Chevron string bracelet instructions abound on the Internet, but many of them are either too simple or too complex to be comprehended on the first read.
What people need are easy string bracelet patterns that are explained thoroughly, and with added tips to make their bracelet making even more rewarding and fun.
Table of Contents
Chevron string bracelet instructions
So the first thing that you should know about chevron string bracelets is that they operate on the principle of symmetry.
So whether you want to create a three-string, six-string or seven-string bracelet, the rule is still going to be the same – there has to be symmetry on both halves, with the exception of additional coloring strings that are knotted on the background strings to create an image on thicker bracelets.
Materials
For our current project, you will need at least four threads of the string of your choice, some scissors, sticky tape and if you want, a plastic bottle. The plastic bottle will be used to secure one end of the bundle of threads so that they would stay put during the duration of the knotting.
Immobilizing the bundle
This is really important: you need to immobilize the bundle of threads because if you don’t, you will end up with a lopsided bracelet. The reason for this is that you need to make sure that each knot is tight, and this is difficult if the central point of the bundle is moving constantly.
It is really easier to make a symmetric bracelet with even knots when you have one end of the bundle restricted. For your initial attempt, the required time would be on the average for two hours.
Arranging the threads
When you are ready to make your chevron friendship bracelet, select the colors that you want. For an even pattern, you will need two to three colors. Arrange the colors in the asymmetrical and mirroring patterns, like 1,2,3,2,1.
The left side of the bundle should mirror the right side of the bundle. So for the current sample project, we have a total of five strings, but you can definitely increase the number if you have another pattern that requires additional strings for coloring knots.
This would be completely up to you, but keep in mind the symmetry always, as this would play a huge part in making your chevron string bracelet look pretty.
Creating the main knot
After trimming the strings, create a simple knot or loop at one end tie up the bundle. This will ensure that the bundle will not unravel while you are knotting, and you will be doing a lot of knotting along the way (two loops per knot).
The securing knot on top of the bundle should not affect the order in which you prepared the threads. If something switches or slips out of sequence, you need to undo the knot at the top and repeat.
Once the knot is secured, you can then either loop the knot over the plastic water bottle (or any other bottle available) so the thread bundle will be immobilized. To make sure that everything is extra secure, apply a length of tape on the knot. You’re ready to begin knotting the threads.
Creating the first row
First thing’s first: separate the different threads in the desired order. If a five-string chevron string bracelet would have an order like 1,2,3,2,1. An eight-string chevron bracelet would have an order of 1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1.
Just work in reverse, no matter how many background strings you may have, you will still end up with a symmetrical pattern. For more advanced bracelet makers, they may mix up the order to achieve a certain pattern and that’s fine too, as long as you know what you are doing.
Some patterns also require inversions and an odd number of strings between the main strings to achieve a certain image. Again, anything actually works as long as there is a definite pattern in mind.
Begin the knotting by taking the first string on the left and creating a number four-figure over the second string. Swing the string to the right, pull upward and tighten. The second string should be snugly trapped inside that single loop.
Create a second loop (same direction) and tighten accordingly. Move to the second string (string number two) and repeat the process with string number three. Then string number three on string number four, and stop when you get to the middle.
When you are done with the first half of the bundle, move to the opposite side and begin knotting from the rightmost side of the bundle. Swing the thread to the left, creating a four-figure, tighten, and repeat. Perform the same simple knotting in sequence until you reach the middle.
At this point, the knotting process would have brought the rightmost string to the center of the bundle, as what would happen to the leftmost string. The two strings at the farthest sides of the bundle would be at the center now. Create a double knot with the two strings in the middle and repeat the process once again.
Finishing
The really interesting part about the process of knotting these strands is that after each complete cycle, you will either have a reversed sequence of threads, followed by a normal sequence again.
The threads will re-arrange themselves naturally as you place one string over the next one until the weaving is complete. When you begin to get a good length on your chevron string bracelet, don’t forget to measure it by fitting it around your wrist.
The dimensions of chevron string bracelets would differ depending on the user. If you have a wider wrist, you will, of course, need more length on your bracelet. Just keep going until the desired length is finally achieved.
When you finally reach the desired length, it’s time to create the tails. The tails are just two woven threads that you can use to tie the bracelet around your wrist using the main knot that you created earlier.
Perform the same steps as before but do not tie the middle strings anymore, so you will have two split strings. The split strings should be about 2.5 inches. Make sure you knot the ends so they won’t unravel.
