Creating Wedding Wish Bracelets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wish bracelets are a fun and easy craft project that can be made with simple materials such as hemp string and beads. The idea behind a wish bracelet is that you make a wish when you put it on, and as the bracelet eventually wears down and breaks, your wish is expected to come true. These bracelets are perfect for gifting to friends and family on special occasions and can be made at home with just a few simple steps.

Choosing the right materials

Hemp Twine or Cord:

Start by selecting the right type of hemp twine or cord. You can find this at most craft stores. Look for a weight of around 10-20 lb, and ensure you have enough length for your desired bracelet size. For a wrist bracelet, cut the hemp to about 15 inches, and for an ankle bracelet, cut it to 20-24 inches. You can always trim excess cord later, so it's better to have a little extra.

Beads:

Choose beads with holes large enough to fit your hemp cord. Seed beads are a popular choice and come in various sizes and colours. You can also use lettered beads to spell out words or add heart or star-shaped beads for extra charm. Remember, the number of beads you use is up to you, but seven is considered a lucky number for wish bracelets.

Tools:

You will need some basic tools to help with the braiding process. A clipboard or tape will be useful to secure your hemp as you braid. You can also use a dab of craft glue on the ends of your hemp if it starts to unravel. Finally, a pair of sharp scissors will help you cut your hemp and trim any excess cord neatly.

Optional Charms:

If you want to add wishbone charms to your bracelet, you will need some additional materials: wire, a jeweller's hammer and block, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and oval pliers. Cut about 30mm of wire for each charm and use your pliers to twist and shape it into a wishbone form.

With these materials gathered, you are well on your way to creating beautiful wedding wish bracelets!

Cutting the hemp to size

The length of the hemp cord will depend on the size of the wrist or ankle and the desired length of the bracelet. It is important to leave some extra length at the ends of the cord to allow for braiding and tying.

Once you have cut the hemp to the desired length, you can begin the next step of tying the strands together in an overhand knot, leaving about 2 inches of slack at the end.

Tying an overhand knot

To start making your wish bracelet, you'll need to cut three pieces of hemp cord to either 15 inches for your wrist or 20 inches for your ankle. Next, you'll want to tie the strands together in an overhand knot, leaving about 2 inches of slack at the end.

To tie an overhand knot, cross the end of one piece of hemp over the rest of the hemp, forming a Q-shape. Then, tuck the tail of the hemp through the Q-shaped loop and pull at both ends until the knot is tight.

Once you've tied your overhand knot, you can begin braiding the three strands of hemp together. Braid down about 2.5 inches, then thread a bead onto the right-hand strand and braid it into the bracelet. Repeat this process with the new right-hand strand, weaving as many beads as you like.

When you've added all your beads, continue braiding the hemp strands for another 2.5 inches and finish with another overhand knot.

Braiding the hemp

If you are right-handed, start adding beads to the right-hand strand of hemp. Thread a bead onto the strand and push it up to the edge of the braid. Then, braid the strands together as usual, and the bead will be secured in the centre of the braid. Repeat this process with the new right-hand strand, adding as many beads as you like. When you have finished adding beads, continue braiding the hemp strands for another few inches and finish with another overhand knot.

Adding beads

Start by gathering your materials. You will need some hemp string, scissors, and beads. Cut three pieces of hemp string, each about 15 inches long for a wrist bracelet or 20-24 inches for an ankle bracelet. Tie the three pieces together with an overhand knot, leaving about 2 inches of slack at the end. Secure the knotted end to a clipboard or a flat surface with tape.

Now you can start braiding! Braid the three strands together for about 2-3 inches, depending on how long you want your finished bracelet to be. Once you've braided down a bit, it's time to add the beads. Take the strand of hemp on the right and thread a bead onto it. Push the bead up close to the braid, then braid that strand into the center as usual. The bead should now be secured in the braid.

Repeat this process with the new right-hand strand. Add a bead, push it up to the edge of the braid, and then braid it into the center. Continue adding beads in this way until you have added as many as you like. Some people like to add 7 beads because it's considered a lucky number, but you can add more or fewer beads depending on your preference.

Once you've added all your beads, continue braiding the hemp strands for another few inches. Finish off the bracelet with another overhand knot, leaving enough slack to tie the bracelet around your wrist or ankle. And that's it! You now have a beautiful and unique wish bracelet.

Feel free to get creative with your bead choices. You can use lettered beads to spell out a word, or choose beads in your favorite colors or with special meanings. You can also add other charms or decorations to your bracelet to make it even more personalized.

Frequently asked questions