Create a luxury-style sparkling bracelet using simple bicone crystals and seed beads.
Are you looking to create a piece of jewelry that looks like it came straight from a high-end boutique? This DIY Crystal Rhombus Bracelet (often called a woven tennis bracelet) catches the light beautifully and feels incredibly comfortable on the wrist.
Despite its intricate appearance, this pattern uses a variation of the Right Angle Weave (RAW) technique that becomes rhythmic and easy once you get the hang of it. In this guide, we will break down the viral video tutorial into easy-to-follow steps so you can make your own sparkling accessory tonight.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time Required: 1 – 1.5 Hours
Cost: Low (approx. $5-$10 depending on crystal brand)
🛠️ Materials & Tools Needed
To achieve the crisp, geometric look seen in the video, precision is key. Do not mix bead brands, as slight size variations can warp the bracelet.
- Crystals: 4mm Bicone Crystals (approx. 50-60 pcs).
- Recommendation: Swarovski or Preciosa for maximum sparkle, or high-quality AAA glass beads.
- Seed Beads: Miyuki Round Seed Beads (Size 11/0 or 2mm).
- Color: Galvanized Silver or Gold to match your clasp.
- Thread: Fireline Beading Thread (6lb or 8lb test).
- Why: It is strong and doesn’t stretch, keeping the “grid” shape stiff.
- Needle: Size 10 or 12 Beading Needle.
- Clasp: Multi-strand Slide Lock Clasp or Magnetic Tube Clasp.
- Tools: Scissors or Thread Burner.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Creating the First Unit (The Base)
[00:04] Step 1: Stringing the Pattern
Cut a comfortable length of thread (about 1.5 meters). Thread your needle. String your beads in the following exact order:
- One 4mm Bicone Crystal.
- One Seed Bead.
- One 4mm Bicone Crystal.
- One Seed Bead.
- One 4mm Bicone Crystal.
- One Seed Bead.
- One 4mm Bicone Crystal.
(Total: 4 Crystals and 3 Seed Beads. Note that there is no seed bead after the final crystal yet.)
[00:07] Step 2: Forming the Loop
Bring the beads down the thread (leave a 6-inch tail). Pass your needle back through all the beads again to form a circle (or square shape). Tie a surgeon’s knot to secure it tightly.
- Tip: Pull tight so the crystals sit at 90-degree angles to each other.
[00:11] Step 3: Positioning
Pass your needle through the next Crystal so you are exiting away from the knot. This hides the knot inside the bead work.
Phase 2: Embellishing the Edges
[00:14] Step 4: The Outer Picot
Pick up 3 Seed Beads. Skip over the thread bridge and pass your needle through the next Crystal.
- Result: This creates a small decorative arch (picot) on the outer edge of the bracelet.
[00:16] Step 5: The Center Bridge
Pick up 1 Seed Bead. Pass your needle through the next Crystal.
- Result: This places a single seed bead in the center of the square unit.
[00:19] Step 6: Flip and Repeat
Flip the beadwork over in your hand. You now need to repeat the embellishment on the other side.
- Add 3 Seed Beads (for the outer edge).
- Pass through the next crystal.
- Add 1 Seed Bead (for the center).
- Pass through the next crystal.
Phase 3: Extending the Bracelet
[00:22] Step 7: Starting the Next Unit
You are now exiting a crystal at the “top” of your finished unit. To build the next unit:
- Pick up 1 Seed Bead.
- Pick up 1 Crystal.
- Pick up 1 Seed Bead.
- Pick up 1 Crystal.
- Pick up 1 Seed Bead.
[00:25] Step 8: Anchoring the Unit
Pass your needle back through the Crystal you started from (on the previous unit). This forms a new loop attached to the first one.
[00:27] Step 9: Reinforcing the Path
Pass your needle through the newly added beads (Seed > Crystal) to position yourself for the embellishment steps.
[00:34] Step 10: Repeat the Pattern
Now, repeat the embellishment steps from Phase 2:
- Add 3 Seed Beads (Outer Edge).
- Pass through the next crystal.
- Add 1 Seed Bead (Center Bridge).
- Pass through the connection crystal.
- Flip the work and repeat on the back side.
[01:05] Step 11: Continue to Length
Repeat Steps 7 through 10 until the bracelet wraps comfortably around your wrist. Remember to account for the length of the clasp (usually about 0.5 inches).
Phase 4: Attaching the Clasp
[01:09] Step 12: Creating the Connector
Exit from the final crystal at the end of your bracelet.
- Pick up 3 Seed Beads.
- Pass through the loop of your Clasp.
- Pass back through the last Seed Bead you just strung (this locks the clasp loop tight).
[01:14] Step 13: Anchoring to the Bracelet
Pick up 5 Seed Beads. Pass your needle down through the clasp loop again, then back up through beads to reinforce.
(Note: The video shows a specific looping technique here. Essentially, you are creating a “U” shape of seed beads that holds the metal clasp bar.)
[01:22] Step 14: Secure and Tie Off
Pass through the original crystal on the bracelet to anchor the clasp loop. Retrace your thread path through the loop 2-3 times to ensure strength. Tie a half-hitch knot between beads, weave the tail in, and cut. Repeat for the other side of the clasp.
💡 Troubleshooting & Pro-Tips
- My bracelet is twisting: This usually happens if your tension is uneven. Pull your thread firmly after every step, especially when adding the “Center Bridge” seed bead (Step 5), as this bead acts as a strut to keep the unit flat.
- The thread is showing: If you are using clear crystals, use a white or clear thread (like Fireline Crystal). If using dark crystals, use Smoke colored thread.
- The clasp feels loose: Magnetic clasps are heavy. Make sure you reinforce the connection loops (Step 13) by passing the thread through them at least 3 times.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use round beads instead of bicones?
A: You can, but the bracelet will look more rounded and less like a “grid.” The bicone shape locks into the seed beads better, creating that sharp Rhombus shape.
Q: What is the best thread for this project?
A: 6lb or 8lb Fireline is highly recommended. It is fused, meaning it won’t split with the needle, and it is stiff enough to hold the geometric shape of the bracelet.
Q: How do I finish the bracelet if I don’t have a slide clasp?
A: You can create a simple toggle clasp using the crystals themselves! Create a loop of seed beads on one end, and on the other end, stitch a larger 6mm or 8mm crystal to act as the “button.”
Q: Why does my bracelet look shorter than I measured?
A: Beaded bracelets have “height.” When wrapped around a wrist, the inner circumference is smaller than the length laid flat. Always add about 0.5 inches to your flat measurement for a comfortable fit.
