Cylinder Bead Bracelet - Step by Step Guide

Published on 20 August 2025 at 15:20

Materials Needed

Essential Supplies

    • Cylinder beads (also called tube beads) - 50-100 pieces, depending on size
    • Elastic cord or beading wire (0.5-1mm thickness)
  • Spacer Beads
  • Scissors or wire cutters
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Bead tray or small bowl
  • Needle-nose pliers (if using wire)
  • Crimp beads (if using beading wire)
  • Jump rings
  • Lobster clasp

Planning Your Design

Step 1: Measure Your Wrist

  • Wrap a measuring tape around your wrist
  • Add 0.5-1 inch for comfort
  • Standard bracelet lengths: 6.5-8 inches

Step 2: Choose Your Pattern

Simple Options:

  • All the same colour cylinder beads
  • Alternating two colours
  • Random colour mix
  • Gradient effect (light to dark)

Spacer Bead Method

  • Add small round beads between cylinder beads
  • Creates texture and visual interest
  • Use contrasting or matching colours

Advanced Patterns:

  • Geometric designs
  • Word or initial patterns
  • Striped sections

Basic Cylinder Bead Bracelet

Step 3: Prepare Your Wire or Cord

  • I cut my wire 30cm (approximately 12 inches). I like to have extra wire to finish the bracelet. (You don’t need this much, 23 cm/9 inches is enough.)
  • Cut the elastic cord 4-6 inches longer than your bracelet length
  • Tie a small knot at one end to prevent beads from sliding off

Step 3: String the Beads

  1. Thread the first bead onto your wire (1 spacer)
  2. Push it down to the Crimped end
  3. Add Six Cylinder Beads
  4. Finish with two Spacer beads
  5. Add Six Cylinder Beads
  6. Finish with two Spacer beads
  7. Continue adding beads until you have 6 sets of cylinder beads 
  8. For the center of the bracelet, add twelve cylinder beads
  9. Then add two spacer beads 
  10. Start again from step 3
  11. Add Six Cylinder Beads
  12. Finish with two Spacer beads
  13. Add Six Cylinder Beads
  14. Finish with two Spacer beads
  15. Continue adding beads until you have 6 sets of cylinder beads

.

Step 4: Finish the Bracelet

For Elastic Cord:

  1. Remove the temporary knot
  2. Tie both ends together with a secure double knot
  3. Trim the excess cord close to the knot
  4. Add a drop of super glue to the knot for security
  5. Hide the knot inside a bead

For Beading Wire:

  1. Thread both ends through a crimp bead
  2. Make a small loop and thread back through the crimp
  3. Use pliers to flatten the crimp bead
  4. Trim excess wire
  5. Add a lobster clasp and an O-ring on one end
  6. On the other end, add an o-ring and a chain.
  7. Finish the Chain With a bead and an o-ring
  8. Add an extra o-ring in the middle of the chain so it can be adjusted to fit the wrist.

Advanced Techniques

Multi-Strand Design

  1. Create 2-3 separate strands
  2. Make each slightly different lengths
  3. Connect all strands to a single clasp
  4. Creates a layered, dimensional look

Pattern Planning

  • Sketch your design on paper first
  • Use graph paper for complex patterns
  • Color code your design for easy reference

 

Design Ideas

Color Combinations

  • Monochromatic: Different shades of the same color
  • Complementary: Colors opposite on the color wheel
  • Analogous: Colors next to each other on the color wheel
  • Neutral: Blacks, whites, grays, and browns

Pattern Suggestions

  • Ombre effect: Gradual color transition
  • Stripes: Alternating bands of color
  • Random: Mixed colors for a bohemian look
  • Geometric: Repeating shapes or patterns

Your finished cylinder bead bracelet will be a beautiful, personalized piece of Jewelry that reflects your style and creativity. Check out the video.

 »