Easy DIY Leather & Embroidery Floss Friendship Bracelet Tutorial

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Friendship bracelets are a timeless symbol of connection and shared experiences, and what better way to commemorate a bond than by crafting a unique and personalized piece together? This tutorial will guide you through the surprisingly simple process of making a stunning friendship bracelet that combines the rich texture of leather cord with the vibrant colors of embroidery floss. Forget complicated knots and intricate patterns; this design is perfect for beginners, requiring only basic crafting skills and readily available materials. We'll use readily accessible supplies to create a stylish and durable bracelet that's sure to be treasured.

This DIY project blends the rustic charm of leather with the playful versatility of embroidery floss, resulting in a bracelet that's both beautiful and effortlessly chic. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create a truly bespoke gift or keepsake. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create your own unique friendship bracelet!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Leather cord
  • Embroidery floss
  • Needle
  • Scissors
  • Washi tape
  • Small box
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using sharp tools like scissors or needles. Leather can be difficult to cut cleanly, so adult assistance is recommended.
  • Be mindful of potential allergies. Some leather and embroidery floss dyes may cause skin irritation. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue use and wash the affected area.
  • Avoid pulling the embroidery floss too tightly, as this could snap the thread or damage the leather. Maintain a consistent, gentle tension throughout the braiding process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Materials

    • Cut a length of leather cord long enough to wrap around your box and tie a knot. Cut your embroidery floss (3 colors recommended).

  2. Set Up Workspace

    • Wrap the leather cord around the small box, securing it with a knot. This creates a rigid base for easier weaving.
    Set up your workspace: Wrap the leather cord around the small box, securing it with a knot. This creates a rigid base for easier weaving.
    Set Up Workspace

  3. Start Weaving

    • Wrap your three embroidery floss threads behind the leather cord. Start with one color (e.g., teal). Weave it under the leather and the other threads, then weave the next thread under the middle.
    Begin weaving: Wrap your three embroidery floss threads behind the leather cord. Start with one color (e.g., teal). Weave it under the leather and the other threads, then weave the next thread under the middle.
    Start Weaving

  4. Secure Initial Threads

    • After a few weaves, tape down your extra colors to create an X and tighten.
    Secure excess threads: After a few weaves, tape down your extra colors to create an X and tighten.
    Secure Initial Threads

  5. Continue Weaving

    • Keep weaving your chosen color using the under-over technique, creating a solid band. This resembles a fishtail braid.
    Continue weaving: Keep weaving your chosen color using the under-over technique, creating a solid band. This resembles a fishtail braid.
    Continue Weaving

  6. Remove from Form

    • Once finished weaving, slide the bracelet off the box and untie the knot.
    Remove from box: Once finished weaving, slide the bracelet off the box and untie the knot.
    Remove from Form

  7. Secure Loose Ends

    • Separate extra threads and using a needle and a single embroidery floss thread from your last color, stitch the excess threads into the back of the bracelet, securing them.
    Finishing: Separate extra threads and using a needle and a single embroidery floss thread from your last color, stitch the excess threads into the back of the bracelet, securing them.
    Secure Loose Ends

  8. Create Clasp

    • Stitch through the loop at the top of the bracelet to create a knot for the clasp.
    Secure clasp: Stitch through the loop at the top of the bracelet to create a knot for the clasp.
    Create Clasp

  9. Trim Excess

    • Trim the remaining threads and leather, ensuring enough length remains for the knot.
    Cut excess threads and leather: Trim the remaining threads and leather, ensuring enough length remains for the knot.
    Trim Excess

Read more: Summer Bunting Anklet: Easy Beaded Anklet Tutorial

Tips

  • Use a small, rigid box for easier weaving and portability.
  • Cut a manageable length of embroidery floss. You can always add more later.
  • Don't scrunch your threads too close to the top loop (clasp) while weaving.
  • These bracelets are durable and can withstand showering and swimming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Tension

Reason: Inconsistent pulling of the floss creates a lumpy or uneven bracelet.
Solution: Maintain consistent tension throughout the braiding or knotting process.

2. Incorrect Leather Placement

Reason: The leather strip is not properly positioned or secured, leading to slippage or an uneven finish.
Solution: Securely fasten the leather at the beginning and end, ensuring it's consistently centered throughout.

3. Knots Too Tight or Too Loose

Reason: Overly tight knots can make the bracelet difficult to adjust; overly loose knots result in a fragile or messy bracelet.
Solution: Practice tying consistent knots, aiming for a secure yet slightly flexible bracelet.

FAQs

What type of leather cord is best for this project?
A round leather cord, approximately 2-3mm in width, works best. Avoid anything too thick or stiff, as it can make working with the embroidery floss more difficult. Genuine leather is preferable for durability, but faux leather can also be used.
Can I use different types of embroidery floss?
Absolutely! Experiment with different colors and textures of embroidery floss to personalize your bracelet. Six-strand embroidery floss is ideal, but you can also use thinner floss if you prefer a more delicate look. Just be sure to adjust your knotting accordingly.