Friendship Bracelets
Create colorful woven bracelets using simple knotting techniques passed down through generations. With just embroidery floss and a few basic knots, you can make personalized gifts that carry meaning and tradition.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●
- ●Scissors($0)
- ●Tape or safety pin($0)
Optional
- ○Clipboard($3-5)
How To Do It
- 1
Cut and arrange your strings
Cut 4-6 strands of , each about 30-36 inches long. Choose colors you like and arrange them in the order you want the stripes to appear. Tie all strands together in an overhand knot at the top, leaving a 3-inch tail for finishing.
- 2
Secure your work
Tape the knotted end to a table or clipboard, or pin it to your jeans with a safety pin. Fan out the strings so they lay flat and in order from left to right. Having your work secured is essential for maintaining consistent tension.
- 3
Learn and practice the forward knot
Pick up the leftmost string. Make a '4' shape by laying it over the string to its right. Wrap the tail under and through the loop, pulling up to tighten. Do this TWICE on the same string—every friendship bracelet knot is a .
- 4
Complete one row
Using that same leftmost string, make s on each string moving left to right until it reaches the far right. Your first color has now made a diagonal stripe across the bracelet. The string that started on the left is now on the right.
- 5
Repeat the pattern
Start again with the new leftmost string and repeat the process. Each row creates another diagonal stripe. Continue until your bracelet reaches around 6-7 inches (or measure your wrist and add 2 inches for tying).
- 6
Finish your bracelet
When you reach your desired length, tie all the strings together in an overhand knot. You can braid the remaining ends for 2-3 inches and knot again, or simply trim and tie around your wrist with the beginning and ending tails.
Tips
- →Common mistake: Only making one knot instead of two. Every knot in friendship bracelets is actually a . If you skip the second knot, your bracelet will fall apart.
- →If your bracelet starts curling, your tension may be too tight. Try loosening your knots slightly. You can also 'block' a finished bracelet by wetting it and drying it flat.
- →Start with 4 colors if you want a narrower, quicker bracelet. Use 6-8 colors for a wider bracelet, but expect it to take longer.
- →Keep the string you're knotting onto pulled taut and straight. This helps you make consistent, even knots.
Communities
Resources
- friendship-bracelets.net
The largest pattern library and community for friendship bracelets, with thousands of free patterns and tutorials.
- Masha Knots YouTube Channel
Over a decade of friendship bracelet tutorials from simple beginner patterns to advanced designs, with clear step-by-step instructions.
- BraceletBook
Community-driven pattern database where you can find, create, and share friendship bracelet patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make a friendship bracelet?
A simple candy stripe bracelet takes 30-45 minutes for beginners. As you get faster, you can complete one in 15-20 minutes. More complex patterns with multiple knot types take longer.
How much does it cost to start making friendship bracelets?
Under $5 to start. A pack of with multiple colors costs $3-5 and provides enough thread for many bracelets. You only need scissors and tape or a safety pin, which most people already have.
Why does my bracelet keep curling up?
Candy stripe bracelets naturally curl because all knots go the same direction. Make sure you're doing s (two es each time). If it still curls, try loosening your tension. You can also 'block' the finished bracelet by wetting it and letting it dry flat.
What type of string is best for friendship bracelets?
Six-strand is the standard choice. It's thin enough to knot easily, strong enough to wear, and comes in hundreds of colors. DMC and Anchor are popular brands. Avoid yarn or thread that's too thick or slippery.
How long should I cut my strings?
Cut each string 30-36 inches long (about fingertip to shoulder length). This gives you enough to make a bracelet plus tails for tying. For thicker patterns with more strings, cut them a bit longer.