An eclectic blog about beads, beading and beyond



Monday, November 21, 2011

Sizing bangles for beadweavers: hints and how to from the world of bangles

I have just finished beading a new beaded herringbone bangle for myself (pattern in my Destash shop) that I was sure would fit me perfectly. Of course, it didn’t and not for the first time it's became a sample to sell rather than something I can wear.


Promising myself to learn how to more accurately size beaded bangles I turned to Google for help.
Most bangle sellers measure (size) their bangles using the internal diameter of the bangle.

There seem to be two tried and tested methods for measuring your hand so that you know what the internal diameter of your bangle should be.

  1. Make a fist and measure the length from the outside of the first knuckle to the point between the third and fourth knuckle. This measurement is the required internal diameter of your bangle.  (Purple fist in diagram 1)
  2. Number 1 method
  3.  Place your clenched hand on a flat surface. Measure between the highest points of your first and fourth knuckles. This measurement is the required internal diameter of your bangle. (Beige fist in diagram2 )
Number 2 method


To double check that you have the internal diameter of your bangle correct there are also a couple of methods you can use:

  1. Take a plastic lid (for example, from a yogurt container). Use a ruler to draw a line the diameter of your bangle measurement. Cut a round circle and put your hand through it to check you have the right size. 
  2. If you have a bangle that fits you well, just measure the internal diameter of the bangle and make the internal diameter of your bangle the same size. 


Different sellers size differently but here is a general guide: 60mm diameter - SMALL (Size 7) 64mm diameter- MEDIUM (Size 8) 67mm diameter - LARGE (Size 9)

Love to know what methods you’ve used and you have found easiest, least frustrating, most accurate.


Sources 

Dax Designs - now on Byhand.me Artisan Co-op