If you are new to the Prumihimo Disk, please use the instructions you were supplied with to learn the braid structure without beads first. Alternatively, click here to find instructions. Use contrasting colours of satin cord and beading cord so that you can see if you have made any errors. This is most likely to be a completely new braid to you, with an unfamiliar rhythm, so it is essential to be able to braid confidently before embarking on this tutorial. Once the braid has been mastered, have a go at adding beads. If you do not take these steps you risk being disappointed with a bracelet which is twisted or kinked.
In this section you will find some free, easy tutorials to get you started. The first one is a simple bracelet and it is brilliant for a first project. Once you have tried it you will find it easy to adapt to make your own designs. I will add to these designs gradually. If you want to try more complex projects, please visit the shop, where you will find a range of tutorials to help you to explore the full potential of the Prumihimo disk.
Bracelet – below
Necklace – click here
Letter Braids – click here
Bracelet
Materials
2.5m Satin Cord, 1.5mm
2.5m Beading cord 0.5mm (S-Lon or C-Lon Tex 210)
40-50 Seed Beads, size 6, colour A
40-50 Seed Beads, size 6, Colour B
Strong Glue, eg 2-part epoxy, E6000, ZapGel etc
Glue-in clasp (internal diameter 5mm, but this can vary depending on many factors)
Instructions
- Cut the satin cord into 4 equal lengths. Cut the beading cord into 4 equal lengths. Tie them all together at one end in an overhand knot. Position the cords on the disk with the satin cord in the top and bottom slots with dots at numbers 1 and 2. Put the beading cord in the top and bottom slots with dots at numbers 3 and 4.
- Braid for 2-3cm. (See Braid Instructions)
- Thread 40-50 seed beads colour A onto the top cord at number 3. Thread 40-50 seed beads colour B onto the bottom cord at number 3. Keep the beads in place with a stop bead or a bobbin.
- Complete the moves at number 1 and number 2. At number 3 lift the top cord, slide a bead down the cord, press it into the V-shape formed by the satin cords and complete the move by putting the cord in the bottom unmarked slot. Lift the bottom cord and slide a bead down the cord, press it into the V-shape formed by the satin cords and complete the move by putting the cord in the top slot. Move the bottom cord across. Use your thumb to keep the beads in these positions if necessary. Compete the moves at number 4.
- Continue to braid, adding in a bead every time the top and the bottom cords at number 3 are moved.
- Braid until the required length has been reached, taking into account the length of the clasp. (Stretch the braid and let it relax back into shape before making the final decision on length)
- Braid for 2-3cm without beads.
- Remove the braid from the disk and tie the end in an overhand knot.
- Apply some glue to the unbeaded ends of the braid to seal the fibres. When the glue is completely dry trim the glued section to fit the end caps.Apply some glue to the inside of the clasp end with a cocktail stick and insert the braid using a twisting action to spread the glue.
- Leave the glue to dry for the full drying and curing time recommended by the manufacturer.
- If you prefer to be able to watch a demonstration you may find my YouTube videos on finishing methods helpful.
- Glue method of finishing off a braidWire method of finishing off a braid
Once you have had a go at this bracelet you may feel ready to start playing with your own designs. Alternatively you may like to try one of my tutorials or buy a kit from from one of my associates.