Outer Banks Pogue-Inspired Bracelets
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Outer Banks is the new "it" show on Netflix. Attractive, tan characters, summertime in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and a treasure hunt – what more could you want?
The main characters, or pogues, as they call themselves, have become somewhat of style icons. People are trying to recreate their iconic summertime grunge-surfer looks. I keep seeing questions about the bracelets they all wear (especially Kie), and since some of the pieces are either one-of-a-kind or expensive, I thought I could recreate the vibe DIY-style! I tailored the colors to match my personal style more, but you could replicate Kie's exactly or create your own color scheme! See how I did it below!
1. Friendship bracelets all grown up
Yes, I totally broke out my old friendship bracelet book for a quick refresher! There is nothing more classic for summer than a friendship bracelet, and you can see the pogues have a variation of these mixed in with their arm candy. I went with the classic diagonal pattern, but there are endless options for this!
You will want to use embroidery floss or similar for this. Cut your strands and tie them all in a knot at the top, leaving some extra to help tie it around your wrist when you're finished. I cut mine around 2-ft long or so, but it depends on your wrist size. You can use as many strands as you want, but the more you have, the longer it takes!
You always work from left to right, so start with the left most strand (magenta). Create a "4" shape across the next strand (white), keeping the magenta strange on top.
Then, pull it up through the space create between the magenta and white strands. Pull tight to the top. Repeat this for the same strand (twice total) and then move on to the next strand (pink), repeating the same process for two total knots.
Now, use the next left most strand (white) and repeat. Keep repeating until it is as long as desired! Tie another knot at the other side and that's it!
I repeated this process for another bracelet, but with more strands this time. I used two of each color, making sure to keep the order the same (black, brown, tan, beige, white).
Keep repeating that same process until your bracelet is long enough. This one took quite a bit longer!
2. Macrame bracelet
I also saw a lot of these rope/macrame bracelets with beads in them. These are actually super easy to make! All you need is macrame or thin rope and some beads! Kie appears to have the basic plastic ones in her bracelets, so that is what I went with!
Start by cutting three strands, two longer and one around the length you want your bracelet. The shorter strand will be the middle strand you tie the knots around. Tape this middle strand down to help keep it taut.
Start by bringing your left strand over the middle strand and under the right strand.
Then, bring the right strand under the left strand, over the middle strand, and under the left strand again on the other side. This creates a knot around the middle strand. Pull it tight up the middle strand. This is a basic square knot!
Repeat this, but start from the other side. Keep repeating, alternating starting sides, until you get about a third of the way down. That is where you want to start adding beads. I added just three beads in the middle. To add a bead, all you do it string it on the middle strand and then tie another square knot to hold it in place. I did three total knots between each bead.
Once all of your beads are on, keep alternating your square knots until your bracelet is the right length! Tie off with a regular knot and you're done!
3. Bandana bracelet
This one is the quintessential pogue bracelet – all of the pogues wear one of these and it is so easy to make. Find an old bandana (the more worn, the better!) and start by snipping an inch or so with your scissors.
Then, just tear all the way down! Twist it up a bit, tie it on your wrist and trim the tails! That's all, folks! So easy.
I also threw in a wooden beaded bracelet I already had, but that could easily be recreated with some wooden beads and string!
There you have it – my take on pogue-style bracelets. Let me know how you think I did, and don't forget to tag @stringandhoney on instagram if you make your own! Thanks for reading!