The simplest possible ankle bracelet and the best starting point for anyone new to jewelry making. No tools required beyond scissors. The result is a bohemian, casual piece that works well at the beach or with summer sandals. Make it in a single color for a minimal look or braid three cords together for more texture.

1. 1Cut three lengths of cord, each 24 inches long. Fold all three in half and tie an overhand knot 1 inch from the folded end to create a loop.
2. 2Separate the six strands and braid them in groups of two, keeping even tension throughout. Braid to approximately 9 inches.
3. 3Slide a bead or charm onto all strands if using one, then tie a firm overhand knot to secure it in place.
4. 4Divide the remaining strands into two groups and tie each into a finishing knot. Trim ends evenly, leaving about half an inch.
5. 5Fasten by threading one tail group through the loop and knotting. Adjust position before tightening fully.

A classic beaded anklet works in almost any aesthetic depending on the bead choice — seed beads for a delicate look, wooden beads for bohemian, semi-precious stones for something more considered. The elastic version is the simplest to make and the easiest to put on and take off; the clasp version is more secure for daily wear.

1. 1Cut elastic cord to 12 inches. Thread through needle. String beads in your chosen pattern until the beaded section measures 9–10 inches.
2. 2Test the fit around your ankle — the beads should sit comfortably without bunching when the elastic is relaxed.
3. 3Tie a surgeon’s knot (overhand, then under twice) to close the loop. Pull firmly to seat the knot between two beads.
4. 4Apply a small dot of clear nail polish to the knot. Allow to dry completely before trimming excess cord.

A fine chain anklet with a lobster clasp is the closest DIY equivalent to the kind of ankle jewelry you’d buy in a store. The key is the chain weight — too light and it looks flimsy; too heavy and it reads as a bracelet. A 2mm cable or rolo chain is the sweet spot for most ankles. Add a single charm to the center if you want something more personal.

1. 1Cut chain to desired length with wire cutters — measure around your ankle and add 1 inch for the clasp and extender.
2. 2Open a jump ring using two pairs of pliers (twist sideways, never pull apart). Attach it to one end of the chain. Close firmly.
3. 3Thread the lobster clasp onto the jump ring before closing if you want the clasp on this end, or attach to the other end.
4. 4Attach a second jump ring to the other chain end as the clasp target. If adding a charm, thread it onto this ring before closing.
5. 5Check all connections by gently tugging each jump ring. Ensure all rings are fully closed with no gap.

Two chains of slightly different weights running in parallel, connected at either end with a single clasp — this creates the stacked look that most people achieve by wearing two separate anklets. It’s neater, sits better, and photographs more cleanly. The trick is keeping both chains exactly the same length so they sit parallel without one pulling the other.

1. 1Cut both chains to identical lengths. Lay them side by side to confirm they match exactly — even a 2mm difference will cause uneven drape.
2. 2Attach both chains to one end bar or connector using separate jump rings — one chain per loop on the connector.
3. 3Attach the lobster clasp to the connector using a jump ring.
4. 4Repeat on the other end with a second connector, leaving one open jump ring as the clasp target.
5. 5Test the fit and adjust chain length before closing the final jump ring permanently.

Chain combined with cord, leather, or semi-precious stone drops — the most complex of the five styles and the most visually distinctive. This is the one that doesn’t look obviously homemade when the materials and proportions are right. It takes patience and some trial and error with the material combinations, but the result is a piece you won’t find anywhere else.

1. 1Create your stone drops first: thread each onto a head pin, bend the wire above the stone at 90°, trim to 8mm, then form a loop with round-nose pliers.
2. 2Measure and cut your chain and cord to equal lengths. Both should total 9–10 inches when joined end-to-end.
3. 3Connect chain and cord end-to-end using a jump ring at the join point. This creates a single continuous length: cord on one side, chain on the other.
4. 4Attach your stone drops to specific chain links using their pre-formed loops — space them unevenly for a more natural, collected look.
5. 5Add lobster clasp to one end and a closing jump ring to the other. Test and adjust fit before sealing all connections.