How to measure for size

The first step in measuring for a turks head bracelet is to determine the "slip-on" size. This is the minimum circumference that is needed to slip the bracelet on over your hand. Wrists are generally smaller than the hands so almost any bracelet that will slip on will also be a bit loose on your wrist.

This is done by squeezing your thumb and little finger together as shown on the left, then taking a measurement around the larger part of your hand.

Using a tape measure (or a piece of string) wrap the tape around the "fat" part of your hand. Usually this is the area between your thumb muscle and your knuckles.

If you use string, wrap the string around as shown then lay it flat and measure using a ruler or yardstick.

I have larger hands so this measurement for me is around 10". I can squeeze into a 8 3/8" circumference bracelet without injury.

Repeat this step several times until you have a consistent measurement. Use this measurement to check the inside circumference size posted on the listings.

Note that most of the turks head bracelets shown will have some give to them enabling them to stretch enough for you to squeeze through. The measurements posted are taken with the bracelets in a relaxed (un-stretched) condition.

cotton turks head bracelet 12 x 5 x 3

Here is a smaller 12 bight x 5 part x 3 strand bracelet made with 3 mm cord braided. This example has been worked up to a finished condition and measures 2" inside diameter roughly 6" inside circumference. The weave is about 1 1/8" wide.

This size would work well for a child or an adult with a smaller hand.

This design can also be left in a more relaxed condition which would enable placement over a larger hand.

The loose ends shown in the photos illustrate the fact that each of these bracelets is made with a single piece of cord.
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these online shops:
WhatKnotShop on Etsy
WhatKnotShop on Zibbet

cotton cord materials used to make rope bracelets, a comparison

The photo on the left shows two traditional rope bracelets of the same design (14 bights x 3 parts x 3 strands) made from two different cotton cords:

The bracelet on the left is made from a 3 mm cotton cord which has a smooth micro-woven surface. The bracelet on the right is made from a #72 cotton cable cord which looks like a piece of rope with the three part twisted lay. (click on the image for a close up view)

The cable cord imparts a more traditional look to the bracelet. It actually is a smaller version of the larger ropes used on traditional sailing vessels and still in use today. The twisted three part construction adds another layer of "ropiness" to the look of the finished piece. Small imperfections in the string add to the authentic look of bracelets made with this material.

The smooth braided cotton cord has a cleaner look and works well in bracelets made with multiple parts and wider designs. The smoother surface makes the pattern of the bights and parts is easier to see in larger more complex patterns. The natural cotton color is an off-white or "ivory" color which is less bright than a white nylon.

Kits with instructions as well as bulk cord is available in a variety of colors including the traditional white shown here. Please visit one of the on-line shops to see both materials and finished bracelets:

WhatKnotShop on Etsy

WhatKnotShop on Zibbet

treasure hunt - can you name the location?

Name the location of the three turks heads in the photos and win a free item from the blog. Look carefully to spot them, they are not very large.

Enter your answer by posting a comment here. Comments posted on the blog will be the official log of entries for purposes of determining the first correct answer.

good luck!

17 part Turks head all cotton grey and purple item 169

All cotton cable cord (#72 size) custom hand dyed narragansett bay fog grey and coneflower purple worked in a medium sized turks head diamond pattern 17b x 5l x 3s. The grey cord forms the two outside strands and the purple accent color is the center strand.

inside diameter 2 1/2" (160 mm); circumference 7 1/2" (191 mm); width 1 1/4" (33 mm)

Will stretch slightly and shrink when wet.

This design can be made in a "small" and "large" size as well.

herringbone weave sailors knot rope bracelet 168

This all grey cotton herringbone weave slip-on rope bracelet is made from 3 mm cotton cord. The finished size is 2 3/8" (61 mm) diameter by 7 1/2" (190 mm) inside circumference by 5/8" (14 mm) wide will fit an adult medium to large hand.

A "narrow" turks head of 34b x 5l x 2s meaning that the number of bights (34) is much greater than the number of parts (5) giving this bracelet a hoop-like geometry.

Lightweight, flexible and subtle color make this a great summer accessory.

Expect some shrinkage when wet, the ends are stitched to prevent unraveling.


Check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite color from one of the online shops:

WhatKnotShop on Etsy

WhatKnotShop on Zibbet

Custom orders are welcomed, please use the "request custom item" button


Design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

Turks head bracelet in natural and grey item 151

This is a wider more convincing design with 9 leads x 13 bights x 3 passes or strands. The primary color is a natural cotton white (not too bright) with a hand dyed grey center accent. The material is a 3 mm braided cotton cord.

Size is 2 3/4" inside diameter by 7 1/2" inside circumference. The weave is relaxed so that this bracelet can stretch about 1/2" to slip onto a larger hand. There will be some shrinkage when wet. This is about 2" wide.

The ends are secured with floss to prevent unraveling.

grey cotton sailor's bracelet item 159

A traditional all cotton hand dyed grey sailor's bracelet measuring 2 3/8" (60 mm) diameter and 7 1/4" (180 mm) inside circumference and about 1" (23 mm) wide.

This will slip on to an adult "medium" sized hand and will shrink slightly when wet. Ends are secured with floss to prevent unraveling.

slender fiber art soft bangle up-cycled cotton fiber bracelet 167

Two lightweight passes of dawn light lavender accented with ocean, teal, and midnight made from all natural cotton cord hand dyed and assembled with cotton floss. This soft and flexible piece measures 2 5/8" (168 mm) diameter  and about 8 3/8" (212 mm) inside circumference suitable for an adult. 

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

cotton fiber bracelet item 166

Here's another irregular colorful fiber bracelet made with a monkey fist closure, hand dyed cotton cord, and cotton floss. 

The size is 2 3/8" diameter or about 7 1/2" inside circumference and will fit an adult "medium" wrist. Colors are blue, green and lavender.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece made with all natural materials in a colorful relaxed style.

cotton fiber bracelet item 164

Three views of a new design made with hand dyed cotton cords bound together and wrapped with colored cotton floss. The shape is irregular and is naturally derived from the wrapping of the 3 mm cords and the edge binding. The colors are bright contrasting and vibrant. The floss wrapping at intersections and folds finishes the ends and adds more color. The closure is a three strand crown knot and loop toggle. This sample is an adult "extra large" but the design is easily adapted to smaller wrists or ankles. Assembly and finishing is done around a mold to create the circular form but the finished piece is flexible and soft.

Click on each image for a close up view.

fiber necklace & bracelets item 163

A set of three cotton fiber wrapped bangles and a choker style necklace all color coordinated. The cores are nylon and the wrappings are hand dyed cotton cord.

The bracelets are 2 7/8" diameter (174 mm) or adult "large" size in eggplant, scarlet, and grey with pumpkin and gold accents. The bangles are slip-ons.

The necklace is 6 1/2" diameter (237 mm) or about 19" long (47 cm) in scarlet red and grey with eggplant accents. The necklace is secured with a loop and monkey fist toggle.

To order this item or to request a similar design in alternate sizes or colors please visit the Etsy store and click on "Request a custom item" on the right side. Please include the item number for reference.