How to Do Cobra Stitch Knots

1. Knot the Top

   Fold the smaller piece of cording in half. Find the center of the longer piece and tie a tight knot around the smaller piece near the fold. Use tape to mark the end of the left side of the long piece of cording. This will help you keep track of which way to tie the knots.

2. Make Different Lengths (Optional)

   If you want to alter the length of your project, decide how long you want your cobra stitch piece to be, and then add about six inches. Next, double that and use that number as your measurement for the center of your project. Use that same number and multiply it by three to determine the length for your longer piece of cording. When in doubt, start with a longer piece because it's easier to trim any excess off at the end.

3. Bring the Left Strand Behind the Right

   To start your first cobra stitch knot, bring the left strand (the one you marked) over the center and then behind the right strand.

   Next, bring the right strand (the one that's not marked) behind the center and through the loop on the left side.

   You should have a pretzel-like knot that goes around the center strands. Pull the knot up tight to the top.

4. Bring the Right Strand Over the Center

   To form the next knot, bring the right strand (the one you marked) over the center and under the left strand.

   Bring the right strand (the one that's not marked) under the center and through the loop on the right.

   Tighten the knot.

   This makes one full repeat of the cobra stitch and you can just barely start to see the pattern forming.

5. Repeat the Previous Step for a Full Stitch

   Repeat the previous step to make a full cobra stitch, always starting with the marked strand.

   Bring the left piece over the center and under the right piece.

   Bring the right piece under the center and through the left loop. Tighten the knot.

   Now bring the right side over the center and under the left strand.

   Finish the knot by bringing the left side under the center and through the right loop. Tighten the knot.

6. Continue Knotting Until You Reach Desired Length

   Continue knotting around the center strand until it reaches the desired length. Always work back and forth with the knots otherwise the pattern will change. But as long as you remember to start each knot with the marked side of the cord, you'll stay on track!

7. Finish off Your Bracelet

   To secure the end of your knotting, use a toothpick to apply a bit of glue between the strands on the last knot. Although the design is essentially double-sided, choose one side to apply the glue from and make this the back. Pull the knot tight and let the glue dry.

   Some materials naturally grip and hold the knot tight, so they won't need as much glue. Slippery materials may need more glue. If you're working with nylon cording, you can also use a lighter to melt the ends and secure them. Always do this with extreme caution!

8. Trim Ends and Wear

   Trim the ends of the knotting cords off near where you glued them.

   Use the ends from the center cord to tie a square knot through the starting loop. Trim the ends as needed. If you want to be able to untie and retie the bracelet, be sure to keep the ends long enough and don't tie the knot too tight.

This bracelet is great to wear on its own or stacked with other jewelry or a scrunchie. When you use suede or leather, it's also perfect for men and women, so anyone can enjoy making and wearing this easy project!