How To Tie A Stretchy Bracelet Using A Surgeon's Knot

The best knot for a stretchy bracelet is a surgeon's knot: a square knot with an extra wrap in the first pass, so the knot grips itself and will not come undone. Tie it under light tension, add a dab of glue, trim the tails short, and slide a bead over it. That is the whole method, and it is the same one surgeons use on sutures for the same reason. The video and the step-by-step below show exactly how to tie it.

Video: How to Tie a Stretchy Bracelet Knot

Why a Surgeon's Knot?

A plain overhand knot slips on elastic, and a square knot can loosen as the cord relaxes. The surgeon's knot adds a second wrap on the first pass, which doubles the friction holding the knot closed. The second pass then locks it in place. It is the standard knot for elastic cord, and it works just as well on thin knotting cords and on monofilament or polyethylene stringing cable.

Before You Tie: 3 Things That Make the Knot Hold

• Pre-stretch the cord. Pull standard elastic firmly a few times before stringing so the bracelet does not loosen later. See our guide to elastic cords for which size and type to use.
• Leave long tails. Cut the cord at least 6 inches longer than the bracelet so you have room to work the knot. Short tails are the number 1 cause of a sloppy knot.
• Use a bead stopper. A bead stopper or a piece of tape on one end keeps the beads from sliding off while you string.

How to Tie a Surgeon's Knot, Step by Step

1. Bring the ends together. With all the beads strung, hold the two loose ends and cross them, right over left.
2. Wrap twice. Take the end that is on top and wrap it around the other end 2 times, instead of the single wrap you would use for a square knot.
3. Pull snug. Pull both ends so the first and last beads come together with no gap. Keep a little tension on the cord as you go; a bracelet tied slack will feel flimsy.
4. Cross again, left over right. Tie a second knot in the same way. Wrap once, or twice if the bead you plan to hide the knot in has a large enough hole to cover the extra bulk.
5. Tighten against the first knot. Pull the second knot down snug on top of the first so the two lock together.
6. Glue it. Put a small dab of GS Hypo Cement or another beading glue on the knot and let it dry completely. On elastic floss, singe the frayed tips with a lighter first.
7. Trim the tails. Cut the ends leaving about 1/8 inch so they cannot slip back through the knot. Do not cut flush.
8. Hide the knot. Stretch the bracelet slightly and slide the nearest bead over the knot. A bead with a slightly larger hole, or a spacer bead, makes this easier.

Tips for a Bracelet That Will Not Come Undone

• Match the cord to the beads. Most broken bracelets failed because the cord was too thin for the weight, not because the knot slipped. 0.8 mm cord suits 6 mm to 10 mm beads; use doubled 0.5 mm elastic floss for 4 mm beads.
• Double the cord when you can. If the holes allow it, string on doubled cord. You tie the same surgeon's knot, just with two strands at once.
• Watch for sharp holes. Faceted beads and some drilled stones have crisp hole edges that saw at the cord. Floss handles these better than solid elastic, and a bead reamer can smooth a rough hole.
• Size it right. A stretch bracelet should slip over the hand with gentle resistance. Measure the wrist, add about 1/2 inch, and string to that length before you tie.
• Let glue cure. Give the knot a few minutes before you slide the bead over it, and leave the bracelet overnight before wearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best knot for an elastic bracelet?

The surgeon's knot. It holds better on stretchy cord than a square knot or an overhand knot, and it stays compact enough to hide inside a bead.

How do I tie off an elastic bracelet so it doesn't come undone?

Tie a surgeon's knot under light tension, glue it, trim the tails to about 1/8 inch, and slide a bead over the knot. The glue and the hidden knot together are what keep it from working loose.

Do I need glue on the knot?

A good surgeon's knot will hold on its own, but a dab of glue is cheap insurance against the cord relaxing over months of wear. We recommend it on every stretch bracelet.

How many times should I knot a stretch bracelet?

Two passes is the standard surgeon's knot: a double wrap, then a single or double wrap on top. More than that adds bulk without adding much security and makes the knot hard to hide.

Can I use this knot on cord that doesn't stretch?

Yes. The surgeon's knot works on nylon knotting cord, silk, and monofilament. For bracelets that should not stretch, see our guide to choosing the right stringing wire.

Supplies for Stretch Bracelets

Everything in this tutorial is in our elastic cord collection, along with beading glue, bead stoppers, and beading needles for floss. Tejas Beads has been supplying gemstone beads and jewelry-making tools for over 10 years from our shop in Northampton, Massachusetts, so if you have a question about cord sizes or knots, call us at 413-387-9182 and we will talk you through it.