DIY Mala Bracelets

Mala beads are used in Buddhist prayer and meditation to help you stay focused on your mantra. Traditionally, mantras were repeated in sets of 108 and so strands of mala beads have 108 beads plus a guru bead. Mala bracelets can be made with 18 beads to help you keep track of 18 cycles of chanting. Here's how to make your own mala bracelet.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases - at zero cost to you.

Supplies:

- embroidery thread or other string

- 18 regular beads

- 1 extra large bead

- (optional) 17 tiny beads

- (optional) embroidery needle to help thread beads

Directions:

1. Cut a 20" piece of string. Thread one of the beads onto it and loop the string through the bead to hold it there. Leave a 4-5" tail.

2. Thread on the rest of your beads, either knotting the string in between beads or placing a small spacer bead in between.

3. Thread both ends of the string through your larger guru bead and tie a knot.

4. Cut 6-10 6" pieces of string. Lay them below the guru bead and tie them to the bracelet.

5. Cut a 2" piece of string and tie around all the hanging strands to make a tassel. Alternatively, you can cut a longer piece of string and wrap it around a few times before knotting.

And your mala bracelet is ready! A good place to keep your mala bracelet along with a list of mantras is in your big feelings kit. Repeating a calming mantra can help get those big feelings under control!

"Be the pond" is a good mantra for children to use. This video from Cosmic Kids Yoga explains the concept of "be the pond" in a way even young children can understand!