NORTHERN STAR BRACELET
- 7/0 Matubo beads "Opaque Navy Silver Picasso"
- 8/0 seed beads Toho "Frosted Antique Silver" (566)
- SuperDuo beads "Chalk Silver" aka "Jet Old Silver"
The "Northern Star Bracelet" is a free pattern by Nela Kábelová that you can download from the BeadSmith site HERE. The pattern features Matubo beads which come in sizes 6/0, 7/0 and 8/0. This pattern uses the 7/0 beads which are quite large. Because of the large seed beads, the bracelet comes out rather chunky with a very solid but flexible feel. It's quite easy to make but you do have to make each motif separately and connect the motifs as you go along. The netting is added later once the motifs are all connected. There is no need to add a loop for the clasp with this design because the Matubo beads on the ends are perfect for attaching jump rings.
I did make a couple of changes. The pattern calls for some 11/0 seed beads to go between the Matubo beads in the netting. I found that the netting came out too loose with the smaller beads so I used more of the same 8/0 beads that are used elsewhere in the bracelet and they fit perfectly. I also finished off the ends of the bracelet by adding 8/0 seed beads where the pattern leaves the SuperDuo beads with their holes empty. I didn't see any reason for leaving them open like that so I made the last two motifs match the others.
You will need at least 8 grams of the Matubo beads and approximately 6 yards of either Nymo D thread or FireLine to make this bracelet. I started with 4 yards of thread and that was enough to make the first six motifs. I used about two more yards to make the seventh motif and then to add the netting between the motifs. Seven motifs will fit a 6 1/2-inch wrist size so you may need a couple more grams of Matubo beads for a longer bracelet.
You can get all of the beads needed to make a bracelet in this colorway from SupplyEmporium on Etsy. Readers of my blog can get 15% off orders over $30 by using the coupon code: 15BLOG. You'll find links to all of the beads in my supply list at the top of this post. You can also buy the all of the beads that I used as a bead kit HERE. The pattern is not included in the kit so you will need to download it from the link above.
I like this bracelet very much and I love your colours but I will have to go elsewhere for my beads as this store charges high shipping costs to Canada. 17 or 14 dollars I think.Not their fault as that is what the USPS charges.Thank goodness I can get my beads for low shipping. Don't know how they can do it and others can't.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they have to do enough international shipping to qualify for a commercial discount or something.
DeleteThe matubo patterns are great and easy to follow. I've made several from their different tutorials and have been happy with the results. My version of this bracelet did come out with a slight curve - the tension must not be uniform when I made it.
ReplyDeleteSo far I haven't had any trouble getting them to come out flat. Did you use 11/0 seed beads between the motifs or 8/0 beads like I used? When I tried using 11/0 beads, the connections between the motifs were much too loose. I think if I had pulled the thread tight on the netting to pull up that slack, it might have caused the bracelet to warp. I never made a complete bracelet with 11/0s so I can't say for sure though. Do you think that's what happened with your bracelet?
DeleteDear Linda: I think I used 8s and then the accent bead which was 11. The 11s have a tendency to slip inside the 8s. It looks okay while I am wearing it but not if lying flat.
DeleteMatubo has some fun miniduo pendants/earring patterns that are fast and easy. I just did their most recent version with rullas, miniduos, and pinch beads. A nice eclectic mixture of beads.
Yes, the pattern does call for 11/0 beads but I got better results using 8/0 beads instead.
DeleteThank you for this post! I am very honored that you like my pattern and I love the colorway you used and the changes you made. It looks very nice with 8/0s instead of 11/0s :) When I make these bracelets, I use 11/0s - but I also keep very tight tension while beading. Sometimes the bracelet comes out with a slight curve, but it still looks fine when being worn.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very pretty design, Nela. Did you see my turquoise and gold one in THIS post?
DeleteThe link you posted for this pattern does not work. Where else may I find this pattern?
ReplyDeleteI found the new page for the pattern and will update my posts with the new link: CLICK HERE
Delete