@spongelamb the 3D effect is probably just a consequence of the alpha technique you're using. "Flat Alpha Bracelets Tutorial" on Youtube by the creator Masha Knots is a pretty good tutorial if you want your bracelets to be completely flat. 8 hours sounds about right to me, but I'm also very much a beginner.
Does anyone have any idea why mine doesn't sit entirely flat? It always seems to turn out slightly 3D? Also how long do these usually take everyone? Mine seem to take around 8 hours but that seems far too long!
FYI, if you have small wrists I recommend that after you do your triangle ends you skip the 3 rows of just the background color so it can fit better. I.e rows 1-3 and 74-76 and maybe rows 20 and 57 for good measure cause you can always make your tails longer to make it fit best. Idk if that makes sense but yeah.
