sterling silver watch


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	Sterling silver watch band - PART 1

When we received our first shipment of sterling silver watch faces I just knew one was destined for my wrist, the question was what sort of band did I want to make.

Well I wanted a classy looking one of course but simple to wear as I can be hopeless at accessorising myself in the morning. So a stretch band it had to be but one that reflected the high calibre of sterling silver to complement the watch face.


		Using my favourite stretchy stringing material gossamer floss and a length of sterling silver chain plus a few favourite beads this is a very easy jewellery project it only takes a little extra patience and time.

	Materials: watch head sterling chain gossamer floss beads - charms

Tools: glue/clear nail polish large needle/awl scissors


	Design note - my watch band is 16 cm unstretched. I generally have a 17cm wrist measurement and like to keep my watches quite fitted, you will have to adjust your length for the final fit required. See final note end of page.

Start with at least an 80 cm length of gossamer floss, open the needle eye and thread to the centre so you have approximately 40 cm to work with.
Remove the two jump rings and pop one tail end through the watch, tie an over hand knot, apply a little glue or clear nail polish and tie a second overhand knot, be sure to pull the knot tight. When dry trim ends and coax the knot into the watch loop out of sight using an awl or large needle, take care to not damage the cord.

What happens now is quite simple but ends in a stunning result. Take your sterling silver chain, you want to start with at least 1 metre, it can depend on the chain design so a little experimentation before you cut your chain, you can work with extra length and trim at the end. I have used a double chain which is a little more difficult but the idea is to weave your needle and double thread in and out of the chain links. If you want a more lacy look then skip a link each time or every second time, what ever works for you.
Every few stitches it is time to draw your chain down onto the gossamer floss. Keep going until you think it is time to check the length. Pull the chain down and scrunch, thread your needle through the watch end and pull it tight to the desired stretch, you will probably need to keep going for a while checking intermittently.




	When you have your desired length you will need to cut the stretch cord and remove the needle. Thread one end through the watch, pull that thread just a little extra tight while you tie a double over hand knot maintaining the tension needed to have the correct stretch in your band. Glue the knot and when dry it will be easier to place your knot inside the watch loop as it spring back through the hole a little. You may need to coax it again with an awl or large needle but remember to be kind to the stretch cord.



		You now have the first stage of your watch completed and ready to wear. Next Bead Buzz we will work on part two of this design. For part two it may pay to be sure your band doesn�t sit TOO tight on the wrist. If you find loose watches a little uncomfortable like me just have enough tension to keep your watch in place and the watch head on top.



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