Techniques

Using the Diva Cord Maker

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The Diva Cord Maker is an ingenious yet simple device that enables you to braid a textured, colorful cord for jewelry. Learn how to use this fun tool!
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Fiber, thread or bead strands (we used On the Surface Embellishing Cord and Silk Cord)

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Diva Custom Cord Maker

Beading Scissors, 1 1/4 inch Blade

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Tip 1	You can vary the texture and thickness of the woven cord by using multiple fibers or bead strands in place of single strands.
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Step 1

Choose the cords you want to use with the Diva Cord Maker. You will need seven strands. We are using one six-strand set of On the Surface embellishing cords and one size 6 silk cord.

Step 2

Cut each piece of fiber to a length at least twice that of the finished length. For example, if you want to make an 18-inch necklace, cut seven fibers at least 36 inches long each.

Step 3

You'll need seven bobbins from the Diva Cord Maker set. Because we are using thin fibers, we are using seven of the smaller bobbins. If your cords are thicker, use the larger bobbins.

Step 4

To open a bobbin, press your thumbs on the sides and push the center out.

Step 5

Place one end of a fiber inside the bobbin, and begin winding it around the bobbin.

Step 6

Continue winding the fiber around the bobbin until you have an 8" tail remaining.

Step 7

Close the bobbin over the fiber leaving the 8" tail hanging out.

Step 8

Repeat steps 4-7 until all seven fibers are wound on bobbins.

Step 9

Hold the tails of the seven fibers evenly.

Step 10

Tie an overhand knot about an inch from the ends of the fibers.

Step 11

Choose the Diva Cord Maker with a center hole that best fits the size of the knot you just tied. We are using the Diva Cord Maker with a medium-sized hole.

Tip:

Before using the cord maker, peel off the backing (which is for shipping purposes only).

Step 12

Pull the knot in the fibers through the center hole of the cord maker.

Step 13

Place the large binder clip over the knot.

Step 14

The clip will hang from the bottom of the cord maker, and you'll be working from the top.

Step 15

The Diva Cord Maker has eight slots. Place each bobbin in one slot of the cord maker. You will fill only seven slots. The empty eighth slot allows movement of the strands.

Step 16

Each of the seven fibers should now be in its own slot on the cord maker. Hold the cord maker so that the eighth empty slot is closest to you.

Step 17

Using your thumb, hold the fibers near the center hole of the cord maker to maintain tension. Count up three slots on the right from the empty slot. Grasp this cord and place it in the empty slot.

Step 18

Rotate the cord maker clockwise so that the empty slot is again closest to you.

Step 19

Repeat Step 17.

Step 20

Rotate the cord maker clockwise so the empty slot is again closest to you.

Tip:

When the fibers on the bobbins are less than 4" long, unwind more fiber from the bobbins.

Tip:

When your woven cord is about 2" long, release the binder clip and move it up closer to the cord maker. Moving the binder clip on the woven cord every 2" or so will keep the tension even.

Step 21

Repeat steps 17-20 until the woven cord reaches your desired length or when only 4 inches remain of any one fiber.

Step 22

When you have finished weaving, release the seven fibers by opening the bobbins.

Step 23

With the binder clip still attached, pull the end of the fibers through the center hole.

Step 24

Holding the end of the woven cord, release the binder clip.

Step 25

Tie an overhand knot at the end of the cord.

Step 26

Congratulations! You have now woven a cord using the Diva Cord Maker.