Leather Wrap Bracelets
By Kim Hatzold, GG, AJP (GIA)
You know the look! Leather wrap bracelets blend bohemian influences with sophisticated style.
They’re dramatic, brimming with color possibilities and rich texture.
Wear them alone or pile them on to create your own signature statement. These artisan-crafted
bracelets are perfect for mixing, matching and layering with other jewelry pieces.
Cream-colored crystal pearls provide a lustrous, neutral accent that complements every outfit.
Faceted gem-tone crystals add color and sparkle to your free-spirited bracelet mix. More kits
are coming soon!
Once you’ve completed your first bracelet, you'll be able to make the next one in just a couple
hours. Follow along with my expert instruction and detailed photos. Soon, you’ll be making
these gorgeous bracelets with wild abandon. Yes, this project is addictive… in a good way!
Enjoy, K.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 1
Supply List
Your kit includes:
- Swarovski Crystal Beads
Crystal pearls or faceted gem-tone crystals. 4mm or 5mm round beads. Refer to
“Determine Your Bracelet Size” for the approximate number of beads needed. I’ve
provided you with plenty.
- 1.5mm Round Leather Cord
1 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) is an ample length. I’ve given you 2 meters.
- High-Performance Nylon Thread
4½ feet of micro bead cord. I’ve included an extra length.
- Flexible Beading Needles
3 flex needles are in your kit. You only need one, but these are easy to misplace.
- Sterling Silver Button
Additional supplies needed:
- Standard Size Clipboard with Low Profile Clip. Dimensions approximately 8½” x 12½”. Look
for rubber padding on clip edges.
Can be found at office supply stores or websites like Staples, Office Depot or Amazon.
I’m currently using Bazic Standard Size Hardboard Clipboard with Low Profile Clip that I
purchased from http://amazon.com.
- Binder Clip
Medium size - 1¼” width. Also found at office supply stores.
- 12” Straight Ruler with 1/16” Markings and Flexible Tape Measure
Favorite ruler: Schaedler Precision Ruler - http://schaedlerprecision.com - Item #46-IM.
If your tape measure has 1/16” markings, you don’t need a straight ruler. I use both
because my tape measure only has 1/8” markings.
- G-S Jeweler’s Cement with Hypo Tip
Local bead stores usually carry hypo cement. You can also order it from a jewelry supply
company, such as http://riogrande.com - Item #206083.
- Small Dish or Tray (to hold beads)
In the photos, I’m using a 4” x 2½” acrylic tray from http://firemountaingems.com Item #H20-2614PK.
- Scissors
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 2
Getting Started
1. Cut your leather cord in half so you have two pieces that are 3 feet, 3 inches long. You only
need one piece for this project. I’ve given you a second length in case something goes awry
and you want to start your bracelet from the beginning again.
2. Fold the piece of leather that you’re working with in half. Then, press the folded section with
your fingers to create a slight bend that marks the center.
3. Thread your leather through the button.
If your button has a shank, thread one end of the leather through the shank until it reaches the
center. Check that your tails are generally even.
If you have a two-hole button, thread the leather ends down through the buttonholes at the
same time. Check that your tails are generally even.
Tip: If you’re working with regular dyed leather that has a finish coating, you may need to cut
the leather ends at an angle before threading them through the buttonholes. The leather can
be slightly wider than 1.5mm at the factory cut ends.
4. Tie an overhand knot next to the button.
To form a knot that looks like mine, hold the button - facing downward - between the tip of
your left index finger and the middle of your left thumb. Keep the leather strands in alignment
as you guide the tails down behind your thumb. Continue wrapping the tails around the end of
your thumb until they’re pointing down again. You now have a complete loop.
Next, feed the leather tails (left to right) through the front side of the loop, which is resting
against your thumbnail. When the overhand knot is loosely formed, you can let go of the
button. As you tighten the knot, guide it towards the button’s edge. The top edge of the knot
should sit next to the outside edge of the button when the tails are pulled to one side.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 3
5. Open the clipboard’s clip. Secure the button under the rubber pad on the left side of the clip.
To make sure your project matches the lesson’s images, position the button facing upward with
the lower angle of the overhand knot pointing left.
6. Fasten the leather tails to the bottom of the clipboard with the binder clip. You want the
tension to be taut but loose enough that you can comfortably slide your index finger
underneath the two strands.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 4
7. Place the clipboard lengthwise in front of you with the secured button on your left hand side.
You're going to work from left to right as you thread on your beads.
8. Count out the desired number of beads and place them in your dish. Refer to the size chart
to determine the approximate number of beads needed. I’m using 5mm crystal pearls in the
lesson’s images, so I put 29 beads in my dish for a 6½” wrist size.
Tip: If you’re working with the crystal pearls, see the special supplement for key information on
sorting and threading.
9. Retrieve one length of nylon thread from its poly bag. You’re going to anchor your thread to
the bottom piece of leather by tying two knots.
Your first knot is a half knot. Begin by guiding one end of your thread between the two leather
strands and underneath the lower cord. Form an open loop around the lower cord with your
thread tails. I hold the short tail to the left of the long tail.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 5
Next, pass the short tail over the long tail and through the loop. (Give yourself 4” to 5” of
length for the short tail so the next knot is easier to tie.) Position the half knot 3/16” away from
the outside edge of your leather knot. Once in place, tighten the half knot so it doesn't move.
Tip: Why is 3/16” important? Leaving this open space allows the first bead to fit properly
between the two strands of leather cord. If your measurement is on the short side, the first
bead will pop out of place rather than staying in line with the subsequent beads. It’s better to
err on the side of making the space of bit longer than 3/16”.
The second knot is a barrel knot. This knot is similar to a half knot, except the short thread tail
passes over the long tail and through the loop two times.
Before starting the barrel knot, check that your half knot is still tight against the leather.
Next, form an open loop above the half knot with your thread tails. Once again, I hold the short
tail to the left of the long tail. Guide the short tail over the long tail and through the loop twice.
Then, tighten the barrel knot over the half knot.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 6
The knot group should sit tight against the leather when you're done. If your knot group slides
along the leather, you have enough thread to cut off the errant knots and tie them again.
10. Push the short thread tail to the clipboard’s outside edge so it’s out of your workspace. At
the end of the project, you'll cut off this tail after you glue your knot.
11. Thread your flexible needle onto the longer tail.
To thread your “almost invisible” needle with ease, bring the needle to the thread. With your
left thumb and index finger, grasp the thread near its cut edge. Then, holding the needle in
your right hand, slide the eye over the thread’s end.
12. Pull about 18” of thread through the eye of the needle - doubling it. This reduces the excess
length that you have to deal with when stringing on your beads. Leave approximately 6” of
single thread exposed at the bottom (between your knot group and the doubled portion). This
single strand is your “working thread”.
Note: Throughout the project, you’ll continue to adjust the section of thread that's doubled so
you always have several inches of single thread at the bottom to work with.
Great! You’re ready to start stringing on your beads!
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 7
The First Bead
13. String on your first bead. The eye of the flexible needle will narrow as it passes through the
bead’s drill hole, so don’t be alarmed if you have to tug on the first bead to pull it over the eye.
The flexible needle will pass easily through the subsequent beads. If you're using crystal pearls,
remember to thread up through the larger drill hole.
14. Pull the first bead down the thread’s length and position it between the two leather strands.
15. Hold the bead in place by pressing down on it with the side of your left thumb as you
continue the stitch pattern. Guide your threaded needle over and around the top leather strand.
Then, bring the needle and excess thread out between the two strands.
16. Align the top stitch above the bead’s drill hole. Feel free to use a fingernail to push the
stitch in place. When you're happy with its general placement, press the section of thread
directly above the stitch against the clipboard with one (or more) of your left fingers to keep
the stitch tight and the bead in position.
Note: You’ll be able to adjust your top stitch if it shifts slightly when you pass the needle and
thread back through the bead. Also, your left thumb does a little dance - off and on the bead as you continue through the next set of instructions.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 8
17. With your left fingers still holding the small section of thread against the clipboard, move
your thumb off the bead and guide the needle back down the drill hole.
Tip: If the anchor knot obstructs the needle’s path as you thread back through the first bead,
release some of the tension on the thread above the top stitch. Then, use your left thumbnail to
push the bead slightly above the knot group until the needle can pass all the way through.
18. Pull the excess thread through the bead. Before you release the small section of thread that
you’re holding with your left fingers, place your thumb on the bead to hold it in position.
Tip: Minimizing knots in your thread. As you string on the first beads, you’ll be dealing with a
long length of curvy thread. If it looks like your thread is developing tight coils, kinks or a knot
as you pull it through the drill hole, set your needle down on the clipboard. Use your right hand
to create a more open loop with the excess thread. Then, continue pulling the thread through
the bead.
19. When all the thread is through the drill hole, you can move your thumb off the bead. Adjust
your top stitch if needed and tighten any slack in your stitch.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 9
20. Finally, guide your needle and thread underneath the lower leather strand. This finishes the
stitch pattern.
Tip: To avoid possible tangles as you complete the final stitch, swoop the excess length of
thread in a gentle arc to the left or lift it out of the way with your left hand before guiding your
needle and thread underneath the lower strand.
Nice Work! Getting the first bead in place is one of the hardest parts of the project.
The Second Bead and Remaining Beads
21. String on the next bead. Pull it down the length of the thread and let it rest on your
clipboard. Check that your previous stitch is still tight before continuing with the next one.
22. Grasp the thread just above the bead and guide it over the front side of both leather cords.
Position the second bead next to the first bead.
Note: On each stitch, the thread passes across the lower strand at 45-degree angle (give or
take a degree). As you loop around the top strand, continue to position the stitch above the
bead’s drill hole.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 10
23. Hold the bead in place with the side of your left thumb as you guide the threaded needle
over and around the top leather strand.
24. Align the top stitch above the bead’s drill hole. Press the section of thread directly above the
stitch against the clipboard with one (or more) of your left fingers to keep the stitch tight and
the bead in position.
25. With your left fingers still holding the small section of thread against the clipboard, move
your thumb off the bead and guide the needle back down the drill hole.
26. Pull the excess thread through the bead. Before you release the small section of thread that
you’re holding with your left fingers, place your thumb on the bead to hold it in position.
27. When all the thread is through the drill hole, you can move your thumb off the bead. Adjust
your top stitch if needed and tighten any slack in your stitch.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 11
28. Finally, swoop the excess length of thread to the left so it’s out of your way. Then, guide
the needle and thread underneath the lower leather strand. This finishes the stitch pattern.
29. Wonderful! Continue adding beads until you’ve reached the desired length.
Here’s your stitch pattern in short:
a) Thread up through the bead.
b) Go over and around the top leather strand.
c) Align the top stitch above the bead’s drill hole.
d) Thread back down through the bead.
e) Go under and around the lower leather strand.
Note: At any point after you’ve strung on the first 4 to 5 beads, you can set your project aside
when you want to take a break. The stitch pattern won’t unravel. When you return to your
project, make sure the last stitch is still tight. Then, continue adding beads.
30. Before moving on to the final section of the lesson, take a moment to count your threaded
beads one more time. I also recommend measuring from the button shank to the last bead.
The measurement should be about 3/16” less than your desired length. Why count and
measure again? Refer to the third section of “Determine Your Bracelet Size” for answers.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 12
Finishing Your Bracelet
31. First, check that you completed the stitch pattern on your last bead. Did you guide the
needle and thread underneath the lower cord? Perfect!
32. Now, you’re ready for the two ending knots.
At the start of your bracelet, you tied two anchor knots to front side of the lower cord. To
finish, you're going to tie the ending knots to the backside of the same cord.
To make your first knot, guide your threaded needle in an open loop around and underneath
the thread tail and lower cord. Bring the needle out on the left side of the loop. Then, guide
your needle and thread through the open loop (left to right). This forms an overhand knot in
your thread.
As you tighten the knot, use your left hand to rotate the lower leather strand above the top
strand. Anchor your knot to the backside of the cord tucked in next to the base of the bead.
Tip: If you find it challenging to hold your bracelet in this position while tightening the knot,
there may be too much tension on your leather tails. Open the binder clip to release some of
the tension. Then, fasten the tails back down again.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 13
Your second knot is a barrel knot. This time, the knot’s going to pass horizontally around the
base of the last bead, rather than passing around the leather cord as it did at the start of your
project.
Continue holding the lower leather strand above the top strand.
Guide the threaded needle in an open loop between the second-to-last and last bead. Go
around the backside of the last bead and to the front again. Press down on the left edge of the
loop with a side of your left thumb. Guide your needle and thread through the open loop (right
to left). Continue around the outside edge of the loop. Then, go back through the open loop a
second time (right to left) and tighten your barrel knot.
Terrific! You’re almost ready to tie the final overhand knots in your leather cord.
33. Unclip the button and leather tails.
34. Trim some length from the longer piece of thread so it’s not in your way. I leave 3 to 4
inches.
35. Set your bracelet on the clipboard so it’s in the same position it was in when clipped down the button facing upward and the lower angle of the overhand knot pointing towards you.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 14
This placement ensures that the knot you’re about to tie will match your first overhand knot.
36. Position your left thumb above the leather tails and grasp them - between your thumb and
index finger - just beyond the last bead. Guide the tails down behind your thumb. Continue
wrapping them around the end of your thumb until the tails are pointing down again. You now
have a complete loop. Next, feed the tails (left to right) through the front side of the loop,
which is resting against your thumbnail.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 15
When the overhand knot is loosely formed, guide it towards the last bead. As you tighten the
knot, leave 3/16” of open space between the last bead and the knot’s edge. You don’t need to
measure this space with a ruler. Rather, bring the two ends of your bracelet together so you
can match the open space at the end of your bracelet to the open space at the beginning.
37. After you've tightened the knot, set your bracelet on the clipboard again. Position it as you
did before - the button facing upward and the lower angle of both overhand knots pointing
towards you. This placement sets you up for the last knot.
38. In the next set of instructions, you’ll notice I tie the last overhand knot differently. This is
simply a design preference.
Slide your left thumb underneath the leather tails and grasp them - between your thumb and
index finger - beyond the knot that you just tied. Make sure the two tails stay in alignment as
you guide them down the front side of your thumb. Continue wrapping them around the end of
your thumb until the tails are pointing up again. You now have a complete loop. Next, feed the
tails (left to right) through the front side of the loop, which is resting against your thumbnail.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 16
When the overhand knot is loosely formed, test your button in the loop closure. Adjust the
length of this space by guiding the final knot either towards or away from the button as you
tighten it. I test the button a few times before I tighten the knot completely. Depending on the
button size, the space between my final overhand knots usually runs between ½" to ¾".
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 17
Note: The final overhand knot tends to loosen up over time. I haven’t found this to be a
problem because it stays knotted. If you want the knot to have a tighter look, just tug on the
tails when needed.
39. You’re almost done! It’s time to cut your leather tails. The length of your tails is a matter of
personal preference. My tails usually run between ¾” and ⅞”. I also cut one tail slightly shorter
than the other one.
40. Last but not least, apply a drop of Jeweler’s Cement to the thread knots at the beginning
and end of your bracelet. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the glue to set. Then, trim the thread tails
next to the glued knots.
Tip: When gluing, I slide a piece of scrap paper under the bracelet. If too much glue starts to
come out, I can wipe the excess glue off the tip quickly.
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 18
Congratulations! You now have a beautiful leather wrap bracelet! When I wear this design, the
lower strand becomes the top strand so the leather tails point downward. Once again, this is
just a personal preference. Enjoy wearing your new, eye-catching accessory!
Bonus: Did you use the extra lengths of leather cord and nylon thread? Do you still have a few
flexible needles left? Marvelous! You can use them to make a second bracelet. Simply purchase
a button and 4mm or 5mm round beads from your favorite bead store or jewelry supply
company and you’re good to go!
Leather Wrap Bracelets
©2012 Kim K. Mayne-Hatzold. All Rights Reserved.
http://untamedspiritstudios.com
Page 19