Design Inspiration Supplies

Design Instructions

dragonfly-soutache-bracelet-1024px-2.jpg

 

Supplies Needed

  • 1 Dragonfly Button (94-6573-18)
  • 14 8/0 Beaded Seedbead (93-0447-18)
  • 11 Czech glass round beads, 6mm
  • 1g Size 11 seed beads
  • Soutache Braid in 3 colors

Tools

  • Scissors
  • Beading needle
  • Thread
  • GS Hypo cement adhesive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Size: 7 1/2 inches

Designer: Tracy Gonzales

 

Download the Dragonfly Soutache Bracelet PDF

Tip: Work slowly and carefully in order to make the most orderly, tight stitches possible. 

 

Steps

  1. Cut 20” of each color of soutache braid.
  2. Layer the braids and fold them in half so when held horizontally, there are 6 layers total (3 on top, 3 on bottom).
  3. Thread the beading needle with 3' of thread; tie a knot at one end.
  4. Pass the thread down through the top 3 layered braids, 3/4" from the fold.
  5. String 1 seed bead; pass down through the bottom 3 layered braids and then back up through the bottom 3 layered braids, the seed bead just added, and the top 3 layered braids.
  6. Pass down through the top 3 layered braids, 1/16" from the last point of exit.
  7. String 1 heishi; pass down through the bottom 3 layered braids and then back up through the bottom 3 layered braids, the heishi just added, and the top 3 layered braids.
  8. Pass down through the top 3 layered braids, 1/8" from the last point of exit.
  9. String 1 Czech glass round bead; pass down through the bottom 3 layered braids and then back up through the bottom 3 layered braids, the Czech glass round bead just added, and the top 3 layered braids.
    10. Pass down through the top 3 layered braids, 1/8" from the last point of exit.
  10. String 1 heishi; pass down through the bottom 3 layered braids and then back up through the bottom 3 layered braids, the heishi just added, and the top 3 layered braids.
  11. Pass down through the top 3 layered braids, 1/16" from the last point of exit.
  12. Repeat Steps 5–12 ten times. Repeat Step 5.
  13. Trim the braid ends to 1" from the last bead placed.
  14. Fold the braid ends in on themselves, forming a flat M shape. Sew the ends together, repeating stitches several times to form a solid end base.(Fig 1)
  15. Securely sew the button to the base just formed.(Fig 1) 
  16. Trim any loose thread. Add a small amount of Hypo Cement to secure knots.

Fig 1

dragonfly-soutache-closeup2.jpg