Learn how to make pearler bead bracelets with these step-by-step instructions and a free downloadable template. When you’re done, check out how to make Perler bead earrings. This post contains affiliate links.
Yes, we’re back with another addition to your Perler bead jewelry collection! Until now, our projects – like this Perler bead necklace – have been based on making small designs with the Perler beads and using different methods to attach them to jewelry.
While you can use the same technique to make bracelets, too, we’re going to be doing something totally different – the entire bracelet will be made out of beads!
While you can definitely make the same charms, punching two holes (one on each side) instead of one, and linking them together with jump rings, we’re going to be making this style completely out of Perler beads.
Once you learn how to mold your Perler bead crafts into 3D shapes like this bracelet, you’ll be able to apply the technique to all kinds of projects – like the Thanksgiving napkin rings featured here.
You’ll be handling the beads while they’re still warm, so make sure to supervise carefully if you’re doing this project with young children. You may want to wear heat resistant gloves for extra protection, but the beads do cool off pretty quickly so that’s just a matter of preference.
The template included with this post gives you three Perler bead bracelet designs – a row of flowers, a strip of chevron design, and a simple single row of beads. You can also use these as a guideline to make your own bracelet designs made of a similarly sized strip.
You can also use the same template pattern to create bookmarks. Instead of having a hole in each end of the bracelet pattern, fill in one hole with a bead or string through a thread tassel while leaving the other open.
Iron the beads on their second side for a few seconds longer to make the design flatter, and then thread a decorative ribbon from your scrap collection through one end instead of continuing on to the bracelet steps.
The flattened strips can be used for various other decorative purposes as well, but you already know how to use Perler beads flat – read on to learn about the curved Perler bead bracelet technique!
What you need to make a Perler bead bracelet
- Perler bead pegboard (29×29)
- Perler beads, assorted colors
- Fuse bead paper or parchment paper
- Iron (I like to have amini oneto keep for crafting)
- Perler bead jewelry template (download and print at the end of this post – if you’ve already downloaded the bracelet or necklace templates, it’s the same – you don’t need to download it again)
- Heat-proof jar or bottle (anything glass or ceramic should work)
- String, cord, elastic, or ribbon
- Optional: tweezers
How to make fuse bead bracelets
1. Print the template. If you’re using a clear (see-through) peg board, you can place it directly onto the template if you make sure to print it at 100% scale. Look at the designs on the template and choose which one – or more than one – you want to start with. The template includes designs for different types of jewelry – the bracelets are the long strips.
2. Using the dots on the template as a guide, copy the design by placing beads onto the peg board. You can copy by matching the pattern, or you can lay your clear tray on top of the pattern sheet and place the beads directly on top of each colored dot as shown.
3. When all the beads are laid out, carefully cover them with a piece of fuse bead or parchment paper. It is helpful to cut the paper down to a size just a little larger than the peg board.
Preheat the iron to a medium setting, or the level indicated by the instructions on your bead package.
4. Adults only: Place the iron carefully on top of the paper. Apply very gentle pressure while moving it in small circles to heat the entire project evenly. Do this for 30 seconds OR as indicated by the instructions on your bead package.
5. Gently lift a corner of the paper. Observe if the tops of the beads have become stuck together. If they seem loose, put down the paper and repeat the ironing for another 10 seconds, and check again.
When the tops of the beads are stuck together and smoothed out (you should barely see the holes in the beads, if at all), turn the project upside down and carefully lift off the peg board.
6. Cover the exposed side of the pattern with another sheet of the paper. Iron it a little less than the first side, just enough to make the beads stick together.
7. While the band is still warm, wrap it around a bottle or jar to give it a bracelet shape. Hold it in place for a couple of minutes while it sets, checking to see whether it is ready to hold the shape on its own.
8. Once the shape is set, remove it from the bottle or jar. If your design is a single row of beads, it should be able to stay in shape nicely for a while. If you’re using one of the wider designs, thread a cord, ribbon, or elastic through the holes at each end and tie it.
Download the Perler Bead Bracelet Templates
To download, fill out the form below. You’ll be signed up for our free newsletter – unsubscribe at any time in the footer of the emails. I respect your privacy and the law and won’t share your information with anyone.
Just a reminder: if you downloaded this on another Perler bead post, it is the same template for all – no need to redownload!
