Blue on blue cotton turks head sailor knot bracelet 286

Blue on blue (no it's not Bobby Vinton) but rather a mix of a dark blue center strand and two light blue strands worked in a 17 x 5 x 3 cotton cord.

Sympathetic colors that recall that day at the ocean.

check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


Design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

Tiny tangerine for young fruit lovers

A tiny tangerine and white three strand bracelet. Just the right kind of fruit for someone small that enjoys bright things.

The side view showing the true colors. Well close to it anyway. Monitors and digital cameras conspire to create their own color schemes.

Size is adult "small" which is also child "large". Other sizes are available but you have to ask for them.

If you want this item in your size visit the Etsy shop and make a custom request. These can also be made in quantity for birthday parties at a reduced per-item price.
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


Design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

sunset )strata( cotton bangle with red beads 320

Working the light to simulate the low angle red colors of the late afternoon.

Yellow center strands with orange, red, and brown.

Three red crow beads worked into the fabric.

Adult "large"
8 5/8" (220 mm) inside circumference
2 3/4" (70 mm) inside diameter
7/8" (23 mm) widest point

check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop



design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

)strata( design blue & green with blue glass beads item 318

Working small glass beads into the spaces between the cords creates a tiny bit of sparkle. Now the larger bead on the rim catches the light in a blue green dicrotic crackle.

The cotton cords are blue in center with green layers and a grey accent.

Adult "small" to "medium"
7" (178 mm) inside circumference
2 1/8" (54 mm) inside diameter
5/8" (18 mm) at widest point

Hand dyed bound cotton cord.

Shabby chic to go with an all cotton sweater and jeans.
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

blue nylon turks head item 321

Top view of a blue nylon turks head made with a very soft woven nylon cord. This cord has a nice feel to it, very smooth. The drawback is that the surface threads get tangled during the weaving process. Almost like working with a loose laid wool.

Edge view showing the 17 x 5 x 2 pattern.

Color is a true blue through and through.

Size is adult "medium" with plenty of "give"
7 1/8" inside circumference
2 1/4" inside diameter
1 1/8" wide

This material is quite elastic such that a fully drawn up knot still has quite a bit of flex or stretch to it.

check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


Design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

new )strata( design in blue and white with nested beads

OK so I have a lot of time to work on these since the weather turned cold and outdoor activities have slowed down.

Here's another slightly wider slip-on style )strata( with blue beads and a mix of white and blue with a bit of grey for an accent.

The edge view shows the layers. This one was tougher to get sewed together as it is a bit wider than some of the others. It's securely stitched with 4 ply waxed nylon thread.

There are two larger blue "crow" beads with a pair of smaller frosted blue glass beads tucked between them. The beads are nested tightly in the weave of the bracelet and are sewn in with nylon thread.

lightweight and all cotton (except for the nylon thread and beads)

7 1/2" inside circumference = adult medium to large size
2 1/4" inside diameter
varies from 1" wide at the beads to 1 1/2" at the widest point
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

sunrise )strata( design toggle closure construction sequence

Building a cotton fiber bracelet from bits of colored cord, a few beads and some nylon thread.

Start with a length of 3 mm cotton cord. This piece has been dyed a cool grey. Tie a 3x3x3 monkey fist knot at the 1/3 point in the cord and make a loop bound with waxed nylon thread.

There will be two loose ends. These will be used to adjust and strengthen the outer edge.

The cord has been placed around the mold with the monkey fist placed inside the loop. A length of pink cord has been positioned inside the parallel outer strands. A long needle is used to hold the cords temporarily in place.

Here's a side view showing the loop and toggle closure. When making the loop be sure to leave enough slack so the monkey fist can slip through it easily.

Orange and yellow cords are positioned inside and parallel to the outer cords. All are held in place using the long needles.

Two red glass crow beads are bound into the bights using 4 ply waxed nylon thread. The beads are strung loosely from top to bottom using a thin needle then pulled tight and ends knotted.

At the other end the loose ends of the colored cords are wrapped around the mold in parallel and secured with needles. Adjustments are made to get everything even. Needles can be removed and cords repositioned and tensioned to lie flat.

Starting near the middle the cords are bound together using 4 ply nylon thread working back and forth across the cords. A long needle and a small pair of pliers is used to do the sewing.

Here you can see the compressed cords where the binding has been applied.

Working around the bracelet with the nylon thread binding. The cords must be held flat against the mold to ensure that the binding thread penetrates each cord. Slack is worked towards the ends where it's needed to nest the glass beads snugly into the weave.

The finished product with the ends of the nylon thread trimmed off.
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

)strata( design cotton fiber bracelet 315

Here's what the )strata( bracelets look like right off the mold, nice and crisp and round. This one has a single small "crow" bead in the rim. The bead is placed where two of the loops reverse direction.

Color is predominantly green with teal blue and blue-grey accents and with some white strands near the center.

This is a better look at the layers with green, white and blue strands showing the reversing loops.
7 1/2" circumference
adult "large" slip-on size
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

)strata( design slip-on soft bangle with blue beads item 312

New slip on )strata( bracelet in blue, purple, white, and olive.

A 1" wide weave in hand dyed cords.

Side view showing the three crow beads worked into the fabric weave.

Casual style, irregular shape.

The size is "large" 7 1/2" circumference.

Diameter is 2 1/4"

1" wide (varies)

Construction is with 4 ply nylon thread which makes this very strong.

The blue floss covers the edge cords at the beads which adds drama.


check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

new )strata( design with glass beads item 402

Here's a new slip on style cotton fiber bracelet made with a collection of blue, green and grey cord segments and glass beads. The red bead is an accent that sets the blue green colors off and adds a nice contrast. The beads are tightly integrated into the fabric but they lie on the surface of the compressed cords. This gives the piece a nubbly texture. It's not all soft and flexible anymore.

This is a look at the bracelet from the side. The cords holding the beads can be seen. Extra nylon floss was used to hold the cord loops so they don't flop around. There's a contrast of the hard cold glass and the tightly bound cord.

The edge on shows how irregular the beads make the whole piece. It's like a tangled piece of fishing line that washes up on the beach with bits of sea glass and other junk all wound up in a colorful mess. Found art that is made by hand....
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


design and photos copyright 2009 by WhatKnotShop

Figuring the fit-how to pick a size thats right for you

Picking a size for a turks head knot bracelet is different than for an ordinary clasp bracelets. Rope bracelets do not have toggle or button closure but are a continuous weave or circular braid that has no beginning or ending. This design makes turks head bracelets especially appealing but requires consideration of the size when purchasing. Since it is impossible to try on for size over the web a bit of measuring must be done. In order to obtain the correct size several factors must be considered:

Wrist size:

This is the circumference of your wrist measured with some clearance for comfort. It can also be considered the final size you want to have with the bracelet in place. Many web sites offer wrist sizing guidance based on age. You can take a direct measurement using an ordinary cloth tape measure.

Slip-on size:

This is the measurement taken at the fattest part of your hand with your thumb squeezed tightly against your smallest finger. This size is usually somewhat larger than your wrist size, sometimes by as much as one or two inches. Slip-on size is shown in all the product offerings at the WhatKnotShop online shops.

Nominal Sizing:

Here is a guide to help you understand the nominal sizing descriptions:

https://whatknotnow.blogspot.com/2010/01/nominal-sizes.html

Desired fit:

This is an individual determination. You may want a snug fit where the bracelet size is slightly larger than your wrist size, you may want a loose fit where the bracelet can slip on and off easily, or you may want something in between. 

For a loose fit imply select a “slip-on” size that is the same or larger than your measured slip-on size.
 
Most of the bracelets will stretch somewhat and most people's hands can be squeezed a little bit so you can pick a slip-on size that is the same or slightly smaller than your measurement and squeeze into the bracelet.

To get a snug fit you should pick a tight slip-on size and then use one or both of these two strategies:

Shrinkage: Many of the offerings in the WhatKnotShop online shops are made of cotton. Some are made from hand-dyed cotton alone or in combination with natural cotton cord. Check the materials listing to find out. Cotton will tend to shrink when wet. The hand dyed cord has been previously wetted during the dying process and will therefore shrink somewhat less than the all natural white cotton. Shrinkage is usually about 10% for natural cotton cord. Repeated wetting can cause more shrinkage as the cotton fibers expand.  For many people a tight "slip-on" size for a cotton bracelet will result in a comfortable fit after the material has relaxed to it's final shape. 

Synthetics will not shrink as much as cotton and will tend to hold the same size over time. Read the product descriptions carefully to find out how much "give" is built into each bracelet. Some are loose and will have considerable "give", others are worked up to a tight shape and will have very little "give".

If you want a nylon bracelet in a reduced circumference from the "slip-on" size you will need to pull some slack from the knot. Read on...

Adjustment:
A few of the offerings in the WhatKnotShop online shops are labeled “adjustable”. This means that the bracelet has been fully completed but has not been tied off or worked up to the smallest possible circumference. Adjustable bracelets enables the buyer to adjust the final size of the bracelet to a comfortable fit by removing the excess slack in the knot. This is known as “working up” the knot to it’s final shape. This link describes how to "work up" a turks head bracelet: https://whatknotnow.blogspot.com/2010/01/working-up-basic-turks-head-bracelet-to.html

This process can take some time as it involves pulling loops of cord around the weave of the knot in a progressive pattern until the slack comes out in one of the two loose ends. Loose made cotton bracelets can be worked up by this method to fit over a large hand and then fitted to a skinny wrist. This is the only practical way to get a custom fit for for a bracelet made with nylon or polyester material.

Visit the online shops to see what is available in your size:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop

If you don't find a pre-made design in your size please make a custom request! Due to the variety of designs not all sizes are stocked but most can be made within a very short time.

blue )strata( fiber bracelet with beads 305

Three shades of blue cord offset with green.

Green and frosted blue beads bound into the perimeter

Narrow design that can go alone or stack with other casual bracelets.

Detail of frosted blue beads

Adult "medium" size in a slip-on design.

check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

design )strata( cotton fiber bracelet 306

New )strata( design series hand dyed hand assembled cotton bracelet

Bound fibers of cotton cord with two red glass beads worked around a mold. A casual slip-on design that will flex to fit over your hand. The colors are a mix of red and black on one side with blue and purple on the other.

This view shows the compressed fibers folded back and bound together. Frayed edges of the cords are left as-is to soften the look.

Perfect match for those frayed jeans.

Another edge view showing the irregular width of each of these unique designs.

Each one of these requires about 6 to 8 hours of work to create.

Size is adult "medium"

7 1/2" (191 mm) internal circumference

2 3/8" (60 mm) inside diameter

1 5/8" (42 mm) widest point

Bracelet will flex to fit over your hand.

check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop