DIY Morse Code Bracelets

I’ve been meaning to put my collection of Miyuki seeds beads to good use. They’ve always been one of those things that I can’t restrain myself from hoarding every time I step inside a bead store. The perfectly uniform, cylindrical beads come in nearly every shade of color imaginable and their itty bitty size make them that much more appealing. I’ve got a thing for anything miniature. So inspired by Sashi’s seed bead bracelets and George Frost’s morse code jewelry, I recently made a handful of mini seed bead bracelets, each encoded with secret little messages.

morsecodebracelet1

You’ll need:

morsecodebracelet2

Because the Miyuki Delica seed beads are super tiny, you’ll need a wire beading needle to help you string the beads onto the embroidery floss. Thread the embroidery floss through the beading needle.

morsecodebracelet3

You’ll pick 4 colors for each bracelet. A base color, a color for the dots, a color for the dashes and a color separating the dots and dashes. Here I’m using red for the base color, green for the dots, turquoise for the dashes and gold as spacers. Thread on a few base color beads.

morsecodebracelet4

Add a spacer bead – in this case, gold. Then spell out the first word with dots (green beads) and dashes (turquoise). Separate each letter with a gold spacer bead. Here I’m spelling out “I LOVE YOU” and the first word is “I” with is translated with just two dots.

morsecodebracelet5

Add a few more base color beads and translate the next word, which is “LOVE” – and then “YOU” next. Add a few more base color beads.

morsecodebracelet6

Thread on a crimp bead. Your crimping pliers have two notches – the first squeezes the tube closed with an indentation along the middle of the bead. The second notch is used to fold the crimp bead into a tube shape. Add another crimp bead onto the other side of the bracelet and crimp it closed.

morsecodebracelet7

The closure for the bracelet is simply a tiny small bead, with an opening just big enough to snuggly slide up and down the embroidery floss to tighten. Thread both ends of the embroidery floss through your wire beading needle. Thread on the gold bead – it will be a super tight fit! Crimp on two more crimp beads an inch and half down from the ends of the last seed beads. Trim away any excess and you’re finished!

morsecodebracelet8

Best Friends, XOXO, I Woke Up Like This, I’m So Fancy, WTF . . . say it with morse code!

morsecodebracelet9

Make a few for yourself and of course, a few for your friends.

morsecodebracelet10

(images by HonestlyWTF) 

Leave a Comment cancel comment

158 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Luv it.
    My page sometimes will have diy tutorial too,
    You may follow my page too,
    https://www.facebook.com/unrealized.me

    11.4.14
    Reply
  2. meg wrote:

    i love this idea! i bought my bridesmaids morse code necklaces for being in my wedding, and i would love to make some bracelets for myself! thanks for sharing!

    http://www.waterlilyshop.com
    @waterlilyshop

    11.4.14
    Reply
  3. Laura wrote:

    Wow love it !

    http://WWW.THESTILETTOHOLIC.COM

    Love from Paris

    11.4.14
    Reply
  4. What a sweet idea! And they turned out just beautiful!

    xoxo
    agnes

    http://iiiinspired.blogspot.com/
    http://www.pieces-of-mine.com/

    11.4.14
    Reply
  5. ~ Carmen ~ wrote:

    I love the idea behind these. Others make think it’s a fun design but really you’re saying “I love you” or what have you. So clever. :] // itsCarmen.com ☼ ☯

    11.4.14
    Reply
  6. Paulina wrote:

    Amazing idea! I love the fact that they are simple and small but can have some secret code! http://www.thepaarblog.com/

    11.4.14
    Reply
    • Weichelt Rosemarie wrote:

      Wunderschön und sehr gut erklärt vielen Dank Rosemarie

      6.14.22
  7. Jessie wrote:

    awesome idea! can’t wait to make some bracelets!

    http://www.lecitygypsy.com/

    11.4.14
    Reply
  8. Dominika wrote:

    This looks so good! Very good idea 🙂

    http://www.domisthing.blogspot.com/

    11.4.14
    Reply
  9. Tina wrote:

    Oh, looks so lovely!! Want to have them now 🙂

    11.4.14
    Reply
  10. Mun wrote:

    Another tempting project to try ..

    11.5.14
    Reply
  11. Oh, looks really cute and innovative! Want to get one!

    11.6.14
    Reply
  12. Lauren wrote:

    These are lovely, such a sweet idea
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx

    11.9.14
    Reply
  13. Allie wrote:

    I just made these for a couple friends’ birthdays – you are a life saver!

    11.10.14
    Reply
  14. gina wrote:

    These are so cool, I can’t wait it!

    11.11.14
    Reply
  15. Love how you add purpose into your DIYs! Super duper cute bracelets!

    xx
    http://cinnamonspring.com/

    11.12.14
    Reply
  16. Beautiful

    11.17.14
    Reply
  17. Really beautiful. Love your DIY jewelry.
    http://www.jewelryunder5.com/

    11.17.14
    Reply
  18. What a clever idea! I so love it and I know my readers would, too! This activity lends itself to a tween or teen on the go!

    I would love to link to this activity on my website http://www.theeducationaltourist.com where I write about traveling with the whole family. I would love a shout out from you!

    Thanks for sharing your cute idea!
    Natalie, The Educational Tourist

    11.20.14
    Reply
  19. Noemi wrote:

    Hello Erica,
    First, you are the inspiration for many women, you are very generous, thank you very much. Second, could you tell us which Miyuki Delica categories you used? Opaque, opaque luster, dyed, frost,…? Or just give us the DB number of some of them. I am from Canary Islands and it is impossible to find Miyuki Delica here, so I have to buy online and you know, sometimes picture and reality are very different. Sorry my english, I hope you understand me and once again, thank you very much.
    Noemi.

    11.21.14
    Reply
  20. Maureen wrote:
    11.23.14
    Reply
  21. Julia wrote:

    Reminiscent of Oskar Schell!

    11.23.14
    Reply
  22. BestMan wrote:

    Really nice 🙂
    Could make some for men aswell
    http://www.bestman.dk/shop/frontpage.html

    11.28.14
    Reply
  23. Jordan wrote:

    I’ve decided to make these for my friends/family for Christmas (love your post!). I spent a money to get the colors I wanted and I’ve followed your directions to a T. Biggest problem is the gold bead that both end strands go through to connect everything.. it’s not tight enough. I used the same size floss as you… what size bead are you using? I’m getting discouraged 🙁 please help!

    12.11.14
    Reply
  24. AmayaLady wrote:

    I love this idea ! With a secret morse message, it’s so cool ! 🙂 I’m going to share your post in my blog !

    12.19.14
    Reply
  25. Jody wrote:

    I don’t understand how to get the closure bead on. Help please?

    1.19.15
    Reply
  26. Ms, Powers wrote:

    I liked this idea so much I made one for each of my nieces who are 14 and under. They love them so much every time I go over to their home they are wearing them. Thanks for the idea that brings a smile to many.

    http://www.dazzledideas.com

    2.5.15
    Reply
  27. Béatrice wrote:

    That is a great idea ! I’m gonna make this right away.

    3.2.15
    Reply
  28. Béatrice wrote:

    Hi,
    I tried making a few with exactly the same materials you used, but somehow, the thread always disassembles after I’ve put the saucer on. I think the edges of the saucer are cutting in the thread and then breaking one, which leaves e with a thinner thread that slides too smoothly…
    Any idea how to prevent this?
    Tx, Béatrice

    3.22.15
    Reply
  29. Ramona wrote:

    You’re very talented

    3.27.15
    Reply
  30. Linda wrote:

    Very cute idea,

    4.6.15
    Reply
  31. Urban Lady wrote:

    i know exactly what you mean when you step into a bead shop you just can’t help but hoarding on beads! Beautiful project! Do you think it will look just as nice with round seedbeds? As I have mostly round edge seedbeads…. 🙁

    4.11.15
    Reply
  32. Cindy Anderson wrote:

    Hello! I am unable to print the directions for your DIY Morse Code Bracelet. Can you email them to me? It’s much easier to have them physically in my hand.
    If I need anything else printed should I just email you? Who should I email?
    Thanks so much!
    Cindy

    4.11.15
    Reply
  33. wendy wrote:

    i have the attention span of a goldfish
    and the tastes of a magpie.
    perfect use for those miyukis….

    4.11.15
    Reply
  34. Hi, I love these simple bracelets for the summer! You can find the beads on my website http://millecreations.com/ to make the same!

    4.23.15
    Reply
  35. sojo wrote:

    I love the idea of these little bracelets. Want to make them for myself, my granddaughters & my daughter. Thanks so much.

    4.30.15
    Reply
  36. Gina wrote:

    Hello,
    I was browsing Etsy and found several crafters have been using your images as their own. Here is one example:
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/228777723/personalized-morse-code-bracelete?ref=shop_home_active_1.

    Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. It has inspired me to pick up my seed beads again after 25 years!

    5.17.15
    Reply
  37. Fred wrote:

    bonjour
    Bracelets tres sympa, je me pose juste une question… quand on utilise les perles à écraser, elles peuvent couper les fils…
    Est ce le cas ?
    Trés belles réalisation

    5.22.15
    Reply
  38. Tessa wrote:

    Thank you for sharing! what a great idea 🙂

    6.4.15
    Reply
  39. Jeanine wrote:

    Awww these are fantastic, I am in complete love!

    6.12.15
    Reply
  40. Holly wrote:

    Looove this idea a link to official Morris code would help your readers out, though. I know I can just look it up on google but linking to it eliminates a step. xP

    6.27.15
    Reply
  41. Amy wrote:

    Question: My tiny gold bead does not hold the bracelet close to the wrist….I do did not order the small bead you recommended but was wondering if you had this issue? If not, I will order the small gold bead immediately. Thank you…..absolutely love making these and giving to my friends.

    7.8.15
    Reply
  42. Nisha wrote:

    Hi! Absolutely love this!!! Can you tell me what colors you used? Or the DB numbers? Thank you

    7.9.15
    Reply
  43. Tina wrote:

    This is such a beautiful simple idea for stacking bracelets, I would love to spend an afternoon making some of these, thanks for sharing!! http://www.mingleandmansome.com

    7.16.15
    Reply
  44. Zen wrote:

    Love how you’ve reinvented the simple bead bracelet! trying to learn from you with my DIYs 🙂 https://hapinesswherever.wordpress.com/2015/08/16/5-minute-diy-no-tools-filigree-hair-tie-cum-bracelet/

    8.22.15
    Reply
  45. kate wrote:

    could you tell me what color the green is? struggling to find it

    8.24.15
    Reply
  46. sorbier wrote:

    Hello

    I’m not speak English very well but i want to know where i can find the material to make the bracelet ?

    Thank s for your answer

    10.5.15
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Sorbier all the links to purchase are in the supply list above.

      10.5.15
  47. josefa wrote:

    Hello, what type of embroidery floss do you use?
    Thanks

    10.17.15
    Reply
  48. Lynn wrote:

    Love these bracelets!! I used size 11/0, bugles for dash, beads for dots, and a clear crystal for the space! I don’t have a way to show a pic, but they turned out great!

    10.21.15
    Reply
  49. ShishkaBerry wrote:

    I’m going to make these, buuuuut they probably won’t say I love you 😉

    10.21.15
    Reply
  50. Lucy Ince wrote:

    What size delica bead did you use?

    11.17.15
    Reply
  51. Kaline Schultz wrote:

    Absolutely love these bracelets! They are such a great idea to use as a gift! My friends have been begging me to make them more and more. But, the gold bead that you use doesn’t hold the bracelt close to the wrist? Have you encountered this at all? Can you help me? I would greatly appreciate it. Many thanks<3

    11.22.15
    Reply
  52. Natasha wrote:

    Cute idea…Also all the people out there asking her for what colors she used.. Get creative and pick out your own colors and own ideas! I’m pretty sure the point is to be creative! Go out to the store and get whatever, make it your own.

    1.1.16
    Reply
  53. Amy W wrote:

    Great idea for some HAM operators I know.

    3.29.16
    Reply
  54. Jeannie wrote:

    It looks like you didn’t specify what type of bead you are using for the closure part. It looks different from the spacer beads. Could you please say what size and what type you used for the single closure bead? thank you

    3.30.16
    Reply
  55. WOW – Just Amazing.
    Men love it 🙂

    4.29.16
    Reply
  56. WOW – Just Amazing.
    Men love it 🙂

    Take a look here: http://menwithstyle.dk

    4.29.16
    Reply
  57. Christine wrote:

    HI! I followed your instructions for the morse code bracelets, bought everything, but i must have missed something. the Embroidery floss is too thick when its doubled up and wont go thru the beads. the beads are too small.

    Is there a size I should have bought. I don’t remember you specifying a size, sorry for being such a dork… could you please help me solve this mystery – I want to make these so bad!

    5.24.16
    Reply
  58. Christine wrote:

    this is what I bought on Amazon:

    DMC 1008F-S310 Shiny Radiant Satin Floss, Black, 8.7-Yard

    5.24.16
    Reply
  59. Alex wrote:

    What size seed bead did you use? Thanks!

    7.14.16
    Reply
  60. Emma wrote:

    I have a question. Can you only use one wire beading needle per bracelet?

    8.17.16
    Reply
  61. Sewing machine comparison and reviews

    Detailed and straight to the point comparison and product reviews of sewing machines. Insights on features, performance and best buying practices.

    http://www.comparencart.com

    9.15.16
    Reply
  62. Henry wrote:

    Excellent information you’ve provided in this post. A person should discover related facts at a site like this one. That kind of website is of help for individuals interested in this subject.

    10.24.16
    Reply
  63. Nakkase wrote:

    Nakkase ananın ak sütü gibi helal takı.

    Beatiful jewelry. 🙂

    12.28.16
    Reply
  64. Emily Engeman wrote:

    Hi Erica,

    I have the same question as Noemi- I can’t find them instore where I am so I’m looking to buy some online, but I was wondering if yours were the matte opaque or just opaque finish? I can’t really tell from the pictures and I’m a little hesitant to buy online if I’m unsure what the matte ones will look like in real life!
    Thanks,

    Emily

    3.8.17
    Reply
  65. Cosin wrote:

    They look great. I will start to make a similar bracelet but using thin colorful wires.

    6.8.17
    Reply
  66. Omgggg this is so creative ! I’m saving this for a weekend project. This would be a really nice special gift.

    7.1.17
    Reply
  67. Thanks for sharing such a valuable and helpful Article. Find latest women fashion trend at https://www.suavecouture.com/.

    7.30.17
    Reply
  68. Mike wrote:
    8.30.17
    Reply
  69. Donna wrote:

    What size seed bead did you use, these are beautiful.

    9.6.17
    Reply
  70. olaf443 wrote:
    9.11.17
    Reply
  71. Flair wrote:

    very nice diy tips to make a simple bracelet

    http://flaircraze.com/

    10.9.17
    Reply
  72. Oh Beautiful! The idea of a Morse code bracelet got me. Thank you for sharing the tutorial! I guess I should learn some Morse code to have a more meaningful bracelet.
    https://www.pictaram.org/cars

    10.10.17
    Reply
  73. Archana wrote:

    Very nice idea.Thanks for sharing such a valuable and helpful Article.

    11.6.17
    Reply
  74. chaii wrote:

    hi i’m from Philippines. can someone know where i can buy the materials? thanks!

    2.7.18
    Reply
  75. Nicolas wrote:

    Hi, that’s wonderful 😀
    I wonder why I never though about that before, thanks a lot.
    However, I’ve to say there could be some misunderstanding in the translation as there is no color in this example nor specific way to distinguish letter separator from intra-letter separator.
    For example, ‘..’ could be translated as ‘i’ or as ‘ee’.
    Assuming you use the longest recognizable character, ‘I LOVE YOU’ become ‘I L:N Y8T’, which is a very special way to express your feelings 😉

    So just saying, find a way (color or separator length or another trick) to identify letters inside your text.
    And thanks again 😀

    4.24.18
    Reply
  76. Marie wrote:

    J’adore!

    7.27.18
    Reply
  77. May wrote:

    These bracelets look very colorful. I would love to make it for myself or give it to my sisters. Thank you so much for put up the pictures for us to see the instructions how to make it. A picture is always better than word. I am more of a visual person.

    7.31.18
    Reply
  78. Adriana wrote:

    Thank you so much for this tutorial! Unfortunately, the links to the materials are not working. Would it be possible for you to send me the sizes and details, please?

    8.2.18
    Reply
    • Ashley wrote:

      did you ever get some info on sizes and materials? If so, could you send/post for other as well? Thanks!

      12.17.18
  79. dawn wrote:

    I wrote “be good to you”. by the time I was finished, it was way too big for my wrist. what did i do wrong?

    4.23.19
    Reply
  80. Caroline Little wrote:

    Where did you order your Miyuki Delica beads?? I love the colors you have and can’t find it anywhere.

    7.21.20
    Reply
    • Courtney wrote:

      Hi.
      I found very similar colors to what she used at Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabrics. The other place I looked was Etsy and they have a huge selection. Hope this helps.

      5.10.22
  81. Ruthann wrote:

    This was really helpful didn’t know about how to crimp and the k endless either thanks

    7.24.21
    Reply
  82. Courtney wrote:

    Hi. What size seed beads did you use for this project? The link didn’t work.

    9.7.21
    Reply
  83. Courtney wrote:

    Hello,
    I want to make a few of these for my friends and myself. I am very new to bracelet making so I may need some help. I am not sure what crimping beads are and when I click the link it doesn’t take me to them. Is there a certain size I need or are they all the same? Also, what string did you use for making these? I have the delica beads and the Morse code figured out so it’s just the minor details I need help with.
    Does the bracelet stay tight when wearing it with just the bead? Thanks so much

    9.15.21
    Reply
  84. Jessica wrote:

    Do these bracelets come on and off easily, or do they stay on until they’re cut off? Looks like a tight fit and they’re not elastic, so I’m wondering. I want to make these with my students.

    11.3.21
    Reply
  85. Courtney wrote:

    Hi,
    I love your Morse code bracelets and am attempting to make some but I have to admit working with the tiny beads is near impossible. I think I have spilled more than I have managed to get on the bracelet.
    I was wondering what type of bead you used for the closure. I was going to just use a delica bead but it looks like you used something different and I like the look of it.
    I hope to hear back soon.

    5.10.22
    Reply
  86. Weichelt Rosemarie wrote:

    Wunderschön und sehr gut erklärt vielen Dank Rosemarie

    6.14.22
    Reply
  87. Seems like a tedious job, but the end result is beautiful! you need a lot of patience for this one 🙂

    5.10.23
    Reply