Summer is a time to hang out on the beach, swim in the ocean, and exchange sailor bracelets with new friends you may never meet again. Meli, a.k.a. Meliannaa, Corey, a.k.a. sansmap, and Jen, a.k.a. mellowbeing, of The {NewNew}, a team of New York-based Etsy sellers, will be on Governor’s Island, NY on July 17, 2010 from 2-5 p.m. as part of Yelp’s Summer Camp series to show you how to make these tokens of summer friendship. When you’ve finished your bracelet, stop by the Treasure Chest, The {NewNew}’s summer pop-up shop on the island, and the place where these pictures where taken.
Can’t make it to the Island? I’m Simone (a.k.a. Groundsel, and a fellow member of The {NewNew}), and I’ve made the following sailor’s bracelet tutorial using a Turk’s Head Knot for you to share with your summer friends. So, read on, and get knotty…
Supplies you’ll need:
- 3.5 yards of twine
- 14 ounce can for a smaller bracelet or a 20 ounce can for a larger bracelet. Any other round object that has the appropriate circumference for your wrist will do.
Directions:
1. Wrap one end of the twine around the can to shape an X. Leave about a 4″ tail. You will need this tail at the end to finish the bracelet.
2. Wrap the long end of the twine around the can again and bring it up to the middle of the X. Then pass the long end of the twine under the right, upper leg of the X and pull the long end all the way through.
3. Next, move the upper left leg of the X over the right leg of the X to create an oval shape.
4. Pull the long end of the twine through the oval shaped opening you just set up.
5. Turn the can a bit and you will see that the oval shape has created another X shape. Again, pass the long end of the twine under the right upper leg of the X and pull the end through.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 until you get to the beginning of your project.
7. You will now find a three-stranded braid. Follow the twine you initially laid out and create a parallel second line.
8. Continue around the can. If you find that it’s getting too tight to pass the twine through the openings, you may want to take the bracelet off the can and continue with the knotting in your hand. If you take it off, be careful not to pull the twine too tight, otherwise your bracelet will shrink on your wrist.
9. Continue knotting the rope around the bracelet until each strand of the braid has one parallel line — a total of three passes. At this point you can stop or add another three passes to create the traditional pattern of three parallel lines, like the bracelet in the third picture in this step.
10. To finish, just knot the ends together and weave them into the inside of the bracelet.
Thank you to Simone Tan and The {NewNew} team for sharing this project with us. For more how-to projects from the {NewNew}, check out their blog.
Etsy Finds: Hey Sailor | More How-Tuesday Posts | Nautical Items on Etsy
192 comments
Sign in to add your ownME2Designs says:
Great idea for those of us who live by the beach/water - thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
bylynnkrestel says:
i love tuesday how to's!! always look forward to them...this one is perfect for summer...can sit outside and work on it! love. love!!
1 year ago
soleilduautomne says:
Great!
1 year ago
yeskelaevol says:
thank you for showing how to make these. but can you show me or explain how to make the green-blue bracelet??? thanks.
1 year ago
BukiBuki says:
Oh dear! I nearly broke my brain to guess how its made :)Can't believe it's so easy. Thank you!
1 year ago
pamwares says:
how cool. I used to own one that I picked up at some tourist jot in FL....now I can make a cool one myself! thank you!
1 year ago
SpacejamHandmade says:
love it!!
1 year ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Wicked cool!! Thank you!
1 year ago
LoveandDream says:
Wonderful! Thank you :)
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
Reminds me of Ireland. Thanks for sharing your know how!
1 year ago
eclecticmoi says:
Thank you so much for the excellent tutorial! :)
1 year ago
backyardbirdsong says:
yay, what a great how to! totally gonna give that one a go...
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Super cool! Gonna give it a try!
1 year ago
giantdwarf says:
Fantastic!
1 year ago
GreenRoomStudios says:
I used to wear these bracelets when I was a kid! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
Gonna try to do a sailors knot right now. Great Sailors Knot braclet
1 year ago
dutchpearl says:
Great idea!
1 year ago
ValentinaBlossom says:
Great idea! I bought a cord some months ago to do something like this and couldn't do it! I'll try again with this tutorial. Thank you so much!
1 year ago
OrdinaryMommy says:
Awesome! Thanks a bunch for sharing!
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Great, going to try this out!!! Love the Japanese Glass Fish...
1 year ago
TheMegShop says:
This is great!
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
I love all things DIY, I've got to try this one out! Wouldn't it look amazing in wool roving?! <3 Andrea
1 year ago
riskybeads says:
cool tutorial! thanks!
1 year ago
undermyfeet says:
Thanks! this is a nice how-to.
1 year ago
SewnNatural says:
this is awesome, i really wanted to know how to do this - thank you!!
1 year ago
6catspinNsew says:
Nice, I took a book out of library one summer and tried learning how to tie all kinds of knots. It was fun. Thanks for reminding me of that time.
1 year ago
nickandnessies says:
I'm not as crafty as most of you on here, but this tutorial seems like something even I can do. Thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
LoveKimDesigns says:
I love love love learning new things. It always seemed so difficult to learn - you've made it easy! THANK YOU!
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Awesome! I love it!
1 year ago
ByDoLCeBeLLa says:
OoOLaLa... The Famous Sailor's Knot! :)
1 year ago
ByDoLCeBeLLa says:
OoOLaLa! The Famous Sailor's Knot!
1 year ago
SilverBloomStudio says:
Wonderful tutorial! Thanks!! I am going to try them out for vacation for the girls.
1 year ago
WeeBindery says:
I love it! I can't wait to try it myself!
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
what a wonderful trend. i've always wondered how it's done - thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
Vanessa says:
My grandfather was a sailor and we used to ask him to make these for us!
1 year ago
brideblu says:
What an awesome tutorial...this reminds me of my knotting class I took as a girl scout (only way cooler cause you end up with a bracelet when your done not just a piece of rope :))
1 year ago
ecozuzu says:
Thank you for showing us how to make them! :)
1 year ago
thetrendytot says:
Haven't made one of these in an age! Thanks for the refresher :-)
1 year ago
metalicious says:
This looks awesome! Thanks for sharing Simone!
1 year ago
SundayTreasures says:
this is great.....we live at a popular lake...a great substitute for the beach!
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Great detailed instructions and photos ~ Thanks!
1 year ago
etaletc says:
This is wonderful.
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
love the step by step
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Great instructions! Great items!
1 year ago
earthygirlshop says:
Great tips! Can't wait to try this out. Thanks!!
1 year ago
earthygirlshop says:
Great tips! Can't wait to try this out. Thanks!!
1 year ago
olive34 says:
This is really cool! If anyone's interested, check out my store! www.etsy.com/shop/olive34
1 year ago
HarboretteShop says:
Very cool and well explained! Must try!
1 year ago
craftpile says:
Very cool!
1 year ago
cozyblue says:
love it! thanks :)
1 year ago
brianarose says:
Not kidding, I'm so excited! I really wanted to learn how to make those bracelets! Thanks team Etsy!
1 year ago
jcisco112 says:
Wow! Really Great!
1 year ago
Leocardia says:
Wow! Looks complicated, but I will try.
1 year ago
danikabookworm says:
i've been doing weaves with my wire. I'll be trying this kind of weave/knot for my wire soon!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Thank you! Love them all!
1 year ago
meliannaa says:
Wonderful article. Looking forward for the day of fun creativity...
1 year ago
poppycottage says:
love it!!!
1 year ago
janicewd says:
Thanks so much. Nothing better than being near the beach and water.
1 year ago
KnitKnit says:
Great work, Simone! It looks fabulous!
1 year ago
TheNotableKnot says:
Loving the knot bracelets! :) Great summer fashion!
1 year ago
itsalljustmenagerie says:
Oh, I just love these types of bracelets! Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial—I'll have to try it out soon.
1 year ago
beadgoddess61 says:
Cool! Love it, Thank you!!
1 year ago
ShimmeringSky says:
Thanx for this great tutorial! The bracelets remind me of cable knit sweaters (my favourite to knit). I plan on making a bunch & then dying them to match my sweaters. Thanx again!
1 year ago
whatnomints says:
What a fantastic tutorial!! Must try this :) Thanks!
1 year ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
how great is that tutorial - perfect for all ages and genders. thanks so much for sharing!
1 year ago
MALIKASABAA says:
How very creative- I love the colors.
1 year ago
klacustomcreations says:
very fun tutorial indeed
1 year ago
ShizukaUrusai says:
Great tutorial. I would never guess it was done that way! I'll have to try it. :)
1 year ago
StylesbyHolly says:
Can't wait to try this, thanks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
GoodieTrueShoes says:
LOVE!!! I just love tuesdays :D
1 year ago
TreeHuggerStudio says:
So cute! I have to read thru that again and try it. Thank you!
1 year ago
byKEONA says:
this is awesome! going to try this tomorrow!
1 year ago
eclecticamiami says:
I still have mine from the 80's, but it's nice to have instructions in case I want to make one for a friend.
1 year ago
CharlieErnestNErise says:
Wow these bracelets are great! I think I'd like one in orange!!
1 year ago
ARTbySabina says:
Great article Simone
1 year ago
saratops says:
these are adorable! i love the striped cloth one!
1 year ago
tiemee says:
Sweet!
1 year ago
ShellysVintage says:
So much fun! I wish I would have had some when i was camping a couple weeks ago...met a new wonderful friend and became pen(email) pals. :)
1 year ago
frenchtoastfriday says:
learnt something new today. thanks!
1 year ago
DappleGrey says:
so lovely, going to give it a go.
1 year ago
MartinaMasini says:
Great tutorial! You can use it for so many different creations.
1 year ago
heidiadnum says:
Simone, thank you! Who knew something so intricate could be so straightforward.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
wow beautiful I think I might make one of these for my dad since he tends to wear them! Great stuff : )
1 year ago
myarttoyourheart says:
Very Creative, thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
comfortablyblue says:
Looks beautiful! I want to try it...
1 year ago
designMatter says:
So nice idea! Thanks too:)))
1 year ago
madeofjacinta says:
fantastic!!
1 year ago
foodhorrorshow says:
oh my gosh, thanks for posting! this looks like so much fun!
1 year ago
KimDot says:
beautiful! simple! perfect! thank you so much for this ... definitely making one of these today :)
1 year ago
ilovegem says:
wow!! Great!!
1 year ago
ShebboDesign says:
wow! magical knots!
1 year ago
MarKhed says:
awesome!
1 year ago
ForeverGlassFlowers says:
They are so pretty. Will try it!!!!
1 year ago
Mazsu says:
thanxx soo much! :o)))
1 year ago
handcessories says:
Wow... great help. Thks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
SouthernSkirts says:
Fun! I've been wanting some of these bracelets for the longest time - they're so classic, with beauty that lies in their simplicity. Now I can make my own!
1 year ago
minusOne says:
Love the whatknotshop! Grade school just came rushing back.
1 year ago
chicnuniquegifts says:
The Japanese Fishing Floats are hot! They would look nice hanging from a hook in a nautical themed bathroom!
1 year ago
TheCottageCheese says:
How cute! I'd like to make one :)
1 year ago
lovinganvil says:
awesome! and highly educational. gracias.
1 year ago
demetgun3 says:
amazing.I try that one!! I love its...Great!!
1 year ago
Dryw says:
Great article and bracelet, so unique! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
jbeaudet says:
Such a cool "how to"! I love anything ocean and always have before it was such a trend.
1 year ago
contempojewels says:
Love it!
1 year ago
Tiffabulous says:
I love this! I am going to make a bunch to go with all of my outfits! And maybe one or two for my sister. . .
1 year ago
AutumnJo says:
What a fun summer project!
1 year ago
danadianndesigns says:
very beachy and a basic idea that can grow with an imagination thanks etsy
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Thank you, thank you! I recently found a 1941 publication: 'Knots & Braids in Handicraft', but have had a tough time deciphering some of the fine points of getting started. Mystery solved & ready to make my own knot work bracelet.
1 year ago
Octavi says:
Thankyou for showing us how to make them - they look very celtic like in design to me..
1 year ago
dollybirdboutique says:
Im sat making jewellery right now, and I might just give this a go x
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
There is a lot more knotty naughty and not-tee examples out there in etsy land hooray for sailors knots!!!!!
1 year ago
cherryblossomtattoo says:
oh i just love it!!
1 year ago
lauratrevey says:
I have such memories of these as a kid :) Great post!
1 year ago
chifinds says:
What fun!
1 year ago
DanceLikeIts1492 says:
Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to try this one out!
1 year ago
KellyGstudio says:
I spent my summers in a marina on the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland's Eastern Shore ..every kid I knew had one of these! Ahhhh the 70's and the memories! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
petalandpink says:
I can't wait to give this a try! I love these.
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
How charming - I had no idea you could make bracelets out of sailor's knots. They are lovely! Great for beach wear or a casual night out.
1 year ago
perebags says:
fun!!
1 year ago
handjstarcreations says:
this is great, really want to visit your store!
1 year ago
BlackStar says:
that is so cool! and i love the finds to go with the article.
1 year ago
Scallyrags says:
Awesome!
1 year ago
WhiteEarthStudio says:
My husband is a sailor! He would love these things!
1 year ago
mfmapparel says:
That necklace is great!
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Great tutorial! Thank you!
1 year ago
felicitycrew says:
Very inspiring, this would be a great thing to try this week-end!
1 year ago
clarify says:
For more nautical knots, check out the Ashley Book of Knots, rightly called the definitive book of sailors' knots, both functional and decorative. Great illustrations, a joy to browse. Available for $52.37 at amazon.com
1 year ago
ccafferty says:
Having a hard time finding twine as thick as is pictured (which I love!) Anyone have ideas for stores? Thanks.
1 year ago
yukarilove says:
That is wicked! I can't wait to try it!
1 year ago
Sumikoshop says:
I love it!!
1 year ago
turskaj says:
thanks for that! cant wait to try it:)
1 year ago
julieincharge says:
ccafferty -- Try looking at hardware stores. We got some from Ace Hardware for the Yelp Summer Camp project.
1 year ago
HookableDesigns says:
Very Cool! Love it.
1 year ago
WhatKnotShop says:
For those of you wanting some professional grade cotton cord to tie turks head bracelets visit this web site: http://www.angelfire.com/ak/skateworld/knotstuffcords.html The site is not pretty but the materials are first class and Martin is a reliable supplier to my shop. The cord comes in large bulk spools but is high quality material. If you are interested in finished bracelets in a rainbow of colors check out WhatKnotShop http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop where you can find the blue bracelet shown in the collection above. You may also be interested in this blog http://www.whatknotnow.blogspot.com/ New designs and more how-to tutorials are posted here with lots of pictures.
1 year ago
RePairer says:
Thank you! Love them all!
1 year ago
kimmchi says:
Good luck this weekend {NewNew} !
1 year ago
MelkMade00 says:
Thanks! I've always wanted to know how to make this sort of bracelet :D Love it!
1 year ago
DaniCalve says:
THANK YOU!! Great instructions- gonna try it soon!!!
1 year ago
KristinVictoria says:
Wow! Looks like something I can do! Thanks so much for he how-to!
1 year ago
LuckyLadybugJewelry says:
This is great!!!! Thank you so very much for sharing. I can't wait to try it.
1 year ago
mad4plaid says:
thanks, what a great rainy day project!
1 year ago
FibersStudio says:
LOVE IT!!!! :) Thank you so much for explaining it very well.
1 year ago
beadingheartco says:
Very cool! Trying to think of how to add some beads in there too. Thanks for the inspiration!
1 year ago
tamallama says:
Can't wait to do this with my daughter! thanks for the lesson.
1 year ago
lefthandedgoth says:
I can't tell you how many times I've tried and failed to understand the directions on a turk's crown knot. *finally* someone shows, in plain english (okay, that's a mixed metaphor), what exactly is going on with the "move the leg of the x over" phase. Thank you thank you thank you. @ccafferty - try clothesline, you can get it at the dollar store or a walmarty type place. If you use cotton, you can dye it with koolaid, coffee, or fabric dye. Paracord can be found at army surplus or hunting supply shops, and rat tail or upholstery type cording can be found iat fabric shops. Yay! Gonna fool with this tonight. <3
1 year ago
altonweekes says:
This is so kewl, I remember just like yesterday that when I was a sailor over in the Persian Gulf we would sit on the back of the ship while the sun was setting and make all kinds of sailor knots. This brought back to many memories and the people I served with. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
demdesigns says:
This is great. My Dad was a sailor and showed me all kinds of knots and I forgot how to do them. Very cool.
1 year ago
samsstuff says:
Cute tutorial! Thank you for showing us how to make these adorable bracelets.
1 year ago
BunniesandAvacado says:
I CANT DO IT!! *weeping* I fail at all things sailor *sigh* I'd rather just buy it from the more talented people on Etsy. The tutorial was good though.
1 year ago
Dicien says:
I'd like to print out the Tutorial, but I can't get more than about 1/5 of the directions. It seems to be seeing them all as one page and cutting them off. Is this an Etsy thing or should I look at my printer settings? (I've never encountered this problem before.) Help please?!
1 year ago
ahdQuiltsAndSuch says:
Great tutorial...
1 year ago
dearbitsy says:
I've always wondered how to make these!! I'm thinking using some old shoelaces tied together would be a great eco-friendly way to make them!! Especially since I just ordered some new sneakers and they came with 4 different, but still bright, shoe laces!!
1 year ago
TheFaithBoutique says:
That's such a good idea! I love it! I definetly want to try this!
1 year ago
AlexandraDesign says:
I've tried this four times and I can't get it. How does everyone here get it so easy?
1 year ago
outoftheframe says:
I don't get it either! it seems like the 3rd photo is backwards...
1 year ago
outoftheframe says:
ok I've got it now! the trick is not to let the braid spin round the wrong way as you do the first bit around the tin.
1 year ago
mimetik says:
fantastic!!!
1 year ago
CatsJammies says:
Great-wish it was printable
1 year ago
MsHennipenny says:
doesn't work for me... followed all the steps and still can't figure it out...
1 year ago
mad4plaid says:
Is there a way to get this to print - love it just hate having to run back and forth!
1 year ago
decors says:
Oh my gosh I love this, thank you so much for sharing. I am always very into knotting!
1 year ago
museumshop says:
Thanks for sharing great works of art
1 year ago
LindseyCormier says:
OH I LIVE BY THE BEACH I NEED TO TRY THIS!
1 year ago
AlexandraDesign says:
I really REALLY want to learn how to do this but it is so confusing to me I just end up with a bunch of knots, lol. If anyone knows how to explain it better please convo me at www.etsy.com/shop/alexandradesin It's amazing how some people here are able to get it with ease cause I can't.
1 year ago
ashley566 says:
love it! i think im going to try this!
1 year ago
marmadillo says:
I used fabric from a jelly roll (cut of fabric ~2 inches wide and 3 feet long) to make mine -- very colorful!
1 year ago
BaroqueBags says:
Thanks very much..you've just given me a idea for a craft I can do with Brownies next week!Cheers.
1 year ago
NickElci says:
I tried this for hours the other night and couldn't do it at all. Any help?
1 year ago
BradFallon2011 says:
I absolutely love these! Thanks for the tutorial. Too bad my brain cannot translate it to the doing! :)
1 year ago
LiLYorkieFruFru says:
Thanks for the tutorial! I cannot wait to give it a try and see how I can start incorporating it into dog fashion! Tail Wags :)
1 year ago
ellenray says:
I am anxious to try this, maybe I can get my craft class to do it!
1 year ago
loveMaegan says:
Adorable! Since Lonny Magazine is featuring an $85 dollar version, I just featured this DIY on my blog ...here: http://www.lovemaegan.com/2011/03/dip-dyed-nautical-rope-bracelets-diy.html
1 year ago
chriskoskidesigns says:
What an awesome look!
1 year ago
BobalooKids says:
Love this bracelet! I included it in a post about making handmade goodies for Craft Hope, a charity that distributes handmade goods - their current project is bracelets! http://www.bobalookids.com/2011/04/craft-hope-crafting-for-good.html
1 year ago
chicklebird says:
i'm doing this right now and i'm pretty far along and i know what i'm doing BUT i think i may have did my first round of weaving/braiding too tight bc the second pass through is impossible without tweezers and i'm thinking the third is going to be impossible period anyways i plan on dip dying mine after i'm finished to do an ombre affect! thanks so much for the tutorial!! i bookmarked your blog too :)
1 year ago
chicklebird says:
this took me a long time to master but i did it and i have tips for anyone who wants them 1st and most important : DON'T DO THE FIRST ROUND TOO TIGHT, you will regret it and end up having to undo a lot so you can go back and loosen it 2nd : keep the strings flat and perpendicular as you go, pay attention if the string you're working with needs to go on the inside or the outside as you are passing through each time (this will make since when you're actually doing it) 3rd : it helped me greatly to use tweezers to weave the string through, especially as you add more passes and the area you have to get the string through gets smaller and smaller, i also wrapped the end of my string in tape to keep it from unravelling and to make it easier to get a hold of and pull through hope this helps someone avoid some of the mistakes i originally made
1 year ago
MichaelMore says:
Great tutorial - you are really full of resources and I love how much creativity you have. I love the bracelet - keep up the good work and I hope to see all your creations. Ingersoll Watches
338 days ago
EcoChicHandKnits says:
I love these bracelets! Thank you so much for sharing, I can't wait to try making my own!
338 days ago
vintageoli says:
omg thanks :D:D:D
338 days ago
SmilingCatStudio says:
Very cool. I had one of these when I was a kid that I wore until it had to be cut off. I probably won't do that now, but I'll have fun making one anyway!
338 days ago
LizardSkins says:
well done. thanks for sharing
338 days ago
knottysailor says:
Sailor Knot jewelry rocks! What an awesome tutorial!
338 days ago
MaidenJane says:
So excited to make this. I thought my kids could make it for their dad for Father's Day. I ran to 4 different hardware stores and twine is impossible to find! Esp. cotton twine in white. Hoping to find one today...
337 days ago
thisthatotherthings says:
This is Great, Thanks for the Fun Project.
337 days ago
DominiqueD says:
Thanks! I just made mine :) Its purple
337 days ago
shandke says:
I've been wanting to learn how to do this, too! Thanks for sharing. :)
333 days ago
bdellesky says:
Can't wait to try this. But where can I buy the twine? We just have shiny nylon or scratch garden type twine. Nautical Necklace-might those directions be forthcoming. bdellesky@gmail.com
302 days ago
Childlike Fascination says:
Sailors Knot Bracelet... ......
292 days ago
LiveLifeForHappiness says:
I really disliked this. The instructions were too vague when it came to continuing after the first pass, and I could have just bought one in the time and energy I wasted on this project. No thank you.
283 days ago
Jayne from barefootkitchenwitch says:
So cool! Got it on the second try. Made a bright pink one for my daughter. Thanks for the tutorial!
65 days ago
Grace H. says:
So hard! :(
30 days ago
Stephanie Maris says:
This is adorable!
21 days ago