Here on the east coast, we’re starting in the heat of summer. Personally, summer evokes memories of lightening bugs at dusk, the smell of freshly cut grass, sipping ice-cold lemonade, and making bracelets out of string. Obviously you can make (and wear) string bracelets year-round, but there’s something about these colorful accessories that just feels summery. Perhaps it has something to do with the many hours I spent making bracelets by the pool as a kid.
It’s also comforting. Especially if summer is a hard time for you.
Below is a DIY step-by-step guide on how to make the Twisted Cobra bracelet. This is my go-to bracelet design for when I want to turn off my brain for a little while and relax. It’s really the perfect mindless activity. I’ve always found the repetitive hand motions and the soft sounds of the knotting strings to be incredibly relaxing. This bracelet is also very easy to make. Once you get the hang of the “4” knot, explained in-depth here, the Twisted Cobra will be a cinch. Let’s get started!
Here’s what you’ll:
MATERIALS
- embroidery floss (aka string)
- tape measure or ruler
- scissors
- heavy book or a friend with a strong grip
- beads (optional)
Twisted Cobra Bracelet
DIRECTIONS
1. Select your strings. Pick three to five colors, one to three strings of each. For this tutorial I chose three colors (white, green and blue), three strings of each.
Pro tip: More strings means a thicker bracelet.
2. Measure and cut your strings. 24 inches is a good place to start. Remember, it’s better to have to cut excess string at the end, than to have your bracelet run short.
As they say in the crafting world, “Measure twice, cut once!”
3. Line up the edges of your string, then tie a knot a few inches from the top. 
4. Hold your strings in place. I secured mine with a book, but you can use any heavy object or even enlist the help of a friend to hold the other end of the strings while you’re working.
5. Make a “4” knot using one string. Even if your bracelet has multiple strings of the same color, just use one string at a time when tying the knots. 
6. Continue making “4” knots using the same string. I like to make 10 knots in a row before switching strings—this seems to really showcase the spiral—but you can do as many or as few as you like. Be sure to pull the knots nice and tight to keep your bracelet neat. 
7. Swap strings and make another series of “4” knots. Option to add a braid or two between the sections if you’re feeling extra fancy! 
8. Continue until you have only a few inches left of string. Now’s the time to add some beads if you want!
9. Tie a knot at the end and trim excess string. 
10. Option to braid the ends of your stings for some added detail. 
11. Tie on your bracelet and wear it all summer long! Since there’s no such thing as too many bracelets, try out some other variations of the Twisted Cobra to wear together. 
How did your bracelet turn out? Share photos of your DIY masterpieces on Instagram and tag us at @2DamnYoung.
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