Binary Code Bracelet
Turn a secret word into a wearable code!
Recommended age: 7+ with adult help Time: 20–30 minutes Cost: Inexpensive—uses common craft supplies STEM Skills: Binary numbers, coding, patterns, logic, and problem-solving
What is binary?
Computers use binary code to represent information using only two values: 0 and 1. In this project, you’ll use two different bead colors to represent those values and turn a word into a bracelet that contains a hidden message!
What You’ll Need
- Two Colors of Beads
- Each letter is 8 beads long; Recommend small beads (4mm) for longer words.
- String or Elastic Cord
- Scissors
Step 1: Choose Your Secret Word
Pick a short word that you want your bracelet to spell.
For your first bracelet, try 3–6 letters. Short words are easier to make and require fewer beads.
Example word: CAT
Write your word down so you can convert each letter into binary.
Step 2: Choose Your Bead Code
Decide which bead color means 0 and which means 1.
- Black bead = 0
- White bead = 1
Important: You can use any two colors. Just remember which color represents each number!
Step 3: Convert Your Word into Binary
Each letter has a binary code. For this project, we’ll use 8-bit ASCII, which gives every letter a group of 8 binary digits.
Use the chart below to find each letter in your word.
Binary Alphabet Chart
Letter | Binary code | Letter | Binary code |
| A | 01000001 | N | 01001110 |
| B | 01000010 | O | 01001111 |
| C | 01000011 | P | 01010000 |
| D | 01000100 | Q | 01010001 |
| E | 01000101 | R | 01010010 |
| F | 01000110 | S | 01010011 |
| G | 01000111 | T | 01010100 |
| H | 01001000 | U | 01010101 |
| I | 01001001 | V | 01010110 |
| J | 01001010 | W | 01010111 |
| K | 01001011 | X | 01011000 |
| L | 01001100 | Y | 01011001 |
| M | 01001101 | Z | 01011010 |
Example: The word CAT
- C = 01000011
- A = 01000001
- T = 01010100
Each letter uses 8 beads, so CAT requires 24 coded beads.
Step 4: Plan Your Bracelet
Before stringing, lay out your beads in order.
For CAT, using black = 0 and white = 1:
- C = White, Black, White, White, White, White, Black, Black
- A = White, Black, White, White, White, White, White, Black
- T = White, Black, White, Black, White, Black, White, White
Tip: Place a slightly different bead, a knot, or a small spacer between letters if you want the word to be easier to decode. These separators are optional and do not need to be part of the binary message.
Step 5: String the Beads
- Cut a piece of elastic cord long enough to wrap around the wrist, with extra length for tying.
- Leave a few inches of extra cord at the ends.
- String the beads in the exact order of your binary message.
- If using letter separators, place one between each 8-bead group.
- Check your pattern against your written binary code before tying.
Step 6: Tie and Wear Your Code!
- Wrap the bracelet around your wrist to check the fit.
- Have an adult help tie a secure knot.
- Trim excess cord carefully.
- Your bracelet is ready!
Can someone else decode it? Give them the bead key and challenge them to figure out your secret word.