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River Bracelet

Description: The River Bracelet features a unique knot called the River Bar. The clasp is a simple knot and loop design.

I recommend you use two colors to produce the ripple effect shown in the example. Colors like blues and greens will make it more symbolic of a river.

Try creating this Macrame bracelet with Paracord or Satin, since both materials feel good against the skin.

This is a great Macrame project for kids as well as beginners. Young children might need some help until they learn the knot.

Make sure you use a Project Board and pins.

I found this knot the Fusion Knots website.

Click on the image or link to visit.

View the video gallery, which contains tutorials for a variety of very unique and appealing designs that can be used for bracelets and similar projects.

Preparation and Loop

Measure your wrist to determine the size you need for the River Bracelet.

Multiply your wrist size by 7, then cut two cords to that size (one of each color).

An Adult should melt the tips with a flame if using Paracord. You can find more information in Cord Preparation (near the bottom of the page).

Step 1: Fold cord A in half, then place it horizontally on your board with the fold on the right.

Place cord B on top, arranged vertically.

The centers should line up.

Bring each half of cord B under cord A, then pass both halves over the folded area on the right.

This is called a Reef Knot, and is an easy way to make a loop for a clasp.

Turn the knot so it's vertical. Hold cord A, then pull both halves of cord B to tighten.

Adjust the loop until it's 1/2-inch in size. Secure the loop to your board.

Arrange cord B so the two halves are diagonal (arrows).

River Bar Instructions

Below are the instructions for making the River Bar, so you don't need to view them separately.

Designer's Tip: These two terms may be confusing to beginners:

Backward = Closer to the back of your board

Forward = Closer to the front of your board

Step 2: Use the right half of cord A to make a counter-clockwise loop, passing it over the right half of cord B.

Move it backward and pass it under cord B, heading left. Bring it under both halves of cord A, and over the left half of cord B.

Keep it horizontal when you are done.

Make a clockwise loop with the left half of cord A, passing it over the left half of cord B, then under the right half of cord A (backward).

Bring it under the left half of cord B, under both halves of cord A, and over the right half of cord B.

Designer's Tip: When making both loops, the only time the cord you are using passes OVER something is when it reaches the first and last segment.

It passes over one half of the opposite cord as you get started, then goes over the other half as you complete the loop.

Tighten the knot by holding both halves of cord B with one hand while using the other hand to pull each half of cord A. The knot should be firm.

Adjust the size of the loop if you plan to make a button knot for a clasp.

The two cords have now switched positions.

Step 3: Use the right half of cord B to make a counter-clockwise loop, passing it over the right half of cord A.

Move it backward and pass it under cord A, heading left. Bring it under both halves of cord B, and over the left half of cord A.

Designer's Tip: Step 3 is the same as step 2, only the colors have switched.

Make a clockwise loop with the left half of cord B, passing it over the left half of cord A, then under the right half of cord B (backward).

Bring it under the left half of cord A, under both halves of cord B, and over the right half of cord A.

Tighten the knot by holding both halves of cord A, then pulling on each half of cord B.

It's best to tighten all the knots firmly so they are the same size.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 several times, until the River Bracelet is 1-inch less than the size you need.

So if you want a 6-inch bracelet, stop at 5 inches.

Include the loop when measuring.

Finishing the River Bracelet

Step 5: The last cord you used to make the loops is now on the inside. Both halves of that cord are used to make the clasp.

Finish off the other cord (outside) by securing it to the back of the River Bracelet.

The best way is to slide it under one loop, and apply glue to hold it there.

Step 6: To make a simple Overhand knot for the clasp, make a counter-clockwise loop with both halves of the cord.

Complete the Overhand knot by moving the end of the cord through the loop under - over (from below).

Tighten carefully, so this knot rests close to the last knots tied in step 5. Apply glue as you tighten. Allow it to dry, then cut off the excess material.

Fuse the material with a flame if using Paracord or Nylon.

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