How to Make Friendship Bracelets

By Bailey Cooper

Friendship bracelets are more than just colourful accessories; they’re a heartfelt token of loyalty, connection, and shared experiences. Their origins trace back to Indigenous communities in Central and South America, where intricately woven bracelets symbolised unity, love, and protection.

Over the years, this meaningful tradition has evolved globally, adapting to new styles and cultural moments. Whether knotted, woven, or beaded, friendship bracelets continue to be a timeless way to celebrate bonds with those who matter most.

This guide will explore the history of friendship bracelets, their modern resurgence, and a step-by-step tutorial to help you create your own.

What Are Friendship Bracelets?

Friendship bracelets have a rich history rooted in tradition. Originally crafted with knotting techniques by Indigenous communities, these bracelets held deep cultural significance.

The trend gained momentum in the United States during the 1970s with macrame friendship bracelets, recognised for their intricate patterns and vibrant colours. Recently, they’ve made a comeback with modern twists like beaded designs, thanks to cultural moments such as the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. Fans have embraced this tradition by creating bracelets personalised with names, song lyrics, or inside jokes, exchanging them as tokens of shared experiences and community.

From their origins to their current popularity, friendship bracelets remain a meaningful way to express connection and creativity.

How Do You Make a Friendship Bracelet?

Materials You'll Need:

Embroidery floss or craft thread (3-6 colours)
Scissors
Tape or a Clipboard to secure your work
Optional: beads or charms for decoration

Step-by-Step Guide:

Cut Your Threads
Cut embroidery floss into strands about 60–90 cm long. Use 3–6 strands depending on the desired bracelet width.
Secure the Threads
Tie the threads together in a knot at one end, leaving 5 cm of excess for tying. Secure the knot to a flat surface with tape or a clipboard.
Arrange Your Colours
Spread out the threads in the desired colour order to keep them organised.
Start Knotting (The Forward Knot)
Add Beads (Optional)
Slide beads onto the thread between knots for a personalised touch.

How Do You Finish and Tie a Friendship Bracelet?

How to End a Friendship Bracelet:

Tie a knot at the end of the bracelet to secure your work.
Trim excess thread, leaving 5 cm for tying.

How to Tie a Friendship Bracelet:

Wrap the bracelet around your wrist and tie the loose threads securely in a double knot. Alternatively, thread the loose ends through a loop left at one end and tie them.

Why are Friendship Bracelets Still Popular?

Friendship bracelets have stood the test of time due to their versatility and heartfelt meaning:

Symbol of Connection: Whether gifted or exchanged, these bracelets celebrate relationships and shared memories.
Creative Expression: Personalised designs allow individuals to showcase their creativity, whether through knotting patterns, colours, or beaded accents.
Modern Trends: Recent cultural moments, like the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, have reintroduced friendship bracelets to new generations, blending nostalgia with fresh styles.

FAQ

Bloom Boutique offers a unique range of personalisedfriendship braceletsthat celebrate your friendship and your cherished moments together.

Yes, while embroidery floss is traditional, you can experiment with materials like hemp cord, leather, or wool to create unique designs.

For most bracelet patterns, each thread should start about 91 cm long. If you have two strands of each color, you can start with a string that's 183 cm long and fold it in half to make two halves that measure 36 inches each.

Where can I buy Friendship Bracelets? - Bloom Boutique offers a unique range of personalised friendship bracelets that celebrate your friendship and your cherished moments together.

Can I make friendship bracelets with different materials? - Yes, while embroidery floss is traditional, you can experiment with materials like hemp cord, leather, or wool to create unique designs.

How long should the thread be for a friendship bracelet? - For most bracelet patterns, each thread should start about 91 cm long. If you have two strands of each color, you can start with a string that's 183 cm long and fold it in half to make two halves that measure 36 inches each.

Friendship bracelets have evolved over time, yet their meaning remains as heartfelt as ever. From traditional knotting techniques to modern beaded designs, these bracelets are a timeless symbol of connection.

Creating a friendship bracelet is a fun, meaningful activity that celebrates the bonds we hold dear. With a few simple materials and a touch of creativity, you can craft a keepsake as unique as your friendship.

So, whether revisiting a childhood pastime or trying this for the first time, enjoy the process of making something personal and full of love. After all, a friendship bracelet isn’t just jewellery, it’s a token of cherished relationships and lasting memories.