, and through the bead again, pulling the cord to the upper left side. Wrap the thread over the left side of the leather cord.
Repeat the figure eight on the next bead, and the next, stacking the beads next to each other as you move down the leather cord.
You may want to secure the top of the bracelet to a surface with some tape, if you find that it is challenging to keep the bracelet straight.
When you reach the end of the piece of thread, tie it off and to the next one. When it’s time for finishing, seal the knots with a bit of jewelry glue and trim the excess pieces.
Continue working your way down the bracelet until you reach the end.
Finish the thread the same way you began. Wrap the thread around the base of the beaded ladder. Tie off the thread by drawing the needle through a few threads on the inside of the wrap to create a small loop and sending the needle back through the loop before pulling it taught. Do this twice more.
To create the button closure, knot the leather cord at the base of the thread wrap. Make a second knot down the cord, leaving enough room to put the brass button through. Dab a bit of glue on the leather knots before pulling them tight. You may want to make another knot in the bracelet, especially if this is for a gift and you aren’t certain how big their wrist is.
That’s it! Put on your double wrap leather beaded bracelet, and wear it everywhere you go.
Double Wrap Leather Beaded Bracelet Resources
For more tips on how to make double wrap leather bracelets, check out these helpful sites:
Tricks to Laddering
Double Wrap Bracelet
Where to Find a Double Wrap Leather Beaded Bracelet
Not feeling up to making a double wrap bracelet yourself? It’s so much fun to make these, but I understand DIY isn’t for everyone. You can always buy one here:
