DIY Guide | Weave a Miyuki Bracelet

Step 1: Gather your materials

Start by gathering the following: a twisted wire needle, Miyuki beading thread, and slide ends.

We recommend using Miyuki's own slide ends – they fit perfectly with Delica 11/0 beads and give your woven bracelet a beautiful finish.

Step 2: Prepare the threads

For this design, we sew with 5 beads at a time, so we'll need 6 threads.

Cut 6 equally long pieces of thread – each about 50–60 cm, depending on the length of the loom.

Gather the threads and tie a knot at one end.

Step 3: Mount the threads on the loom

Place the knot down over the screw at one end of the loom, then secure the threads tightly at the opposite end.

It's important that each thread lies in its own groove on the loom.

Tip: Avoid starting in the middle of the loom – our experience is that it's often easier to sew along the edge.

Make sure the threads are pulled tight – this gives the neatest and most even result.

Step 4: Ready to sew

Cut a long piece of thread – preferably 1–2 meters, depending on what you feel comfortable handling.

It's easy to add more thread along the way if you run out in the middle of your work.

Now thread a twisted wire needle with the thread – and you're ready to start sewing.

Step 5: The first row of beads

Pull 5 beads onto the needle and place them under the stretched threads.

Use a finger underneath the beads to push them up, so each bead sits between the 6 threads.

Then pass the needle through all the beads from the opposite side – over the stretched threads – so they lock securely into place.

Tighten the thread slightly, so the beads sit close together and form an even row.

Step 6: Repeat the process

The next row is made the same way as the first.

Pull 5 beads onto the needle and guide them under the stretched threads.

Hold a finger underneath the beads so they're pushed up between the threads.

Pass the needle through the beads from the opposite side – this time over the threads – and pull the thread through so the beads lock into place.

Repeat the process for each row.

Step 7: Continue sewing to the desired length

Continue adding rows of beads until the bracelet reaches the desired length.

If you need to change thread along the way, make sure to leave a good length of the old thread hanging – you'll need it later to finish off the sewing.

Step 8: Finishing on the loom

Now we've reached the end, and it's time to finish the bracelet.

Tie a knot on the outermost of the stretched threads on the loom.

Pull the knot tight – it needs to hold the last row of beads securely in place, so they sit neatly and evenly against each other.

Step 9: Removal and securing the threads

Once you're done sewing, you can carefully take the bracelet off the bead loom.

If you changed thread along the way, you can now take the loose ends and sew them back and forth through the rows of beads until they're firmly secured and won't risk coming loose.

Miyuki has their own fine sewing needles, which are small and flexible – perfect for both weaving and hand sewing.

Step 10.1: Join the Ends with Knots

Once the bracelet is taken off the loom, you will have 6 loose threads at each end.

Tie the threads together two by two with a tight knot – this gives you three knots at each end.

Repeat the same process at both ends of the bracelet to ensure the threads are held securely in place.

Step 10.2: Securing the Knots

To make sure the knots hold, apply a small amount of glue to each knot.

Let the bracelet lie and dry for 2–3 hours so the glue can fully cure.

Once the glue is dry, you can carefully trim off the excess thread ends.

Step 11: Attaching the Slide End

To finish, we use a slide end – the small end piece that neatly closes off the bracelet.

This piece is designed to be easily slid over the beads, especially when using Miyuki's Delica beads.

Carefully slide the slide end over the outermost beads at each end of the bracelet until it sits tight and secure.

Step 12: Close the Slide End with Pliers

Once the slide end is correctly in place, the ends need to be bent down to close it completely.

Use flat nose pliers to gently squeeze the ends down over the beads.

Slide ends are quite soft and easy to shape, giving you a neat and secure finish.

Step 13: Choose and Attach a Clasp

Now all that's left is to choose which type of clasp you want to attach to the bracelet.

You can choose between, for example, a lobster clasp, a magnetic clasp, or other great options – depending on your style and needs.

If you have purchased our beginner weaving kit, lobster clasps and jump rings are included, so you can easily finish your bracelet.