Macramé has made a huge comeback in recent years, becoming one of the most popular DIY jewelry trends once again. Whether on social media, in boutiques, or at craft fairs, macramé and bead bracelets are everywhere. They are stylish, fun to wear, and surprisingly simple to make. If you have been thinking about learning how to do macramé but weren’t sure where to start, this guide is the perfect place.

If you haven’t read our previous blogs, we encourage you to check them out. We cover everything you need to know about macramé—from basic knots and materials to detailed tutorials with pictures. And if you want a step-by-step illustrated guide on how to create a basic macramé bracelet, make sure to read our DIY blog as well.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a clear, beginner-friendly method to create your own macramé and beads bracelet in just eight simple steps. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you’ll be making professional-looking bracelets in no time.

✨ What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following macramé supplies:

- 0.5 mm cords (waxed cotton, leather, silk, nylon, tapers... all work well)

- Beads with a 1 mm hole (enough space for two cords to pass through)

- One charm, connector, or ring

- A needle or knot-separator tool

- Scissors

Choosing quality materials makes a big difference. Thinner cords create a delicate, elegant bracelet, while the beads add charm and personality. You can choose gemstone beads, metal beads, glass beads, or colorful acrylics depending on your style.

Our collection of silk tapers 

✨ Step 1: Prepare and Attach the Cords

Start by cutting:

- 2 cords of 75 cm

- 2 cords of 50 cm

- 1 cord of 25 cm

Take one of the 50 cm cords, fold it in half, and make a simple knot around the charm or connector. This cord will become the base of your bracelet. Repeat the same process with the other 50 cm cord on the opposite side of the charm. These two folded cords will form the central strands of your bracelet.

Make sure both cords are neatly attached and symmetrical. Proper preparation is essential for a clean, professional look.

✨ Step 2: Begin Your First Macramé Knot

Take the 75 cm cord and place it underneath the two middle strands (the ones attached to the charm). These long cords will be your working cords.

To form the first knot:

1. Place the right working cord over the two middle strands.

2. Bring the right cord under the left working cord.

3. Take the left cord, bring it behind the center strands, and pull it over the right cord.

4. Tighten gently.

This is the start of the square knot, the foundation of most macramé bracelet designs.

✨ Step 3: Continue the Knot, Alternating Sides

Macramé is all about repetition. To create a symmetrical pattern, alternate sides:

- After knotting from the right, start your next knot from the left.

- Then switch back to the right.

- Continue this pattern: right, left, right, left.

Alternating creates a beautiful woven pattern and prevents the bracelet from twisting. After a few knots, you will begin to recognize the rhythm and movement of the square knot.

✨ Step 4: Add Your First Bead

Once you have three to four knots, it’s time to add the first bead.

Slide a bead onto the two middle strands and push it close to the knots. The working cords must stay outside the bead, forming a loop over it. Tighten the cords by making another macramé knot above the bead.

Then:

- Add two to three knots

- Insert another bead

- Repeat as many times as you want

This pattern gives your bracelet an elegant and balanced look.

✨ Step 5: Finish the Ends Neatly

When you are done adding beads and knots, it’s important to finish the bracelet cleanly.

Use a needle or knot separator tool to insert the working cord ends back into the previous three or four knots. This hides the ends inside the structure, giving your bracelet a professional finish.

Cut the extra cord carefully.

Repeat the same process on the other side of the bracelet.

✨ Step 6: Prepare the Bracelet for the Sliding Closure

To make your bracelet adjustable, shape it into a circle by overlapping the two ends. Tie them temporarily with another small piece of cord to hold them in place. This will help you create an adjustable sliding closure.

✨ Step 7: Create the Sliding Closure

Take the 25 cm cord and begin knotting around the two overlapping bracelet strands, using the same macramé knot you learned earlier (right, left, right, left).

Start slightly before the center of the overlapped cords to ensure your sliding closure is centered.

Once finished:

- Insert the ends back into previous knots

- Trim any excess

- Tighten the closure

This sliding mechanism allows the bracelet to fit any wrist size comfortably.

✨ Step 8: Final Adjustment

Untie the temporary knot you made earlier. Pull the strands gently to adjust the bracelet to your wrist size. Tie small knots at the ends of the closure strands and trim any excess.

Step-by-step tutorial

✨ Your Bracelet Is Ready!

Congratulations—your beautiful macramé and beads bracelet is now finished!
This technique may seem new at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Soon, you will be able to experiment with:

- Different colors

- Gemstone beads

- Leather cords

- Charms and pendants

- Multilayer designs

- Friendship bracelet sets

Macramé is a wonderful way to express creativity and make personalized gifts for friends, family, or even customers if you sell handmade jewelry.

And remember—once you master this basic method, the possibilities are endless!

Keep up for the following DIY and do not forget to subscribe for our Instagram!