What's the best way to secure your leading/starting string when finished?
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-nixie-
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-nixie-
2 months, 3 weeks ago by -nixie-
For an alpha bracelet I've started by taping my leading string to the table next to my base strings, but what do I do with the part I've taped to the desk once my bracelet is finished? With previous bracelets I've tried using a needle to thread it through some knots, but I tie fairly tightly and it can warp the knots. I've also used some clear nail polish on the back and cut it after it's dry, but I'm still paranoid it won't be secure. I usually just let it hang with my other base strings, but I just learned how to make the loop start so there will only be loose strings at the end of the bracelet, and no ends at the beginning for it to hang with. So I'm using a separate string for my lead that I've taped to the side, and I'm not sure what I'll do with it when the bracelet's finished. What's going to be the best way to tie it off or make sure it's secure enough so that it won't unravel when I cut it? (Hopefully this makes sense, I tried to explain the best I can. I've only just learned how to make alpha bracelets about a month ago now, so I'm still not sure about proper terminology.)
halokiwi
Moderator
halokiwi
2 months, 3 weeks ago by halokiwi
You're probably fine just cutting it. Most people do that. I was scared to do it in the beginning too, but so far nothing has come undone.

If you have an odd amount of base strings, you can include the leading string in the loop (use one end as a leading string and the other as a base string).

If you don't and you need to start with a loose string, you can tie the left-most knot for the first few rows (except the very first row) around it and the first base strings. Do that and cut it after a few rows.
Arkengheis
Bracelet King
Arkengheis
2 months, 3 weeks ago by Arkengheis
I start with a bf knot on the left, and then knot the 3-4 next knots with the short end of the string in between the 2 parts of the knot, like the technique for clean back 🙂
goregirl
Professional
goregirl
2 months, 3 weeks ago by goregirl
I weave mine into the back with a sewing needle
-nixie-
Advanced
-nixie-
2 months, 2 weeks ago by -nixie-
@halokiwi Thank you so so much! This is a great idea, I'd definitely feel better about it being secured by some other knots for a couple rows before cutting it. And I'm definitely going to remember this for when I do bracelets with an odd number of base strings, that sounds a lot easier to just include it with the others when I start it.
-nixie-
Advanced
-nixie-
2 months, 2 weeks ago by -nixie-
@Arkengheis The clean back technique is what I want to learn next, so I'll definitely be trying this when I start learning it! Thank you so much!
-nixie-
Advanced
-nixie-
2 months, 2 weeks ago by -nixie-
@goregirl This is what I usually do, but the front of the knots I weave behind get weird, indented almost. I wonder if it's a combination of my knots being a bit too tight, and maybe my needle is too big. ^^ I'll have to try using a thinner needle and see if it works better!
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