Even when you feel like you have mastered the art of making friendship bracelets, sometimes that high level of finesse is halted by issues with the friendship bracelet, specifically the bracelet twisting, but just because this happens doesn’t mean that you should give up on this craft.
In this article, we’ll share with you some tips and tricks to help you maneuver the problem that comes with the friendship bracelet twisting. So, keep reading to learn more.
Why is my friendship bracelet twisting?
- The biggest reason why your friendship bracelet twists is that you are doing/ making two knots at the same time. Note, however, that this is the most common problem when making friendship bracelets. It’s also important to note that you need to make double knots all the time. The double knots are also important to prevent the curling of the friendship bracelet.
- But this is not the only problem. You could also try to review how you do the forward and the backward knots. You will notice that doing this is creating the double knot, and this is what will prevent the friendship bracelet from twisting.
- The knots could be too tight. This is the other reason why your friendship bracelet is twisting or curling. When making a friendship bracelet, it is crucial for you to remember that the knots need some room to flex for them to maintain a straightened-out look in the long run. So, if you keep knotting your knots too tight, they will keep twisting. Stop this from happening by not going too hard on the friendship bracelet when you’re making the backward and the forward knots.
The twisting is also very common with the striped bracelets, or if your bracelet has too many knots, all are going in one direction. You’d have to make your knots looser while keeping the rest of the bracelet you are working on straight.
How to deal with your twisted friendship bracelet
- Learn how to make the double twist correctly (both forward and backward)
The double knot is an important part of friendship bracelet making, and it does not just prevent twisting, but it will also stop curling. But to make the double twist which is the forward and the backward twist, you need to do it right.
To make the forward knot, you want to start with the thread sitting to your left side. Lay down this thread over the thread on the right to make the number 4, then loop the left thread under the right one and then pull it upwards. Repeat this to finish the knot – this means that the left thread goes to the right, and you make the knot.
And to make the backward knot, you’d start with the right thread then move to the left thread. Lay the right thread on your left thread the loop it under the left thread, and pull it upwards. Don’t forget to finish the knot by interchanging the threads and moving the right to the left one.
Next, you need to learn how to make the FB and the BF Knots
Forward-to-Backward Knot (FB Knot)
To make this knot, you have to start with the thread’s first loop of your forward knot and the ends of the backward knot. So, the thread located on your left stays there while you complete the knot.
Backward-to-Forward Knot (BW Knot)
This is the opposite knot to the FB knot, starting with the back/ backward knot, followed by the forward knot. This will have the thread on your right staying on your right side.
- Be gentle
Everyone else will make it look very easy, and you may be disappointed in yourself for not getting it right the first few times.
But like all other types of art, you need to be extra gentle with yourself when making friendship bracelets.
You will fail at it a number of times then starting, and you may notice twisting even after months of trying, but you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself; just take your time.
- Knot the bracelet gently and not too tightly
Don’t be too aggressive or tight the threads too tightly because the bracelet will keep twisting if you do. Give the bracelet some room for flexing to keep the bracelets straighter in the long run. You could also run your fingers through the threads gently then straighten them.
Other tips for making friendship bracelets to ensure the best outcome
- Always keep or use a more consistent level of tension when handling the threads. While it’s a matter of preference when it comes to how loose or tight the bracelet is, apply just the right amount of tension to the threads.
- Always leave about 6 inches of the thread for braids
- The longer or complex the patterns of the bracelet, the larger the volume of thread you will need. The least amount of thread you will need is 60 inches at the very least, although you will need longer strands.
- Take your time, and do not be frustrated about the twists and the curls
- Take out the knots as soon as you notice the mistake made in the knots or your technique
- Experiment with colors and knots to create masterpieces
- Be ready to start over, as many times as possible
- Don’t forget to have fun!
Conclusion
If you are making friendship bracelets, you will face numerous challenges, and twisting is just one of the challenges you will face. Follow the tips above to make your next best friendship bracelet the next best thing.
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Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.