Hemp is an inexpensive natural fiber that can be used to create bracelets and other jewelry. Hemp comes in many different colors and is waterproof, making it easy for guys to make a fashion statement while still enjoying activities like swimming and surfing. Hemp is also available in larger diameters that are ideal for creating thick bracelets.
Basic Hemp Bracelet
Video of the Day
A basic hemp bracelet for guys uses a square knot. To make the bracelet thick, you'll need to purchase a cord that is at least 3mm in diameter. Master this knot before you move on to more advanced hemp bracelet techniques, such as zig zag.
Video of the Day
Things You'll Need
Hemp cord, any color, minimum 3mm thick
Scissors
Tape or safety pin (optional)
Step 1
Cut a strand of hemp that is 4 times longer than the length you would like the finished bracelet. For example, if you want a 7-inch bracelet, cut a 28-inch strand of hemp.
Step 2
Cut a strand of hemp that is 12 times longer than the length of the bracelet. In other words, a 7-inch bracelet requires an an 84-inch strand of hemp.
Step 3
Fold each strand in half. Tie the four lengths of hemp together with an overhand knot by forming a 1/2-inch loop. Hold the bottom of the loop with one hand as you wrap the top of the loop over and around the strands of hemp. Pull taut. Arrange the hemp so that the two shorter strands are in the center, with one long strand on each side. The shorter strands will be the base of the bracelet, while the longer strands will be used for knotting.
Tip
If you'd like, tape the hemp to a table or pin the hemp to your pants with a safety pin right at the knotted loop. This will stabilize the hemp as you knot.
Step 4
Cross the left strand over the two center strands, and then under the right strand.
Step 5
Pass the right strand under the two center strands; then up through the hole and over the left cord. This creates the first half of the square knot.
Step 6
Cross the left strand under the two center strands, then over the right cord.
Step 7
Cross the right strand over the center, and then down through the hole and under the left cord. Pull taut, and secure the knot.
Step 8
Repeat steps 5 to 8 to continue making square knots around the bracelet. Work until the bracelet is the desired length.
Tip
As the bracelet lengthens, move the tape or safety pin to one of the last knots you tied to stabilize the bracelet as you work.
Step 9
When the bracelet is the desired length, trim the end with scissors leaving 1 to 2 inches of hemp.
Step 10
To tie the bracelet, slip the 1 to 2 inches of excess hemp through the loop on the opposite end of the bracelet. Knot the excess hemp around the loop.
Bracelet Modifications
Once you master the basic square knot hemp bracelet, experiment with other types of knots and embellishments such as beads.
Zigzag Hemp Bracelet
This modification creates knots that are right and left diagonals. When created with thick hemp, the result is a design that is masculine and durable even during strenuous activities. These diagonal knots form a zigzag with single strands of hemp floating between them.
Things You'll Need
Hemp cord in color of your choice, at least 3mm thick
Scissors
Tape or safety pin (optional)
Step 1
Cut two strands of hemp, each 80 inches long. Fold each strand in half. Tie the four lengths of hemp together with an overhand knot, forming a loop.
Step 2
Wrap the second hemp strand from the left under and around the first strand from the left. Pull the cord to tighten the knot.
Step 3
Repeat the second step with the third strand from the left, and then with the fourth strand from the left.
Step 4
Adjust the knots so that they form a diagonal that runs from the top left to the bottom right. Note that the strand that was the first strand on the left is now the fourth strand on the right.
Step 5
Reverse the order of knots by tying the third strand from the left around the fourth strand from the left.
Step 6
Tie the second strand from the left around the fourth strand; then repeat with the first strand on the left.
Step 7
Adjust the knots so they form a diagonal that runs from the top right to the bottom left. Notice that you are continuing to tie knots around the same strand of hemp. That strand is forming the zigzag shape.
Step 8
Repeat steps 2-7 to form a zigzag along the entire bracelet.
Step 9
When the bracelet is the desired length, trim the end with scissors leaving 1 to 2 inches of hemp.
Step 10
To tie the bracelet, slip the 1 to 2 inches of excess hemp through the loop on the opposite end of the bracelet. Knot the excess hemp around the loop.
Two-Color Hemp Bracelet
You can purchase hemp in its natural tan color, but dyed hemp is also available. To make a two-color hemp bracelet, cut two base strands of hemp as described in the first step of the Basic Hemp Bracelet. Remember that these strands will be mostly invisible, so the color is not as important.
Cut a hemp strand of Color A that is 6 times the length of the finished bracelet; then cut a hemp strand of Color B that is six times the length of the bracelet. Continue with steps 3-10 of the Basic Hemp Bracelet to create the two-color bracelet.
Hemp Bracelet with Beads
Choose a bead size with a hole large enough to fit through the two base strands of hemp. Repeat Steps 1-8 of the Basic Hemp Bracelet to being the bracelet and make one square knot. After you have completed step 8, slide a bead onto the two base strands. Slide the bead right up to the last knot you made, then continue knotting. The hemp will wrap around the beads, holding them in place. Place beads evenly throughout the bracelet.
Tip
Hemp bracelets with beads use less hemp cord than bracelets without beads since you are tying less knots.