Glacier Bracelet Tutorial

Prep & measure Cut ~4–5 ft of thread. Tie a temporary stop bead near one end (or leave a 6–8" tail). Decide target bracelet length (measure wrist + clasp allowance). Make the first RAW unit String: pearl → 11/0 → pearl (3 beads). Pass back through the first pearl so you form the first RAW “square.” This is the basic RAW unit. Continue the first RAW row Repeat adding 11/0 → pearl → 11/0 → pearl as RAW units until the row reaches your desired inner length (this is the inner RAW row). Keep tension even so units sit square. Check fit on wrist/mandrel Wrap the raw row around your wrist or mandrel — RAW will tighten a bit when seamed/embellished. Adjust length now if needed. Start the second RAW row (parallel track) Reverse direction and build a second RAW row alongside the first: add the same RAW units, linking into the outer holes so you now have two parallel RAW rows (inner + outer). Maintain thread orientation so beads align. Join the two RAW rows periodically Every few units (or as video shows), pass the thread through the corresponding beads on the opposite row to keep rows aligned and prevent splaying. Attach the three-strand clasp (start end) Near one end, sew the clasp loop(s) into the RAW edge: loop the thread through the clasp loop, then back through adjacent RAW beads several times. Make at least two strong passes through the clasp loop to secure. Finish the clasp end (other side) Repeat on the other end: attach the remaining clasp loops the same way, checking the bracelet length over the closed clasp before final reinforcement. Plan the crystal V embellishment Locate the center/top of the bracelet. The V is built on top of the two RAW rows using small bicones and 15/0 / 11/0 spacers to create a mirrored diagonal pattern. Stitch the V pattern Starting at center, exit a top RAW bead and add a short diagonal row: 15/0 → crystal → 15/0 → 11/0 then anchor into the lower RAW bead so the crystal sits on the top face. Mirror that step on the opposite side to form a V. Repeat rows outward (increasing or repeating crystals) until the desired width/depth is achieved. Refine with tiny bead accents Add 15/0s along the V edges and between crystals to tighten gaps and create a crisp, faceted look. Small 11/0s can be used to “bridge” crystals into the RAW units where needed. Reinforce critical areas Run multiple reinforcement passes through: clasp loops, the central V cluster, and the RAW bridges. Make 2–3 passes where threads cross high-stress beads. Tie off & bury tails Bring the thread into an interior bead, make a small weaver’s knot or two under a bridge, then sew the tail through 4–6 beads to bury it. Trim and zap (if using synthetic thread). Repeat for the other working end. Final check & polish Inspect symmetry (V sits centered), check clasp action, and make any tightening passes. Wipe away glue residue (if used) and admire the finished sparkle.