How to Make an Adjustable Sliding Knot Bracelet with S-Lon Cord
An adjustable sliding knot bracelet closes with a short run of macrame square knots tied around both ends of the cord: pull the tails to tighten it, pull the band to open it, and one bracelet fits almost any wrist. You need about 20 inches of S-Lon cord for the band, 16 inches more for the sliding knot, a few beads, scissors, and a lighter or glue to finish the ends. Tex 400 (0.9 mm) S-Lon gives the classic macrame look, and Tex 210 (0.5 mm) makes a finer bracelet for smaller beads.
What You Need
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| S-Lon Tex 400 cord, 0.9 mm | 20 inches for the band | Add about 1/2 inch for every knot you tie between beads |
| S-Lon cord for the knot | 16 inches | Same cord, in a matching or contrasting color; enough for 8 to 10 square knots |
| Large hole beads | 1 to 9 for the band, plus 2 for the tails | 6 to 10 mm beads with 2 mm holes take Tex 400 easily |
| Beader's Wax | Optional | Conditions the cord against fraying |
| Awl or knotting tweezers | 1 | Slides each overhand knot snug against its bead |
| Tape or a clipboard, scissors, lighter | 1 each | Tape holds the core cords still while you knot |
| G-S Hypo Cement | 2 or 3 small dots | Instead of melting, or as well |
Which S-Lon Size, and Which Beads Fit
S-Lon is a 3-ply twisted and bonded nylon cord that knots tightly and resists fraying. We carry it in 4 weights, and 2 of them suit a sliding knot bracelet. Bead holes set the limit: a standard drill gemstone bead has a hole of roughly 10% to 15% of its diameter, about 0.8 mm in a 6 mm bead and 1 mm in an 8 mm bead, while our large hole beads are drilled 2 mm and up.
| S-Lon size | For a sliding knot bracelet | Beads it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Tex 400, 0.9 mm | The classic: bold, even square knots | Large hole beads; test 8 mm and 10 mm standard drill beads first |
| Tex 210, 0.5 mm | A fine, delicate bracelet with a slim closure | Standard drill beads from 6 mm up, and some 4 mm |
| Tex 135, 0.4 mm | Very fine; the knots are tiny and slow to tie | Small beads and tight holes |
| Tex 70 Micro, 0.12 mm | Too fine for this project | Seed beads and bead weaving |
Match the bead to the cord as well as the hole. Tex 400 looks right with 6 mm to 10 mm beads, and Tex 210 with 3 mm to 8 mm. For the 2 tail beads, a hole that is too large lets the end knot pull through, so tie a double overhand knot under a large hole bead, or use a standard drill bead there.
How to Tie a Sliding Knot Bracelet
- Cut and prepare the cord. Cut 20 inches for the band and 16 inches for the knot. Run them over Beader's Wax if you like. Touch each end of the band cord to a flame for a moment so it melts into a firm point that threads through beads like a needle.
- Add the beads. String your beads to the middle of the band cord. To hold them in place, tie an overhand knot on each side of the group, or between every bead for a spaced look, and use the awl to slide each knot snug against its bead.
- Form the circle. Bring the 2 ends around so they lie side by side, pointing in opposite directions. Slide them until the circle just slips over your hand; that is the largest size the bracelet will open to. Tape the overlapping section flat to a table or clipboard.
- Set up the knotting cord. Center the 16 inch cord under the middle of the overlap, at a right angle. You now have a left working cord and a right working cord, with the 2 band cords running between them as the core.
- Tie the first half. Lay the left cord over the core, making a shape like the number 4. Bring the right cord over the tail of the left cord, under the core, and up through the loop on the left. Pull both working cords out to the sides until the knot sits snug.
- Tie the second half. Mirror it: right cord over the core, left cord over its tail, under the core, and up through the loop on the right. Pull snug. That is 1 square knot.
- Repeat. Tie 6 to 10 square knots, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch with Tex 400. After the first 2, check that the core cords still slide. The knots should be firm, not tight.
- Finish the knotting cord. Trim both working cords to about 2 mm and touch each cut end to the flame for a second so it melts into a small bead against the knot. Or put a tiny dot of G-S Hypo Cement on the last knot and trim when it is dry. Keep glue and heat off the core cords, or the knot will not slide.
- Finish the tails. With the bracelet open to its largest size, trim each tail to about 1 inch past the closure. Slide on a tail bead, tie an overhand knot under it, trim to 2 mm, and melt the end. Pull the tails to tighten the bracelet, and pull on the band to open it.
Tips for a Neat Sliding Knot
- Alternate the halves. If the closure starts to twist into a spiral, you tied the same half twice in a row. Undo back to the twist and alternate left and right.
- Pull evenly. Equal tension on both working cords keeps the knots in a straight, flat row.
- Use a contrasting knot cord to make the closure part of the design, or a matching one to make it disappear.
- Melt with care. Keep the flame away from the beads and the rest of the cord, and let the melted nylon cool before you touch it.
- Practice first. Tie 3 or 4 square knots on a scrap of cord before the real bracelet. The same square knot, worked over a core, is the base of most macrame jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cord is best for a sliding knot bracelet?
A bonded nylon cord such as S-Lon, which knots firmly and can be sealed with a flame. Tex 400 (0.9 mm) is the usual choice for beads up to 10 mm; Tex 210 (0.5 mm) makes a finer version.
How much cord do I need for a sliding knot bracelet?
About 20 inches for the band and 16 inches for the sliding knot, plus about 1/2 inch for every knot you tie between beads. The extra is trimmed off at the end.
How many square knots does a sliding knot need?
6 to 10 is typical. Fewer knots grip the core cords less firmly, and more than 10 makes a long, stiff closure.
Why won't my sliding knot slide?
The square knots are too tight, or glue or melted nylon reached the core cords. Tie the knots firm but not tight, test after the first 2, and keep glue and heat on the working cords only.
Can you melt S-Lon cord?
Yes. S-Lon is nylon, so a brief touch of flame seals a cut end into a small bead. G-S Hypo Cement is the alternative if you would rather not use a flame.
Can I use standard gemstone beads?
Yes, with the right cord. Tex 210 passes most standard drill beads from 6 mm up. Tex 400 needs a hole of about 1 mm or more, so test 8 mm and 10 mm beads or use large hole beads.
Shop Sliding Knot Bracelet Supplies
Our S-Lon cord collection has Tex 70, 135, 210 and 400 in dozens of colors, along with Beader's Wax. Pair it with large hole beads, tools for jewelry making and beading glue. For more knotting with S-Lon, see How to Make a Mala Necklace.
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