Crystal Split Bracelet Tutorial

Prep thread & stop: Cut ~4–5 ft thread. Find midpoint and put a needle on each end (two-needle) or use one needle if you prefer. Add a temporary stop bead near one end to keep beads from sliding. Start the center base (RounTrio + pearl): Slide on one RounTrio, add a pearl, then another RounTrio as the first unit. Make a few passes through those beads to seat them — this establishes the center spacing. Add SuperDuo spacer units: On each working end pick up 1 × 11/0 → SuperDuo → 1 × 11/0 (one needle per side as required) and pass through the adjacent RounTrio hole so the SuperDuo sits between RounTrios. Repeat so you form the initial short run of alternating RounTrio → SuperDuo → pearl → RounTrio. Establish the split: create first mirrored path: From the center, work one side out by adding the repeating sequence: 11/0 → SuperDuo → 11/0 → RounTrio → pearl → RounTrio, keeping the same thread path through the middle hole of each RounTrio so a single row forms. Keep tension even. Mirror the opposite side: Return to the center and build the second, mirrored row the same way (the two rows should run parallel, forming the “split”). Use the RounTrio center holes to route thread so both rows stay aligned. Check length frequently: Wrap the developing bracelet around your wrist or mandrel often — the split geometry plus pearls changes circumference slightly. Join rows with crystals & pearls (connector bridges): Where the design calls for sparkle, connect the two rows by adding: 11/0 → crystal → 11/0, and sew through a corresponding RounTrio hole on the opposite row so the crystal nests between the split rows. Alternate crystals and pearls per the video pattern to create the focal bridges. Reinforce the center focal area: After adding a line of crystal/pearl bridges, make 2–3 reinforcement passes through the bridge beads and the RounTrio holes that anchor them — pull snug but don’t crush beads. Continue alternating split + join sequence: Repeat building each side outward, adding SuperDuos and RounTrios, then periodically adding crystal/pearl connectors until you reach the desired bracelet length. Attach wire guard & clasp (start end): At one end, exit the bead where the clasp will attach. Add a few 11/0s, pass the thread through the wire guard, then back through adjacent beads and the guard again — make at least two passes to lock it in place. Repeat for each guard loop if using a multi-loop clasp. Finish opposite end & final passes: Mirror the clasp attachment at the other end. Sew multiple reinforcement passes through the guard, the final RounTrios, and a couple of pearl/crystal bridges to ensure the clasp area is strong. Tie off & bury tails: Bring thread into the inner beadwork, make a small weaver’s knot or two under bridge threads, then weave the tail through 4–6 beads to hide it. Trim and carefully zap/melt if using synthetic thread. Repeat for the other working end.