I have found that use square or granny knots don’t work for me either. I start with a square not, but switch to two overhand knots, using a needle and stretching to get them tight up against the square knot, then ease the ends inside of an adjacent bead.
Thank you! The stretching between each half knot and the glue tips were very helpful. I have used the regular clasps for that more classy look but for the kids, I like keeping it simple. Always have worried about how the knots would stay. Great video & great product. I use the .5 and the 1.0 sizes as appropriate. Of course I have all the regular beading wire also. For those of you that have kids (boys & girls), this is an easy way for the them to make jewelry & have it look great!.
Thank you for this helpful video. I was reluctant to use Stretch Magic because I felt it would eventually untie. Now I will start using it in many of my projects.
I learned from a magazine to do the knot, then turn the knot over (I switch to left cord in right hand and vice-versa). It's just adding another turn when wrapping one cord side around the other. Then, as shown, it's important to pull on the cords of the bracelet as well as the cord ends. I've taught it this way & included hiding cord ends inside the beads where possible. Thanks for the tip of pre-stretching. .7 seems to be ideal for most uses, but I don't think I've seen a .8 - sounds good!
I use a surgeons knot and a little glue but stretch magic is difficult to tie off, especially the thicker the elastic. However, it’s definitely the strongest as all others snap.
I would not use an alligator clip. Unless the teeth are covered, the sharp metal could put a bend in the cord and weaken it. I recommend a rubber or plastic-tipped clip. I've bought these at a hardware store; they're good for many uses besides jewelry-making. Another safe alternative would be pieces of tape or you can try small binder clips.
I meant, using a surgeon's knot. Look up surgeon's knot and you may like it for this. I've read to never use superglue for Stretch Magic, it will make the cord brittle. If using glue, E-6000 or Hypo Cement would be appropriate. Never make the bracelets too tight to where it will always be in a state of stretch when wearing. If for children, tell them not to play with it and only to stretch it enough to put it on and then leave it alone.
I wondered what type of string that they use to place beads on. Won some on Listia. At first thought about giving them to someone I know who is taking the class but thought maybe I should give it a try.
I think it would be great if you specified types of glue that work well with stretch cord. Regarding clasps, I feel that you recommending to use them on the thicker stretch cords, completely defeats the purpose of using stretch cord in the first place...and in my decades of making jewelry, I’ve NEVER seen a stretch cord bracelet or necklace (or anklet) with a clasp. Also, I don’ like that you left those tails on the ends, I’ve never seen a stretch bracelet that had those tails left on. I did think the pre-stretching was a good tip though.
Beadalon made crimp beads for beadalon stretch cord and I'm too scared to used crimps/clasps on any other stretch cord! Ps Stretch Magic is extremely difficult to tie knot and I gave up with S M.
One more thing: I don't usually use any glue with stretch bracelets. You don't necessarily need glue, but if you do choose to glue the knot, I'd go with either of the glues I mentioned. On thread, however, I would always use Hypo Cement.
I have found in trying to use this product that pre-stretching the elastic is very important. I would like the knots to be concealed inside the bead but it's too thick for many beads.
Thanks for this lovely video. What brand of glue do you recommend? Will they carry this glue at Joanns or Michaels? Is it a form of super glue? Thanks.
Hi! My mom has a Pandora bracelet but she can't wear it because of arthritis in her hands. She asked me if her beads could be put on the stretchy cord like I did for her other beaded bracelet. I'm thinking one strand of the thickest is not enough but what if I used 2 or 3 strands? Or even braided three strands? Any suggestions you have is greatly appreciated. Thank you
She did too do the knot tying plainly....but maybe closer view would have helped. It was an overhand knot, like starting of tyingyour shoes. Instructions on packaging too. But not about stretching after every knot. I am going to try again!
Good evening I am not sure if this might be still current I was just browsing and came across your you tube , for a beginner like me what advice would you give me to start a hobby in bracelets making what types of beads etc etc bearing in mind that I have never done anything like this before . looking forward to hear from you
Hi Beverly, that's a toughie! There is no "right" answer. You just have to go for what you like. Many of the jewelry-making supply companies on the internet have a projects section in their website, and you can browse through their project sections to get ideas of what you like. Try rings-things.com, fusionbeads.com, firemountaingems.com and others. (Once you spend some time at any one of these, I'm sure that ads for the others will start popping up for you!)
So basically, it's a triple square knot. I skipped all the other stuff. I didn't use Stretch Magic - just an elastic cord - but I've watched 3 videos already and since they ALL used square knots, I give up. [Sigh] I WAS hoping for a DECORATIVE knot coz the holes in my beads are so small......oh, well. Square knots it is!
Stretch Magic just doesn't work for me. No matter how I stretch it or what kind of knot I do or how many I make, it will always come loose. And I don't use that fancy alligator whatever. I don't think it's good.
The .5 mm stretch magic does not hold, no matter how much pre-stretching you do, or which type of knot you use. There are probably better products out there.
Hi Tom, sorry for your difficulty with these knotting suggestions. Have you tried the surgeons knot. We have used that with all sizes of cord and have had great success.
stretchmagic Yes, I have. It’s still doesn’t hold very well. I’m not sure if your company is open to suggestions, but you could talk with one of your chemists about some sort of additive or coating that would make your product slightly more abrasive, to achieve higher customer satisfaction. When using most ropes, strings, cords, or the like, a simple square knot does the trick 99% of the time.
When using the .7mm stretch magic and following your exact instructions, my bracelet STILL unravels and unties itself even with the glue!
I have found that use square or granny knots don’t work for me either. I start with a square not, but switch to two overhand knots, using a needle and stretching to get them tight up against the square knot, then ease the ends inside of an adjacent bead.
Thank you! The stretching between each half knot and the glue tips were very helpful. I have used the regular clasps for that more classy look but for the kids, I like keeping it simple. Always have worried about how the knots would stay. Great video & great product. I use the .5 and the 1.0 sizes as appropriate. Of course I have all the regular beading wire also. For those of you that have kids (boys & girls), this is an easy way for the them to make jewelry & have it look great!.
Thank you for this helpful video. I was reluctant to use Stretch Magic because I felt it would eventually untie. Now I will start using it in many of my projects.
The intro music is perfect for Halloween! It had me looking over my shoulder for Pennywise. Lol!
Thank you for the helpful video. Thanks to you I just finished my first beaded bracelet made with stretch magic.
At 3:06 she gets to the point: tie it in a knot 6 times and stretch it in between.
I learned from a magazine to do the knot, then turn the knot over (I switch to left cord in right hand and vice-versa). It's just adding another turn when wrapping one cord side around the other. Then, as shown, it's important to pull on the cords of the bracelet as well as the cord ends. I've taught it this way & included hiding cord ends inside the beads where possible. Thanks for the tip of pre-stretching. .7 seems to be ideal for most uses, but I don't think I've seen a .8 - sounds good!
I'm trying this now. So far it won't stay together :(
mysakuradreams try the regular knot then the twice looped knot 2 times. That will hold it.
Yeah. Same. It's like it doesn't want to be tied. :/
I use a surgeons knot and a little glue but stretch magic is difficult to tie off, especially the thicker the elastic. However, it’s definitely the strongest as all others snap.
I would not use an alligator clip. Unless the teeth are covered, the sharp metal could put a bend in the cord and weaken it. I recommend a rubber or plastic-tipped clip. I've bought these at a hardware store; they're good for many uses besides jewelry-making. Another safe alternative would be pieces of tape or you can try small binder clips.
Thank you for the video. I didn't know to STRETCH the cord before I make a bracelet. Now I know.
How do I know I pre stretched enough and can you give me a comparison of stretch magic vs a opening or fiber type string
Thanks so much for the tip about pre-stretching. I use this for my breastfeeding reminder & children's bracelets
I meant, using a surgeon's knot. Look up surgeon's knot and you may like it for this. I've read to never use superglue for Stretch Magic, it will make the cord brittle. If using glue, E-6000 or Hypo Cement would be appropriate. Never make the bracelets too tight to where it will always be in a state of stretch when wearing. If for children, tell them not to play with it and only to stretch it enough to put it on and then leave it alone.
Stretch beaded bracelets are not for children below a certain age. Beads pose a choking hazard. Tweens and teens OK, but not for younger children.
I wondered what type of string that they use to place beads on. Won some on Listia. At first thought about giving them to someone I know who is taking the class but thought maybe I should give it a try.
I think it would be great if you specified types of glue that work well with stretch cord. Regarding clasps, I feel that you recommending to use them on the thicker stretch cords, completely defeats the purpose of using stretch cord in the first place...and in my decades of making jewelry, I’ve NEVER seen a stretch cord bracelet or necklace (or anklet) with a clasp. Also, I don’ like that you left those tails on the ends, I’ve never seen a stretch bracelet that had those tails left on. I did think the pre-stretching was a good tip though.
Beadalon made crimp beads for beadalon stretch cord and I'm too scared to used crimps/clasps on any other stretch cord! Ps Stretch Magic is extremely difficult to tie knot and I gave up with S M.
I love using stretch magic to make necklaces and bracelets it is better then material they use years ago
This was really helpful, thank you!
What about the method of using clasps with Stretch Magic? Absolutely no information was presented, yet it was mentioned.
What length stretch magic do I use in order to make a one size fits most stretch ring ? Thanks
Excellent tutorial!
One more thing: I don't usually use any glue with stretch bracelets. You don't necessarily need glue, but if you do choose to glue the knot, I'd go with either of the glues I mentioned. On thread, however, I would always use Hypo Cement.
I have found in trying to use this product that pre-stretching the elastic is very important. I would like the knots to be concealed inside the bead but it's too thick for many beads.
Very useful! Thanks for posting.
LMAO. I totally thought she was going to say, "I am a professional at bracelet tying." xD
what glue do you find is best to secure the knot ?
Thanks for this lovely video. What brand of glue do you recommend? Will they carry this glue at Joanns or Michaels? Is it a form of super glue? Thanks.
Very helpful, thank you!
We're doing that right NOW!! :-D
Great video, thank you
What size did you use for the red beads please? Can you use SUPER glue? You are awesome and quite lovely. Thank you very much.
you didn't say how many inches or beads you can put on to make the bracelet fit ? how can you test it ?
Hi! My mom has a Pandora bracelet but she can't wear it because of arthritis in her hands. She asked me if her beads could be put on the stretchy cord like I did for her other beaded bracelet. I'm thinking one strand of the thickest is not enough but what if I used 2 or 3 strands? Or even braided three strands? Any suggestions you have is greatly appreciated. Thank you
Thank you for the tips!
She did too do the knot tying plainly....but maybe closer view would have helped. It was an overhand knot, like starting of tyingyour shoes. Instructions on packaging too. But not about stretching after every knot. I am going to try again!
what if your not using stretch magic then what do u do huh
@Moseley2388 What size do you use?
Mines not working...
Hello, What kind of glue do you use?
Good evening I am not sure if this might be still current I was just browsing and came across your you tube , for a beginner like me what advice would you give me to start a hobby in bracelets making what types of beads etc etc bearing in mind that I have never done anything like this before . looking forward to hear from you
Hi Beverly, that's a toughie! There is no "right" answer. You just have to go for what you like. Many of the jewelry-making supply companies on the internet have a projects section in their website, and you can browse through their project sections to get ideas of what you like. Try rings-things.com, fusionbeads.com, firemountaingems.com and others. (Once you spend some time at any one of these, I'm sure that ads for the others will start popping up for you!)
@nambinhvu I've used .7mm and 1mm. Its personal preference really. I wouldn't use anything smaller or it'll be frustrating to handle.
where do we buy stretch magic
Depending where you are, any craft store usually has it - in California, definitely Michael's
I'VE NOTICED NONE OF THE QUESTIONS ASKED ON HERE HAVE BEEN ANSWERED....SMH....
When tying the knot you should tie one direction. When you do the next knot switch the direction in which you knot it.
This chord is perfect for making PLUR kandi rave bracelets. Just so you all know.
So basically, it's a triple square knot. I skipped all the other stuff. I didn't use Stretch Magic - just an elastic cord - but I've watched 3 videos already and since they ALL used square knots, I give up. [Sigh] I WAS hoping for a DECORATIVE knot coz the holes in my beads are so small......oh, well. Square knots it is!
i am using the 1mm and it will just not stay tied. it wont even stay in place to get glue on.... is anyone else having this problem?
Yes!this is not what I expected from you tube videos! I just kept pulling on the knot with glue on it and gently set it down to dry overnight!
Yes, I did. But she says to use a clasp on those big cords. There. Was that worth the four year wait? lol
It work thanks :-)
Poor instructions. You tied the knots so fast and did not show "how to make the knot"
+stevie webster --She says she's making a series of square knots --right over left, left over right etc.
Never have been successful with tying it especially the thicker ones.
Informative video but your lead-in music is very jarring. thumbs down.
Ditch the damn intro...sweet Jesus our dog in the basement started barking!
Stretch Magic just doesn't work for me. No matter how I stretch it or what kind of knot I do or how many I make, it will always come loose. And I don't use that fancy alligator whatever. I don't think it's good.
The .5 mm stretch magic does not hold, no matter how much pre-stretching you do, or which type of knot you use. There are probably better products out there.
Hi Tom, sorry for your difficulty with these knotting suggestions. Have you tried the surgeons knot. We have used that with all sizes of cord and have had great success.
stretchmagic Yes, I have. It’s still doesn’t hold very well. I’m not sure if your company is open to suggestions, but you could talk with one of your chemists about some sort of additive or coating that would make your product slightly more abrasive, to achieve higher customer satisfaction. When using most ropes, strings, cords, or the like, a simple square knot does the trick 99% of the time.
I don't understand the knotting part. What do you mean half of a square knot? I can't catch what you're doing. You're a little too fast for me :(
This product stinks. It won’t hold a knot at all !