How to Braid Friendship Bracelets: The Easy Way

Updated at: 31/03/2025

Friendship bracelets, those vibrant symbols of connection and shared memories, are surprisingly simple to make! For years, these colorful threads have been woven into lasting tokens of friendship, exchanged between loved ones and worn as cherished keepsakes. Forget complicated knots and frustrating patterns; this guide will show you how to create beautiful, eye-catching bracelets with ease, perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. No special tools or advanced skills are required – just a few strands of embroidery floss and a little patience.

Forget those intimidating online tutorials! We’re breaking down the process into easily digestible steps, using a straightforward method that will have you confidently braiding your own bracelets in no time. This simple technique allows for endless customization, letting you experiment with different colors and patterns to express your unique style. Ready to get started and create your own personalized piece of friendship? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Embroidery floss (3 colors, 3 strands each)
  • Cardboard
  • Tape
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise young children when braiding to prevent accidental strangulation or entanglement with the string.
  • Use clean, smooth embroidery floss or other appropriate braiding materials to avoid skin irritation. Avoid using materials with sharp edges.
  • If you experience any hand or wrist discomfort during braiding, stop and rest. Take breaks to prevent strain.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strings

    • Knot three strands of each color together at the top.
    • Create a slit at the top and bottom of a piece of cardboard. Thread the knotted strings through the top slit and tape the cardboard to a surface.
    • Separate the colors into groups (e.g., all purples together for a thicker bracelet).
    Separate the colors into groups (e.g., all purples together for a thicker bracelet).Separate the colors into groups (e.g., all purples together for a thicker bracelet).Separate the colors into groups (e.g., all purples together for a thicker bracelet).
    Prepare the Strings

  2. Begin Braiding

    • Treat each group of strands as one string. Take the first strand (e.g., purple) and bring it over the top, crisscrossing the next strand (e.g., yellow) on top of it.
    Treat each group of strands as one string. Take the first strand (e.g., purple) and bring it over the top, crisscrossing the next strand (e.g., yellow) on top of it.
    Begin Braiding

  3. Continue the Braid

    • outer strand over the center, next outer strand over the new center, repeat.
    • Repeat step 5 until the bracelet is long enough for your wrist.
    Repeat step 5 until the bracelet is long enough for your wrist.Repeat step 5 until the bracelet is long enough for your wrist.
    Continue the Braid

  4. Finish the Bracelet

    • Knot the ends of the braid together the same way you did at the beginning.
    Knot the ends of the braid together the same way you did at the beginning.
    Finish the Bracelet

Read more: DIY Crystal Bracelet: Easy Square Knot Tutorial

Tips

  • Use multiples of the same color for a thicker bracelet.
  • Add more strings to each color for an even thicker bracelet.
  • Braiding friendship bracelets is very similar to braiding hair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Tension

Reason: Pulling too tightly on some strands and too loosely on others creates an uneven, bumpy bracelet.
Solution: Maintain consistent, gentle tension on all strands throughout the braiding process.

2. Incorrectly Adding New Strands

Reason: Adding new strands without properly incorporating them into the existing braid leads to loose or tangled sections.
Solution: Carefully weave new strands into the existing pattern, ensuring they are securely integrated.

3. Forgetting the Finishing Knot

Reason: Leaving the ends loose means your bracelet will easily unravel.
Solution: Securely tie a strong knot at the end and trim the excess thread.

FAQs

What type of thread is best for friendship bracelets?
Embroidery floss is the most popular choice because it's readily available, comes in a wide variety of colors, and is durable enough to withstand daily wear. Waxed floss can also be used, but it can be a bit more difficult to work with for beginners.
How do I tie off my friendship bracelet once it's finished?
There are several ways, but a simple and secure method is to tie a square knot (using all threads) several times, then trim the excess ends close to the knot. You can also add a small loop to allow for easy on and off.
What if I make a mistake while braiding? Can I fix it?
Don't worry, mistakes happen! With embroidery floss, you can usually carefully unbraid a few rows to correct your error. If it's a major mistake, you might need to start over, but that's part of the learning process!