Summer Style Hack: Create a Neon Nautical Watch Strap
Love the nautical look? Us too, but we also love bright pops of color. We teamed up with Timex to combine the two in a super summery way — all you need to know is how to tie a knot ;)
Okay, okay — this knotting (or four-strand braiding) process isn’t exactly standard knowledge but we promise it’s super easy to create. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make your own nautical watch strap!
Materials:
– a watch face! (we used the Timex Weekender because of its easy-to-change slip-thru nylon strap)
– rope or twine
– jump rings (two per watch)
– clasps (one per watch)
– ribbon ends (two per watch)
Tools:
– scissors
– two sets of needle nose pliers
– GS Hypo Cement (jewelry glue)
– tape
Instructions:
1. Choose three colors of rope and cut two 5-foot pieces of each color.
2. Line your pieces up and fold the rope in half (there will be a loop at one end).
3. Tape your loop to a table or other flat surface.
4. Separate the rope into four equal parts (there should be three strands in each part — one of each color).
5. Next you’re going to do a lot of over and under, so refer to the photos below.
6. Pull your braid tight.
7. Remove the existing band from your watch face.
8. Thread the rope from the end of the braid through the pin on the watch face. Then pull it through the pin on the other end of the watch face.
9. Repeat the braid pattern on the other side of the watch face until your watch is the right length. You can measure it around your wrist for size. Cut the ends when you’ve finished and place a piece of tape around the ends so that the braid won’t unravel.
10. Squeeze glue into the ribbon ends and add your rope ends. Clamp the ribbon ends shut using your pliers.
11. Add your jump ring and clasps to the ribbon ends.
Remove the strap from your watch, but don’t forget to save it. It’s super easy to put back on.
Cut two pieces of each color of rope approximately 5 feet each.
Fold your rope in half (there will be a loop at one end). Tape the looped end onto a tabletop. Now separate your rope into four equal parts. Each part should have one strand of each color. Cross the two parts in the center placing the part on the right over the part on the left. Cross the part on the far left over the part you just brought to the left. Take the part on the far right and cross it under the part that you just brought to the right. Then cross the two parts that are now in the middle laying the part on the right over the part on the left. Now repeat that pattern pulling your braid tight as you go.
Thread the rope from one end of the braid through the pin on the watch face. Then pull it through the other side and continue braiding. You’ll want to measure your watch around your wrist for size.
Cut the rope to the appropriate length and wrap a small piece of tape around the braid so that it doesn’t unravel.
Squeeze glue into the ribbon end and add your rope ends. Clamp the ribbon end shut using your pliers. Do the same thing on the other side. Add your jump ring and clasps to the ribbon ends. DONE!
How cute is that? We just created our own take on a nautical (with a pop of color) Timex Weekender! We made another one with a neon pink, neon orange and natural rope combo. So fun!
The process is exactly the same as above.
Look at those darling watches in a row!
What time is it? PARTY TIME! :)
How do you personalize your timepieces? Do you wear a watch on the daily? Talk to us in the comments below.