Channel Chain Instructions

Channel Bracelet - The Channel chain consists of two identical chains made from 18ga 3.5mm Jump Rings. The chains are linked together with smaller 18ga 3.25mm Jump Rings. 6mm Round or Round Faceted beads are laced into the chain using a fine diameter flex wire. This project uses (200) 18ga 3.5mm ID and (50) 18ga 3.25mm ID jump rings to complete a bracelet 7" to 9". Approx. (25) 6mm Round or Round Faceted Beads -see chart, .010" diameter flex wire, .5mm crimp (optional)


This project uses the following size jump rings.

 

 

       
 

STEP 1: The Starter

STEPS (1 - 6) Use the same size 18ga 3.5mm ID Jump Rings

Close a 3.5mm ID jump ring. Cut a 5" length of craft wire and twist on to create a handle.

If you are new to jump rings, please visit the Open/Close Jump Ring tutorial.

 

  Step 1
 

STEP 2: Link Two

Open a new jump ring and attach it to the first. Open a second jump ring and attach it to the first ring so that it sits along side. You should now have a single jump ring with two rings hanging from it.

links

The chain is a simple 1-2-1-2 link.

  Step 2 Channel Chain
 

STEP 3: Link One

Add one new ring to the previous two (left side of the photo)

The right side of the photo shows the pattern repeat. Continue adding jump rings in the 1-2-1-2 pattern to create the chain.

  Step 3 Channel Chain
 

STEP 4: Make an Eight Inch Chain

Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you have a chain that is approximately 8" long.

You can use the sizing chart to determine how many rings your bracelet will require. Example: A 7.5" bracelet uses 24 beads. Each double ring set holds one bead (except the first and last set) Your chain should have 24 double ring sets + 2 (first/last) for a total of 26 double ring sets.

  Step 4 Channel Chain
 

STEP 5: Create an Identical Chain

Now that you have your basic chain, make another 8" chain using the same technique.

Notice how the double rings align. Keeping them parallel will be important for a successful chain.

  Step 5 Channel Chain
 

STEP 6: Add the Clasp

Each Chain ends with a double ring. Open a new jump ring and use it to connect the ends of both chains and the clasp together.

Hint: Organize your left over 18ga 3.5mm ID Jump rings and put them away so that you do not accidentally pick up the incorrect size for the next several steps.

  Step 6 Channel Chain
 

STEP 7: The Zipper

Attach the single ring on the left chain to the matching single ring on the right using the smaller 18ga 3.25mm ID jump rings.

  Step 7 Channel Chain
 

STEP 8: Keep them Aligned

It is important to keep the chains parallel and facing the same way as you "zipper" them together. It may help to hang the chain in front of you while you add the rings. A toothpick or wood skewer can help align the rings and avoid mistakes.
  Step 8 Channel Chain
 

STEP 9: Finish the Clasp

Add the other end of your clasp. The correct chain length may not be evident at this point. After you add the beads the displacement shortens the length by 10%. You many need to add or subtract jump rings prior to putting the last beads in place.

  Step 9 Channel Chain
 

STEP 10: Channels Forming

After you zippered the chain together, the channel or pocket that the bead will sit in becomes evident. The channel is formed by double jump rings on the sides and the smaller jump rings form the front and the back.

  Step 10 Channel Chain
 

STEP 11: Start Adding Beads

Cut a 36" length of Soft Touch .010" diameter flex wire. Starting at the clasp, identify the sets of double rings. Skip the first set and start adding beads at the second set. Insert the flex wire from the outside in, thru the double rings, thru a 6mm Round or Round faceted bead and exit the flex wire thru the double rings on the other side.

Align the ends of the flex wire. so that you have even amounts on both sides.

Make sure that the flex wire always ENTERS and EXITS through the double rings.

  Step 11 Channel Chain
 

STEP 12: Bring in the Wires

The flex wire on the right enters from the outside of the double rings into the center of the channel.

 

  Step 12 - Channel Bracelet
 

STEP 13: Bring in the Wires cont'd

Grab the left side of the flex wire and insert it through the double rings on the left side of the chain.

  Step 13 - Channel Chain
 

STEP 14: Add the Bead

String a 6mm Round or Round Faceted bead on to the flex wire on the right. Thread the flex wire on the left into the same bead in the opposite direction. The flex wires should cross each other inside the bead going the opposite directions.

  Step 14 Channel Chain
 

STEP 15: Pull Gently

As you pull both ends of the flex wire the bead will move into its proper position.

Not done yet!

Notice the flex wire is on top of the double jump rings...

  Step 15 - Channel Chain
 

STEP 16: Thread Back Thru & Pull Tight

Thread the ends back thru the double jump rings so the flex wire exits inside the rings.

Review. The flex wire enters the channel from the outside of the chain, thru the double jump rings, through the bead and back out the double jump rings on the other side. Same routine for both ends of the flex wire.

Now pull tight. As your tighten the flex wire after each bead, allow the chain to "caterpillar" or scrunch up. You will straighten the chain flat at the end of the project.

  Step 16 - Channel Chain
 

STEP 17: Keep Adding Beads

Before you get too far, check the ends of the flex wire and make they are both the same length. Now is the time to even them up if you are too far off.

Repeat steps 12-16 until you reach the desired length.

  Step 17 - Channel Chain
 

STEP 18: Check Your Length

Before you tie off the ends of the flex wire., test the fit of the bracelet. Add or Subtract more "channels" as necessary.

  Step 18 Channel Bracelet
 

STEP 19: Move the flex wire

To tie and crimp, you need to get the flex wire on the same side of the chain. Thread the flex wire on the right side back through the previous bead.

  Step 19 Channel Bracelet
 

STEP 20: Tie, Crimp or Glue

Both sides are now together. Tie the two ends together using a square knot or surgeon's knot. To secure the knot from untying, use a small .5mm crimp bead or a drop of bead glue (hypo cement recommended)

  Step 20 Channel Bracelet
 

STEP 21: Hide and Trim

To create a more professional finish, insert the two ends of the flex wire. through the single jump ring on the side. Pull the knot through to the back of the bracelet and trim the extra length. The knot will be less visible on your project.

  Step 21 Channel Bracelet

SIZING CHART

Use the sizing chart to determine the number of beads necessary for your project. 22 = 7"; 23 = 7.25; 24 = 7.5", 25 = 7.75"; 26 = 8"
*Based on the average clasp length of 3/4"; 1 bead increases length by 1/4"

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