Braided Suede Bracelet (Free Wrapping with Wire)

Braided Suede Bracelet (Free Wrapping with Wire)

When working with multiple strands of leather, suede or cord, it's nice to know this versatile method of adding a closure to your jewelry.  Free wrapping (or tension wrapping, as it is sometimes called) is inexpensive, easy and very effective.

For this bracelet, you will need:
3 feet of suede (or other cord), cut into 1 foot strips
1 toggle clasp
24 gauge craft wire, cut into two 1 foot pieces 
GS Hypo Glue (optional)

  

Line up all three pieces of suede, with the center piece about 1 ½ inches higher than the outside pieces. 

 Thread the opening in the toggle ring on to the center piece of suede.

Fold the center piece of suede over to form a loop and bring it back to meet the other pieces of suede.  Your suede loop should support the toggle ring now. 

Use one piece of the 24 gauge craft wire to wrap tightly around the suede end, first up toward the toggle and securing around the loop...

...and then down toward the end of the folded down bit of suede.    Trim off the excess wire and tap down the edges with needle nose pliers.  Trim off any excess suede under the wire wrap.

Braid the suede as tightly or loosely as you like.

 Once you have reached the desired size, thread the toggle bar onto the center piece of suede and fold it in half to secure the toggle bar.

  Trim the two outside pieces of suede. 

Use the second piece of the 24 gauge craft wire to wrap tightly around the connection, first up toward the toggle and securing around the loop, and then down to the end of the folded down bit of suede.

Trim off excess wire and tap down.  Trim off excess leather.  If you like, you can add a bit of GS Hypo glue under the wire wraps, for extra security.  The finished bracelet is shown below.  

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