3 Ways to Make Sliding Knots for Bracelets
Learn the three best ways to make sliding knots for bracelets that are adjustable and easy to get on and off! You can also check out my tips for how to start and finish friendship bracelets. This post contains affiliate links.
Why would I just teach you one way to make sliding knots for bracelets if there are three cool ways to do it! Each one has its advantages – and disadvantages – but I do have a clear favorite.
In case you’re here for a very specific tutorial, I do have a bit of a table of contents so that you can skip to the part that you need:
All about making sliding knots for bracelets
The baseline bracelets
Sliding knots work best on very specific types of bracelets. That is, bracelets that have a single string portion to be knotted, with enough space for sliding. Sounds right?
To test these samples, we worked with very simple bracelets. You DO want to learn how to make sliding knots for bracelets on an actual bracelet. On some of these methods, the placement of the beads affects the knotting process, so learning it on an empty string won’t practically teach you how to do it.
Materials to use
For my tutorials, I just strung a large bead or a few smaller beads in the center, knotted them on each end, and proceeded to do the sliding knot. I kept it simple: large gemstones, smaller rondelles with spacers, trios of round druzy beads. On this type of bracelet, the beads really are the focal point.
The strings are a mix of satin rattail, hemp cord, kids poly-core metallic beading thread, silk thread… I really played with what I had.
Starting out, a good synthetic string that melts easily and doesn’t really catch fire is ideal (more on that later). Something like a thinner rattail can work for all of these, a thicker one works for some.
Sliding knots vs. other methods
Before I teach you how to make sliding knots for bracelets, we need to address if you even should. Not every bracelet needs a sliding knot. We often use clasps on our friendship bracelets and many cord or fiber bracelets are really upgraded when you use a clasp.
But when your other choice is just to knot two sides of string together, you may want to put a clasp.
For bracelets that are really kiddie bracelets (I’m thinking young kid, like preschool), you can just tie it on. Cut it off when you’re done with it. These methods are ideal for when you really want it to be reusable.
Watch the video
Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.
Sliding Knots for Bracelets – Method 1: the easy double knot
You may have seen this hack online – Slide two knots into two opposite knots and then just pull. Voila! You have a sliding knot.
It kind of works that way, but not quite.
When I like to use this (and when I don’t)
This double sliding knot for bracelets is a very easy one to make. It works quite well, and while it’s not as hack-y as they make it look, it’s a great option for many bracelets. A few things to know:
- You need to have a longer area on the final bracelet to slide things along.
- It’s a bit harder to open and close than some options. Opening it requires pulling at each end, which can be a bit tough if you’re wearing the bracelet on one hand.
- It’s not as neat as some options.
I like to use this one on simpler kids’ bracelets.
Tips and Tricks for success
You can definitely use beaded ends for this. This is the kind of bracelet where practice will really help you get it right. You want to use a string with decent traction. Otherwise, don’t overthink it. The process is fairly simple and you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly.
I don’t think you need to melt the edges of this one to hold. You’ll just need to leave a bit of string past your finishing knots. But since it’s just the end blocker knots that need sealing, you can get away with just reknotting them if they come out.
How to make the sliding double knot
You’ll need
- String – I used hemp cord here
- Focal bead
- Scissors – I always recommend a good pair of fabric-dedicated scissors so that you get a good, clean edge.
- Optional: lighter (adults-only and exercise caution, use it over a sink on non-flammable easy-to-melt materials only.)
Instructions
1. Center your focal bead on your bracelet.
2. Knot each side of the bead. You can use something small and sharp (toothpick, safety pin, etc) to help you move the knot along the bead.
3. On each side of the bracelet at the point where you want that side to end, make an open knot. This will represent the smallest position of the bracelet.
4. Make a closed knot on each end of the bracelet where you’ll be trimming it. This represents the max open position (the two sides will overlap) so make each one as large as you need the bracelet to be in addition to get it on and off. This also represents what will hang from the bracelet as you wear it, so don’t let it be longer than you need.
5. Trim the end. I just cut mine, leaving a bit of excess. Again, there is nothing that will really “fall off” if the knot opens – there’s no bead – and you’ll have plenty of space to restring it as needed. You just won’t have a stopper for your strings. You’ll be able to reknot it without any issues.
6. Now, holding the bracelet from both ends, slide each closed knot through the opposite open knot.
7. Pull the bracelet from both ends, ensuring that the open knots stay roughly in position so that your sizing stays good.
8. You can now open and close your sliding knot bracelet by pulling on the end knots/pulling on the bracelet portion from both sides.
Sliding Knots for Bracelets – Method 2: the center barrel knot
I’m gonna be totally honest: this method of making sliding knot bracelets is my absolute worst because frankly it’s the hardest, and not especially the prettiest. I’ll elaborate soon. But I did decide to share it because it has a really cool look.
When I like to use this (and when I don’t)
One of the reasons I really like this bracelet knot is because of the simple center barrel. It’s one knot and you’re done. But here’s why I don’t like it – and yes, it’s a list:
- Positioning the knot and sizing the bracelet can be challenging.
- It’s a single-sided slider – only adjustable from one side.
- It’s a bit of a harder knot – even though it only uses one knot, you really need to master it.
I mostly don’t use this, frankly, but will sometimes when I just want a simple knot that doesn’t take up much of the bracelet surface and looks clean.
Tips and Tricks for success
I’m sorry, but again I’m gonna say that you need to practice this knot! Review the instructions three times, watch the video above, and most importantly, make sure not to wind your beginning wraps too tight.
This knot is made basically by wrapping one side around a few times and having one side run through the wraps (don’t stress, tutorial to follow). So wrapping it more times will result in a cooler, longer knot – but also be much harder. My top tip: start by wrapping it just a few times and then progress to longer when you get to know the knot better.
How to make the center barrel sliding knot
FYI if you plan to make this bracelet I highly recommend you watch the video embedded earlier in this post. It’s just much more clear.
You’ll need
- String – I used satin rattail here.
- Focal bead
- Scissors – I always recommend a good pair of fabric-dedicated scissors so that you get a good, clean edge.
- Optional: lighter (adults-only and exercise caution, use it over a sink on non-flammable easy-to-melt materials only.)
Instructions
1. Add your center focal bead. You’re actually NOT centering it this time – just put it about 8 inches from the shorter end.
2. On this one we also added accent beads on each side.
3. Tie a knot on each side of the bead to secure it in place.
4. Use something pokey to help slide the knot against the bead. You only really need to do this for the second knot.
5. When you hold your bracelet to make the knot, you’ll be holding it so that the long side is up (the one you’re wrapping) and the short side is down (the one you’re wrapping around).
6. Take the bottom (short) string and line it up against your index finger facing your palm, behind the top long string. Your bead should be right up against your finger with no slack on top.
7. Take the long string from behind and start wrapping it around your finger and the short string that you placed there. The first wrap moves to the right, and then wrap to the left another about three times (again, you can make wider knots later when you get used to this knot, but for now, stick to simple). If all this sounds complicated, watch the video. It’s pretty easy to watch there, and hard to explain.
8. Gently roll the wraps off your finger in position (meaning, make sure that they don’t tangle with each other). Make sure to hold the wraps as an open bundle when they are off your finger.
9. Now slide the string that was doing the wrapping through the wraps from back to front – in the opposite direction that the other string is going.
10. Now here comes the tricky part: pulling your knot tight. You need to move slowly, gently pulling to tighten that wrapped knot. You’ll see it no longer sit against the bead, and slowly pull away from it.
11. Keep going until it’s tight. It may take some practice to get a neat barrel, but it’ll look great when you do. And because one of your strings sits straight inside the knot, it can slide when you pull on it.
12. Finish it off by adding stoppers to your ends (such as beads and/or knots).
13. Trim the ends. Adults only can seal the knots using a lighter and quickly extinguishing it against the side of the lighter. Exercise extreme caution, do it over a sink, and only with string that won’t catch fire.
Sliding Knots for Bracelets – Method 3: the gorgeous square knot
Did you pick up yet from the title that this is my absolute favorite way to make sliding knots for bracelets? It just looks so gorgeous. Of course, it’s also the most time-consuming method but it’s pretty easy to pick up on, so don’t stress. All it takes is – you guessed it – a bit of practice and you’ll totally nail this!
The way it works is simple: you’re knotting a standalone portion of square knots (like a Cobra knot in paracord) to go over the two sides of your bracelet so that you can slide them backward and forward.
When I like to use this (and when I don’t)
To be honest, I use this method whenever I can. It takes a bit longer and isn’t as neat and quick as the others, but it’s gorgeous and really is uncomplicated. You can do a narrower slider portion or a wider one, depending on your bracelet structure. It’s easy to size and to choose how long your dangling strings are.
The biggest disadvantage of the square knot method of making sliding knots is that it does require you to seal your ends somehow. Yes, you can use glue. You don’t HAVE to melt it, and in fact, if you don’t do the melting right, it can open right up. That’s more problematic on this bracelet than others, because you’re trimming it right up to the knotted portion and it’ll unravel right away.
Tips and Tricks for success
Here are a few tips for making this type of sliding knot work properly:
- Make sure you’re familiar with the knot first. You can make full cobra knot paracord bracelets or accessories before you try this to make sure you get the hang of it.
- Work on a flat surface. As someone who loves working on bracelets in my hands, up close and personal, trust me when I say that you want to work on this one on a flat surface. If a desk or table isn’t an option, a clipboard can help.
- You need to seal your ends well. If you’re not using a very melty string (or even if you are) you may want to use a good, strong glue here. It’s porous, so a good glue gun can do the job.
- Use a string with good traction. On my green bracelet, I used silk cord which is very slippery. Cords with some stretch or traction (even thin rattail is better) will hold knots better as you work. Especially as you’re learning, this just makes knotting easier. You can use silk, it’ll just be a bit more challenging.
How to make the square sliding knot
You’ll need
- String – I used silk cord here, but something with more traction will be easier
- Beads – I went with more delicate rondelles, spacers, and cube beads here.
- Scissors – I always recommend a good pair of fabric-dedicated scissors so that you get a good, clean edge.
- Optional: lighter (adults-only and exercise caution, use it over a sink on non-flammable easy-to-melt materials only.) Or just use glue!
Instructions
1. String your beads, move them to the center of the bracelet and knot those beauties in place.
2. Cross over the two sides of the bracelet, overlapping them on the opposite side of the beads.
3. Cut a second portion of string. I know, you’re gonna ask the length. I dunno. I didn’t measure. Let’s say 12 inches, K? Slide it under your overlapped bracelet strings.
4. Now you’re gonna start making square knots using that added string, around your bracelet string.
5. These simple flower friendship bracelets are a great square knot project, and I teach there how to make them more clearly. You’re taking the right string, placing it over the center. Then taking the left, and putting it over the right behind the center strings, coming out in the loop that formed on the right from back to front.
6. Pull the side strings to tighten the knot. Alternate which direction you start with – so you’ll start with the left string next.
7. Do about three sets of knots (a set is one that starts with the right and one that starts with the left) for starters – more if you want to. Pull tight, trim, and melt to secure (carefully and test your string first to make sure it can handle it, do it over the sink, etc etc. Adults only). Or just glue them.
Now add stopper beads to your danglies, knot, trim, and seal.
And how gorgeous is that!
What is your favorite method for making sliding knots for bracelets? Comment below!
