Rubeads

Rubeads prevent drawstrings from retreating into your apparel, and have a unique ‘open channel’ that makes them removable (and applicable) at any point on the string. No one expects PLA to survive a trip through the washer and dryer, nor anything that goes with it.

Printing Tips

The Rubeads pictured were printed with a 0.4mm nozzle and standard 0.2mm layer height. 

The picture below highlights the recommended surfaces to paint and apply minimal supports.

If the channel is rough, a little sanding goes a long way toward preventing a snag.

I printed my Rubeads on a humble Kobra 2 Pro, but I bet they'd turn out even better if printed on a Prusa MK4S or Core One. Especially with their fancy Nextruders. Do want.

Application Tips

Rubeads work best with drawstrings in the 6mm diameter range. Stretch the drawstring while applying a Rubead to make it easier to slip on.

Designer's Thoughts

I was inspired while looking at all of the other wonderful contest entries. I thought, “What would I make for my own clothing?” Suddenly, I was reminded of a certain cherished Legend of Zelda hoodie I had from my youth. The existing knot-caps were missing their ends, and did their best impression of a Newton's Cradle while walking. It was very annoying. 

Enter Rubeads: my own personal take on drawstring beads. I wanted the full profile of the jewel present in the final product (at least from one side), rather than lose the tips to a hole bored straight through the center. The open-channel design was a happy accident. At first, I tried a bore offset to one side. This worked fine on the largest size bead, but my smallest bead wound up with the channel exposed to the outside. With a few tweaks, the channel became a feature that allowed the beads to be removed before washing. Credit goes to Mrs. Giant, who pointed that it was a feature and not merely a compromise.

I'm pleased to have a new upgrade for a favorite hoodie, and hope you enjoy these as much as I have!