Creating your own hemp jewelry is a rewarding and pleasurable experience. This is a simple beginning to get you well on your way. There are a few definitions that you should know to understand these directions:
Knotter: A strand that is used to tie a knot.The basics of making hemp jewelry is based on 4 knots:
Bead Carrier: The center strand of the piece that you thread the beads onto. It is also the strand that the "Knotters" are tied around. The Bead Carrier is the shortest strand in the kit.
(For all knots, tie one end to something secure, about 2 inches apart.)
Step 1: Lay the Left knotter over the bead carrier.
Step 2: Lay the Right knotter over the Left knotter.
Step 3: Bring the Right knotter under the bead carrier and into the loop created by the Left knotter and pull tight.
Step 2: Lay the Left knotter over the Right knotter.
Step 3: Bring the Left knotter under the bead carrier and into the loop created by the Right knotter and pull tight.
The Square Knot (SK).
The Square knot is tied by tying consecutive Left and Right half knots.
Most pieces are started and finished by tying an Overhand Knot (OK).
To tie an OK:
Step 1: Take one end and create a loop by crossing the twine over itself.
Step 2: Bring the end through the loop.
Step 3: Tighten and "work" it so that it is where you want it.
These directions will work with most 20lb (1mm) hemp.
8 SK = 1" (depending on the varying thickness of the strand and personal knot-tying style)
15 HK = 1" (depending on the varying thickness of the strand and personal knot-tying style)
For example, if you want to make it 1" longer add 4 SK to each beginning and end.
If you want to make it 2" longer add 15 HK to each beginning and end.
Conversely if you want it shorter by any length, subtract the same amount of knots somewhere in the pattern.
Tight knots will give you about 1 foot of knotter length = 2 ½". (remember you'll be using 2 knotters.)
For a 19" necklace Divide 19 by 2 ½ = 7.6 feet (about 92 inches) for each knotter. It's always best to go longer. (it can be a little maddening to get to the end of your knotter before you're done.) Add in the ends to tie together when you're done…usually about 3" on each end. If it's longer it gives you more to hang onto in the end.
*Keep in mind the diameter of the beads. It's not hard for several beads to increase the length a couple inches.
For a 19 inch necklace you'll need: A bead carrier 25 inches long.
(19 + 3 + 3)
2 knotters 98 inches long.
(92 + 3 + 3)
*Note: Don't be too alarmed if your piece doesn't look exactly like you pictured. Everyone does things a little differently and hemp varies here and there in thickness. If you keep your
Instructions for a 20" Necklace
1: Cut 1 length 27" long for the bead carrier.
2: Cut 2 lengths at least 96"ong for the knotters.
3: Match up the ends of the 3 strands and tie 1 OK, leaving about 3" to tie a clasp.
4: Tie 5 SK
5: Tie 15 LHK
6: Tie 5 SK
7: Tie 15 LHK
8: Tie 5 SK
9: Tie 15 LHK
10: Tie 5 SK
11: Tie 15 LHK
12: Tie 5 SK
13: Tie 15 LHK
14: Tie 5 SK
15: Tie 15 LHK
16: Tie 5 SK
17: Place Bead
18: Tie 5 LHK
19: Place Center Bead (necklace should be about 10" at this point.)
20: Tie 5 RHK
21: Place Bead
22: Tie 5 SK
23: Tie 15 RHK
24: Tie 5 SK
25: Tie 15 RHK
26: Tie 5 SK
27: Tie 15 RHK
28: Tie 5 SK
29: Tie 15 RHK
30: Tie 5 SK
31: Tie 15 RHK
32: Tie 5 SK
33: Tie 15 RHK
34: Tie 5 SK
35: Tie 1 OK
Instructions for a key ring
1: Cut 1 length 14" long for the bead carrier.
2: Cut 1 length 37" long for the knotters.
3: Put 1 end of the bead carrier through the key ring and match the ends.
4: Take the 1 length of knotter, find the center,
5: Tie 15 RHK
6: Place Bead
7: Tie 15 RHK
8: Place Bead
9: Tie 15 RHK
10: Place Bead
11: Tie 5 SK
12: Tie 1 OK
Please remember to plan ahead.
Lay out your beads before you start. Keeping the bead carrier tight by tying it to something will help to keep your knots tight.
Instructions For a 7" bracelet
1: Cut 1 length 14" long for the bead carrier.
2: Cut 2 lengths at least 37" long for the knotters.
3: Match up the ends of the 3 strands and tie 1 OK, leaving about 3" to tie a clasp.
4: Tie 30 RHK
5: Tie 2 SK
6: Place Bead
7: Tie 1 SK
8: Place Bead
9: Tie 2 SK
10: Place Center Bead
(bracelet should be about 3 ½" at this point)
11: Tie 2 SK
12: Place Bead
13. Tie 1 SK
14: Place Bead
15: Tie 1 SK
16: Tie 30 LHK
17: Tie 1 OK