I’ve read you should stretch the elastic cord before stringing so it won’t stretch with the weight of the beads.

Holly, thanks for all the great tips and insights you shared about stretch bracelets – very helpful! 🙂

People aren’t all going to treat them the way you suggest- which is to CAREFULLY roll them onto your arm over your hand versus just stretching them open to stick their hand in- that WILL eventually cause it to fail (and surely at least part of my problem above! 😉 ) Maybe those of you who haven’t had a problem have clients who wouldn’t contact you to complain- given the nature and probable price point of these type stretchy bracelets…kinda like when I’d buy one overseas, at a craft fair, or in a novelty store; I’m not buying it expecting it to last for life…Nor is anyone giving me such a warranty! (there is such competition that we all feel the need to take excellent care of any clients we have, so I do understand why you would still offer to do so!!) They probably got a nice long use out of it and figure it did what it should for what they paid. Does that make sense?? For someone to complain about a bracelet that cost less than $25, for example, breaking after them stretching it on and off like that for years is pretty unbelievable! BUT… I guarantee my work too, so I’d be stuck restringing something I never wanted to use/warranty to begin with.

However, if this is what you want to use- based on your customers’ preferences- a few things I did not see mentioned at all or in much detail above thus far that I think warranty some discussion- I’m sure those of you that do use this will have more to add perhaps!?: First, you should stretch the string out several times before you bead- I’m told it will then not get “stretched out” after wearing once or twice…(referring to Stretch Magic but perhaps all of them?) and second, that you should only use glues that will not “eat through” the stretchy string eventually. Evidently it degrades it over time and will make it brittle-leading to a break. Several articles mentioned E6000 glue- but I’d look into it before I used anything large scale. Lastly, they all said that crimping is a bad idea with stretchy cord as it will eventually cut thru the cord as the edges are somewhat sharp metal- part of why we cover them with crimp covers…which are smooth outwardly, but have pretty sharp edges that would be in contact with the cord even if only used over the knot! I’ve read that if you are going to use this cord, that you should use above tips and use a surgeons knot then a half knot on top, using a large hold bead to cover if you want to…but honestly I think that the most important thing is to include good care instructions- no matter what the price point, if they want it to last, treat it with care!
ROLL it onto your arm over your hand thus far reducing the amt of stretch/stress put on the cord each time and take it off when they would get it wet..I post advice in my “policies” page to always keep your jewelry covered and protected and put it on LAST when you are getting ready to avoid all the possible chemicals that could come in contact such as hair spray and when needed to clean in warm sudsy water and a cool rinse. Don’t use harsh cleaning products that could remove the coatings such as the AB coatings on Swarovski crystals that make them so pretty! 🙂
I have taken on a repair for two old stretchy bracelets (why I’m here reading about them again to begin with 😉 haha) and I thank you ALL for your tips and ideas!! I do really like the idea of having a clasp of any type incorporated with the stretch design to not only make it look nicer, but also as an alternate method to put on and remove if ability/age isn’t a factor- that way you get the benefits of stretch for sizing flexibility but skip the biggest factor in causing breakage…kinda the best of both worlds! (as long as your beads are not too large or heavy/sharp/etc etc) Don’t think I’ll ever put a OOAK handcrafted charm or beads on this type material, but got great ideas to add to some I have used on occasion as well to make bracelets more “one size fits all”! 😉 If your store is online though, you can always request a size upon sale and adjust before mailing it out! Best of luck in the New Year ladies (and gents!! hey- my Dad ‘beaded’ and make some incredible pieces I will forever cherish!!)

Hi Beth, see this post here on Jewelry Making Journal:
Stretch Bracelets – How Do You Hide the Knot?.
Be sure to read all the comments below that post, so you can see everyone’s tips and suggestions! 🙂

When you tie the bracelet afterwards, the knot is very small so it can most likely fit into the beads you string. i usually tie 2-3 knots and you can barely tell. It stretches without breaking and if you want it to be even less likely to break, you can use a drop of beading glue onto your knot. It will secure it to ensure it will never break by untying.

Good luck with your business and beading!