Learn How to Make a Bolo Tie

Making your bolo tie is not only enjoyable, but it also allows for creative expression that expresses your particular style — something that cannot be purchased in a shop.

Choose a braided leather cord in the color of your choice. The rope should be roughly 40 inches long with a thickness of four millimeters. Wrap the rope around your neck, with the ends falling equally in front of you as if you were wearing a bolo tie. If the cable is too lengthy for you, cut it using a pair of strong scissors.

Most bolo tie cords are 36 to 40 inches long, so don’t shorten them too much. Insert one end of the braided leather cord through those bolo slide’s two bends. Remove and lay away the cable.

If the cord does not fit, gently pry open the curve with pliers to allow the cord to glide in later.

File the edges of the metal bolo tie string slide gently using a metal file, paying specific attention to the bends where the rope will come into touch with the metal. This helps to smooth the surface and protect the cable. When you’re finished, wipe the surface of the slide with a moist towel to remove any residue, and then dry it with a clean dry cloth.

Choose a stylish button, pendant, or polished stone with a flat backside in a medium or big size. This will be the bolo tie’s “centerpiece.” To remove residue, wipe the reverse of the button, pendant, or stone with a moist towel and completely dry it with a clean dry cloth.

Using a strong jewelry adhesive, adhere the button, pendant, or stone to the flat front side of the bolo slide. Follow the directions that came with your jewelry glue and let it cure for the greater of an hour or the period specified in the glue’s instructions.

Assemble the bolo tie by threading both ends of the leather cord and through two bends on the underside of the bolo slide — one cord ends through one bend, the other through the other.

Using pliers, gently tighten the folds of the bolo slide around the leather cord. The bolo slide should still be able to glide up and down on the leather cord, but the bends should be snug enough that the slide does not slip down on its own.

As a finishing touch, attach the metal bolo tips to your new bolo tie. Apply a little quantity of adhesive to the interior of each bolo tip, then press the tips onto the leather cord ends. If necessary, use pliers to secure the tips on the cable ends.

Wear the bolo tie by sliding it down to the tips. Place the bolo tie around your neck and move the bolo slide up to the appropriate position.