How to Make Rakhi at Home

Co-authored by Kyle Hall

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

Rakhi are talismans that are tied around people's wrists during the annual Raksha Bandhan ceremony. You can easily make beautiful rakhi at home using a few simple supplies, like buckram sheet and silk thread. Add decorative gemstones, chains, and mirrors to your rakhi so it stands out during the ceremony. Finish your rakhi with a colorful ribbon that matches your decorations.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Buckram Sheet

1
Cut four circles of equal size out of a buckram sheet. Make the circles around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. Trace a small jar lid or candle if you’re having trouble getting the circles to be the same size.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Use fabric scissors to cut the sheet.
- You can find a buckram sheet at your local fabric store.
2
Separate the circles into two pairs and glue them together. Apply fabric glue to one side of one of the circles in each pair. Then glue the two circles in each pair together. When you’re finished you should have two double-layered circles.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Apply a decorative gemstone to the center of one of the circles. Apply a dab of craft glue and glue on a colorful plastic gemstone. Choose something large and bright for the center since it will be one of the most noticeable parts of your rakhi.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Find plastic decorative gemstones at your local arts and crafts store.
4
Add concentric rings of decorations until you reach the circle's edge. Glue rhinestones in a ring around the center gemstone. Make a ring around the center stone with a decorative chain. Wrap the chain around the center stone and cut the extra off with scissors. Continue adding decorative rings until the entire surface of the circle is covered.
- Alternate the decorations you use in every ring for a more intricate design.
5
Cut a piece of ribbon that’s 6-12 inches (15.2-30.5 cm) long. The ribbon should be long enough that you can wrap it around someone’s wrist and tie it in a knot. Use a colorful piece of ribbon that matches the gemstones in your rakhi.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Glue the non-decorated circle to the middle of the ribbon. Apply a line of fabric glue down the center of the circle and line the ribbon up over it. Firmly press the ribbon into the glue.^{[5]
X
Research source}
7
Glue the decorated circle over the other circle. Sandwich the middle of the ribbon in between the two circles. Apply a liberal amount of fabric glue to the backside of the decorated circle. Firmly press it onto the upward facing side of the other circle (the side that the ribbon is glued to).^{[6]
X
Research source}
8
Glue gemstones to the ribbon with fabric glue. You can also use tiny decorative mirrors. Glue the decorations to the top side of the ribbon.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Rakhi with Silk Thread

1
Hold the end of a thread between your thumb and pointer finger. Use silk thread to make soft, vibrant rakhi.^{[7]
X
Research source}
2
Wrap the thread around three of your fingers about twenty times. Wrapping it around your pointer finger, middle finger, and ring finger will be easiest. Continue to hold the end of the thread between your thumb and pointer finger as you wrap the thread. Slide the looped bundle of thread off your fingers when you’re finished.^{[8]
X
Research source}
3
Wrap the thread around the middle of the looped thread. Wrap it around several times and then tie a knot to hold the thread in place. Pull the knot tight. When you’re finished, the bundle of thread should look like a bow tie. There should be two small loops of thread on each side of the knot in the center. Use scissors to cut the bundle from the rest of the ball of thread, cutting as close to the knot possible.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Cut the ends of the two new loops of thread. Cut at the point of each loop that’s furthest away from the knot in the center. After you cut the loops, you’ll have a bunch of thread ends on each side of the knot.^{[10]
X
Research source}
5
Fan out the ends of the thread with your fingers. Place the bundle on a flat surface and fan out the threads to fill in the gaps above and below the knot. When you’re done, the fanned out threads should be flat and make a full circle. This will be the amulet for your rakhi.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you want the amulet to look more full, make a second one and glue it on top of the first one.
6
Decorate one side of the thread. Use fabric glue to apply decorative gemstones and beads to the thread. Work outward from the center of the thread.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Don’t cover all of the silk thread with decorations. You want some of it to show through your design.
7
Cut a 6-12 inch (15.2-30.5 cm) piece of ribbon. The ribbon should be long enough for you to tie around the wrist of whoever you’re giving your rakhi to. Choose a color ribbon that matches or complements the thread you used.
8
Glue the back of the thread to the middle of the ribbon with fabric glue. The backside of the thread is the side without decorations on it. Make a line of glue down the middle of the backside of the thread and firmly press the ribbon onto it.^{[13]
X
Research source}
9
Decorate the ribbon. Glue decorative gemstones, beads, or mirrors to the top of the ribbon with fabric glue.
10
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

What do I do if I don't have red sting?

Community Answer

Use another color. You could use yellow, blue, purple, green, orange, pink, and grey.
Question

What should I do if I have no silk thread?

Khushiya

Community Answer

Silk thread is not necessary for your rakhi. But if you want that particular look for your rakhi, you can use any other thread.
Question

What to if I do not have buckrum sheet?

Medha Deb

Community Answer

You could try the other methods or you can use a piece of paper instead. However, with a piece of paper, the rakhi will be less durable and will be prone to early damage if it comes in contact with sweat or water.