3D cuffs typically use X-base as their base, but you can also use multi stitch! Although one isn't inherently better than the other, some reasons that you might want to use multi stitch instead include: - Multi stitch can be made shorter than X-base - It can be increased in smaller increments - The inside can have more intricate patterns I'll kind of be speeding through these instructions because the main goal is to show this technique rather than to teach multi stitch, but this is an otherwise beginner-friendly project! This will be easy-peasy if you already know multi stitch and how to make a 3D cuff, but I wouldn't call it required prerequisite knowledge. Use what you have on hand, but I recommend: - Up to 1.5mm opaque elastic string - Yarn needle
Step 1
Take a long piece of string and make a single. Tie it, but don't cut it. The number of beads you use should be a multiple of 3. I'm using 30 for mine.
Step 2
Pass through 1 bead. Add 1 bead to your string. Skip 1 bead on your single, then pass through the next 2 beads.
Step 3
Repeat the previous step all the way around. To start the next row, skip 1 bead, then pass upwards through the next 3 beads.
Step 4
Add 2 beads, then pass through the next bead that's sticking up. From here on, you're just filling in the gaps.
Step 5
Repeat the previous step. To start a new row, pass through the next 3 beads.
Step 6
Add 1 bead, then pass through the next 2 beads. Repeat all the way around.
Step 7
To complete this row, pass through the next 3 beads. You can continue adding rows if you like, but you don't have to. Make sure that the cuff is at least 3 rows tall and that the top and bottom are even.
Step 8
From here, you can use whatever 3D cuff technique you want. I'll keep it simple and demonstrate how to make a (very tiny) UFO cuff. Add 5 beads. Notice the beads sticking out from the top and bottom of your cuff. Pass diagonally through the closest one on the bottom-left.
Step 9
Add 5 beads. Pass diagonally through the top-left bead.
Step 10
Continue to add beads and pass through the base in a zigzag pattern. When you're done, pass through 3 of the next 5 beads on the outside. In my case, I'm passing through 2 white beads and 1 yellow. Add 2 beads, then pass through the bead that's sticking up on the top-right.
Step 11
Pass through the next 3 beads on the outside. Add 2 beads, then pass through the next bead sticking out on the bottom. Notice how we're forming an X pattern on the outside. To complete this cuff, you're essentially just completing those Xs. Repeat all the way around.
Step 12
When you've added your last set of 2 beads, pass all the way through the rest of the X, then the next bead sticking out. I'll show you how to tie it off in the next step if you just want to complete the cuff like this. If you want to add beads through the middle like a UFO cuff, pass through the next 3 beads on the outside. Add your beads, then pass straight across to the next point.
Step 13
After your last set of beads, pass through the next point. Then, pass diagonally through the next 3 beads (not the ones on the outside "ring" you just added). To tie it off, locate the string in between the bead you're coming out of and the next bead. Pass the end underneath that string partially to create a loop. If you accidentally pull all the way through and lose the loop, just try again.
Step 14
Pass through the loop and pull. Repeat 1-2 times. For your first knot, I recommend hooking your thumb inside the loop to keep the tension of the string while you're tying.
Thanks for viewing the tutorial! Feel free to experiement however you want! I'll make a forum post for this soon so that you can ask questions as needed.