The smaller bracelet on the left was made for a smaller girl, so I used size 8 seed beads for hers, and size 6 seed beads for the one on the right. I used size #18 S-lon cord (#210). The Kumihimo pattern is Stars and Stripes by Gerry Dahm.
The bracelet on the right was started with the button loop using 4 strands of thread. After making the loop, the lower threads are taken to the top and placed in the slots to continue the braid (folding the button loop in half). The only thing I don't like about this method is tying on the button, which can be messy since it's tied on with 8 threads. The thread ends are then burned, or you can touch them with glue.
For the other method, I started weaving with no beads next to the button for 1/4". Jamie North teaches this method in some of her Kumihimo kits. I made the loop about 2 1/4"long at the end for the button loop (button is 3/4") and used some of the cords for tying the button loop together, and some for tassels. Sally Bead Jewelry has a tutorial online and a video that shows how to make a basic button loop for Kumihimo. Make sure to leave about 1/4" unbeaded cord next to the beads before the actual loop for wrapping.
My notes: A's wrist 6", bracelet about 6 1/4" for beaded section of bracelet, 1" for button closure, so finished about 7 1/4". Closed button adds about 1". A: 16 red/white beads per strand. 3/8" unbeaded at button, 1/4" unbeaded at loop.
N: 5 1/4" wrist, size 8 beads, 14 red/white, 16 blue/white. 5" long for beaded section , (2 1/2" + 2 1/2".) Button 3/4". Thread: 4 strands 60" long through button loop. Tie half knot at button at center. 1/4" without beads next to button. 8 beads on each tassel. Finished bracelet 6" long when buttoned.
Keep strands in order when adding the blue and white beads, and know where you ended after red/white beads so you know where to begin again.
