Bead enthusiasts, make a waving flag seed bead bracelet and express your patriotism. Wear this patriotic bracelet, made on a bead loom, during the 4th of July holiday or any time when you want to show your pride in America.
Things You’ll Need:
Clear, red, white and blue seed beads
Bead loom with warp string
Scissors
Beading string, also known as weft string
Beading needle
Multi-strand bracelet clasp
Instructions:
Step 1 – String the bead loam with 15 individual strands of warp string. Secure the warp strings tightly to the loom.
Step 2 – Cut a piece of beading string approximately 36-inches long. Thread the string through the beading needle. Tie the end of the string to the warp string to the left side of your beading loom.
Step 3 – String seven blue, then one white, red, white, red, white, and red seed beads on the string for a total of 13 beads.
Step 4 – Slide the beads up the beading thread to the knot secured to the left hand side of the bead loom. Make sure the beads are under the warp string. Press one bead between each warp string. Insert the beading needle through the top of the bead opposite the knot. Continue to insert the needle through the remainder of the beads. Pull the thread tight to secure the beads to the loom.
Step 5 – Thread the following on the beading string – a blue, white, blue, white, blue, white, blue, white, red, white, red, white, and red for a total of 13 beads. Repeat the connection process.
Step 6 – 8 – Thread 13 beads on the beading string beginning and ending with a red bead. Alternate red, white, red, white… to complete the row. Secure to the warp string as in Step 4.
Step 9 – Thread 13 beads on the beading string beginning and ending with a white bead. Alternate white, red, white, red… to complete the row. Secure to the warp string.
Step 10 – Thread 13 clear beads. Attach the clear beads to the warp string. This provides a division between the waving flags.
Step 11 – Repeat the Steps 3 through 9 until the bracelet is the desired length.
Step 12 – Tie the beading thread just above the last bead. Use a double square knot. Cut the excess beading thread flush with the side of the bracelet.
Step 13 – Remove the waving flag seed bead bracelet from the beading loom. Place the bracelet on a flat work surface.
Step 14 – Spread the loops apart at each end of the bracelet. Hold the bracelet firmly. Find the center warp string. Pull the warp string through the seed beads until the warp string is flush with all beads.
Step 15 – Cut the warp string so it is approximately 18-inches long. Thread the warp string through the beading needle.
Step 16 – Secure the end of the bracelet with the warp string to the multi-strand bracelet clamp. Weave the warp string back and forth through the holes on the multi-strand bracelet and the bead in direct alignment. Tie off with a double square knot when complete. Cut the warp thread so it is flush with the beads.
Step 17 – Thread the beading needle with a second length of warp string that is 18-inches long. Connect the warp string to the center bead on the opposite end of the bracelet. Repeat Step 15 to connect the bracelet to the bracelet clamp.
Use the same process to make a choker or headband. A strip of seed bead waving flags also looks great when attached to the center of a belt.