How To Make a Sliding Knot, Step-by-Step for Beginners

Once you learn how to make a sliding knot the right way, you can make any kind of DIY bracelet without needing to measure a person's wrist. Of course, the adjustable necklace knot sliding knot is also useful when crafting DIY necklaces.

Sliding Knot Tutorial

Sliding knots are great for jewelry using cord as it provides adjustable lengths making it a versatile one-size-fits all jewelry design.

But this knowledge and skill also come in handy when you want to gift or sell these DIY jewelry pieces on Facebook, Amazon, Etsy, Instagram, Pinterest, and other stores. That's because you have one-size-fits-all accessories available for your customers.

They no longer need to go through the steps of measuring their wrist sizes and sending them to you. All they have to do is choose the design, color, and style of DIY jewelry they want!

Tools For Making Sliding Knots

While there are different ways to tie a sliding knot, you will need a pair of sharp scissors and glue for all of them.

• Scissors - A pair of scissors will assist you in cutting and trimming cords. It will help ensure you create a clean slice, preventing the cord fibers from separating.
• Tape Measure or Ruler (Optional) - While this is optional, I understand some don't want to waste too much material when crafting. As you will see later on, there are techniques on how to make a sliding cord wherein you will need an extra piece of cord. A measuring tool, like a ruler or tape measure, will ensure you cut just enough cord to use.
• Glue - Glue is vital for making a sliding cord, no matter what type of cord you use to create your DIY jewelry, because it will help secure the knots better.

Types of Cords for Adjustable Sliding Knot

When selecting the cord for your sliding jewelry knot, consider the intended use, personal preference, and of course, budget.

Best Types of Cord Types for Adjustable Knot Jewelry

Nylon Cord is a synthetic cord that is suitable for making sliding knots. It is a popular choice due to its low cost, slight elasticity, and durability. Best of all, it comes in a large variety of colors.

Leather cords give more of a rustic and natural look. Its strength makes it one of the most used cords for jewelry with sliding knots. Leather cord or suede cord, however, can rot or fade it exposed to water or chlorine pools repeatedly. If you are making for someone who is vegan, consider substituting faux leather or suede.

Cotton cords can also be used as they are soft, natural, and comfortable on the skin. The drawback is that the ends may fray much more than leather or nylon. Some cotton cords are waxed so fray less.

Cord Thicknesses

The other consideration when making jewelry with sliding knots is the thickness of the cord. For delicate jewelry, a thinner cord may be suitable, while for everyday items, thicker, stronger cords should be used. Keep in mind that thicker cords are generally less flexible.

Make sure the holes in any beads are large enough for the cord to thread through.

How Much Cord Do You Need for a Sliding Knot

When making a sliding knot, you should cut considerably more than the finished necklace or bracelet to allow for any overlap, ends, and of course, the sliding knots.

Use these cutting lengths as a guide and adjust to your preference:

• Sliding Knot Bracelet: Cut 20 inches (50 cm) of cord
• Sliding Knot Necklace: 34 inches (86 cm)

How to Make a Sliding Knot Instructions

When you make jewelry using a waxed cord or macrame cord, here's what you need to do to ensure the ends of the bracelet or necklace have adjustable knots:

To make each end easier to identify, I have placed some mint-colored tape on the left and tan color on the right. When learning how to make sliding knots, you may find it easier to mark each end with tape or markers.

Single Sliding Knot

1. Cross both ends of your cord so that its left end goes over the right cord. Hold the cords with your thumb and fingers.

2. Wrap the left cord (LC) around the right cord (RC) twice around your index finger. If you want larger knots, you can wrap around 3-4 times, but this is generally not necessary.
3. End with the left cord (LC) pointing up and to the left.

2. Grab the end of the LC and guide it under the loops and to the right.

2.  Slowly pull the end of the LC to tighten the sliding knot. Remove the cord loops from your finger and pull tight.

Double Sliding Knot

1. Start the knot as per steps 1 to 6 above. Work slightly off center so that the right cord is longer than the left cord.

2. Grab the end of the RC and wrap it around the left side of the bracelet twice, ending with the RC facing up and to the right.

3. Grab the end of the LC and guide it under the loops and to the left.

4. Slowly pull the end of the RC to tighten the sliding knot. Remove the cord loops from your finger and pull tight.

Once done, your waxed cord macrame bracelet or necklace should have two sliding knots on both sides that will serve as your jewelry's closure. Try to slide the knots up and down to ensure they're working. If not, repeat making the knots, but lessen the tension when tightening the sliding knot.

If you already have working sliding knots, trim excess cord, but ensure at least one mm of cord ends remain. Glue these ends to prevent the knots from unraveling, making sure you do not glue the actual sliding knots.

Sealing the Ends of Sliding Knot Cords

When the ends of the cord are cut, they can fray, leading to the eventual weakening of the knots. Sealing the ends will help your sliding knots last longer. The method you use will depend on the type and thickness of the cords.

For sliding knots in synthetic cords like nylon, lightly burning the ends with a lighter can melt the fibers and seal the ends. If you are a kid reading this, make sure this is done with an adult.

Natural fibers like cotton or hem can be sealed with clear glue or nail polish. Fabric fray-stop solutions will also work.

Leather and suede don't fray, so the ends can just be knotted for a finished look.

Adding Beads to Sliding Knot Jewelry

Adding beads or charms can totally switch up your sliding knot piece. Choose ones that vibe with your cord and theme – are you going for a beachy, boho, or classic look? Play around with placing them in different spots and see what you love!

The beads should be threaded on before you do your sliding knots. For your first attempts at sliding knots, use beads or charms that are threaded on loosely rather than held in place with knots. That way, you don't have to get your sliding knots centered. Once you have learned how to make a sliding knot and have practiced a few, you can experiment with beads knotted in place.

Sliding Knot Bracelets

Sliding knot bracelets are a popular style of adjustable jewelry. This type of bracelet features a knot that slides along the cord, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the size to fit their wrist comfortably. Additionally, creating sliding knot bracelets has become a favored DIY project for craft enthusiasts, offering a customizable and personal approach to jewelry making.

Typically sliding knot bracelets have a single sliding knot with the cut ends a little longer, making it easier to pull tight. The ends may have a small bead added. Double sliding knot bracelets are possible, but they can be harder for the wearer to adjust themselves.

Sliding Knot Necklaces

Sliding knot necklaces have the advantage of being able to fit over the head without any fiddly clasp to worry about. The length can then be adjusted from long to short to suit the wearer's personal preference and clothing.

Sliding knot necklaces use double sliding knots with the ends cut short. Ensure that the longest length can easily fit over the head. The average adult has a head circumference of 22 inches.

This sample was made with polymer clay beads.

Adjusting and Wearing Sliding Knots

Start by sliding the knots to the maximum length so you can put it over your head or wrist. Gently pull the knots to find the right fit. It should be snug but comfortable, allowing for natural movement without constriction.

Be gentle while adjusting. Applying too much force might cause the cord to fray or the knot to loosen. Regularly check the fit, especially when wearing for extended periods, to ensure continued comfort and avoid any potential strain on the cord.

Sliding Knot FAQs

Why is my sliding knot not holding?

A sliding knot may not hold due to insufficient tension, improper tying, or the smoothness of the cord used. Ensure the knot is tied correctly with adequate tension, and consider using a textured cord for better grip. If needed, a small dab of clear glue on the outside of the knot can add extra security (be careful not to get glue on the cord that slides).

How to Make a Sliding Knot - In Conclusion

Now, you know how to make a sliding knot in different cords, allowing you to make beautiful, creative pieces of DIY jewelry that you can use, give as a gift, or even sell.

Create as many knots as you please, but ensure it complements your jewelry's design and style. Also, make sure the cord length you use is enough to avoid creating too short pieces of jewelry that can only fit a child's wrist or neck.