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Honestly WTF

DIY Friendship Bracelet

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For several months now, we’ve been receiving emails requesting a friendship bracelet DIY. Well, friends, ask and you shall receive! Today, we’ll give you a step by step tutorial on the classic chevron pattern. If you used to whip up friendship bracelets like a champ in grade school and have since forgotten how, consider this a refresher course. And if you can make these with your eyes closed and arms tied . . . umm, can we still be friends?

You’ll need:

  • embroidery thread
  • a safety pin or tape
  • a pair of scissors

Start by cutting several strands of embroidery thread at about 24 inches each. Make sure there are two sets of each color. Combine the threads and tie a knot, leaving at least 3 inches of slack. Tape it to a flat surface or safety pin it to a pillow. Separate the two sets, arranging the strands in a mirror-image pattern with the outside strands the same color and so on moving inwards.

Start on the left side with the outermost color (shown here in red) and make a forward knot by creating a 4-shape over the 2nd color, loop it under and back through the opening.

Pull up and to the right to tighten. Make the same knot twice over each color. Continue knotting over each color, towards the right, until the outermost color has carried over to the middle. This is one half of the chevron pattern.

Now pick up the outermost color on the right side (show here in red) and make a backward knot, creating a reverse 4-shape over the 2nd color, loop it under and back through the opening. Pull up and to the left to tighten. Don’t forget to knot twice over each color!

Continue knotting towards the left until the outermost strand reaches the middle. Tie a backwards knot with the two middle strands to connect the two halves. Did you remember to knot twice? The first chevron row is complete! Continue with the the next color, which is now the outermost strand . . .

Remembering the color order is important for the first few rows but after the 3rd or 4th row, the strands will fall nicely in place. Finish it with a knot and a braid.

For a striped bracelet, cut one set of colors and simply carry the outermost color all the way through to the right side. For an assymetrical chevron, mix the colors when dividing them into 2 sets. Be sure to count the number of strands so you know when to stop in the middle each time. For an embellished bracelet, take a small piece of rhinestone chain, glue it to the top of the bracelet and stitch embroidery thread between each rhinestone with an embroidery needle.

A wrist full of HonestlyWTF DIYs to keep you busy all summer long!

(top image via Jak & Jil, rest of images by Honestly…WTF)

765 Comments

  2. Kirsten    June 6, 2011

    I love making these – it’s so theraputic and fun. Love the colors you chose!

  4. Ale.    June 6, 2011

    Wow, it seems like such an easy DIY! I’m definitely going to try it out this week!

    xx,
    Ale.

  8. VanC    June 6, 2011

    Nostalgic!! Recalling carefree days of my youth making bracelets to sell to classmates. I love the idea of attaching the rhinestones for a “grown-up” update. Thank you for the tutorial reminder, going out to get some embroidery thread asap.
    http://www.theclotheswewear.com
    Wearing motherhood with style.

  11. Nomadic D    June 6, 2011

    Ha! So funny! Because yes of course, I did used to whip these up like a champ back in the day, and yes, just the other day I was trying to remember how the hell I did it! Perfect timing. And the rhinestone additions are great. I love that last photo too, with all the friendship bracelets and the rope bracelet and the braided nut bracelet…. you’re not kidding about giving us enough stuff to do to keep us busy all summer! I think maybe I’ll make one tonight!

    http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/

  17. Betty    June 7, 2011

    I just bought my daughter a pack of thread on Sunday for us to make bracelets for her besties in school. She’s gonna give them out next week. It’s nice to see some things from my childhood that will always be time less.

  21. lauren    June 7, 2011

    OH MY GOSH

    i LOVE LOVE LOVE!

    and perfect timing!
    i just moved into my new art studio and wanted to have a little DIY party for my girl friends and I before I got busy in there, and I really wanted to make friendship bracelets, that we all could exchange after!
    i LOVE the ones with the extra fancy touch!

    question…
    how long do you think it took you to make the one?

    you guys rock!
    xo-L
    http://www.thesphinxandthemilkyway.com
    http://www.spencer-studio.com

  25. Mortira    June 7, 2011

    My sister and I used to spend hours making these together. Great memories! Micro-macrame is such a fun medium.

  26. Danielle    June 7, 2011

    Omg I’ve been looking for a source for rhinestone chain for months and never even thought of Amazon. Thank you so much!!!

  27. Lia    June 7, 2011

    These are great! Such a helpful tutorial as well. Great job ladies!
    xoxo
    Lia

  28. Carmen    June 7, 2011

    HA! I was totally trying to remember how we made these too. I had them on my ankles and wrists the entire time I was middle school. I want to try to make those as belts. I think that we used to call them Guatemalan belts… I’m totally doing it!

  29. AlbeeLucky    June 7, 2011

    Great tutorial, I love the idea of rhinestones on friendship bracelets. <3 the DIY's, keep them coming :)

    xo-AlbeeLucky.blogspot.com

  30. Amelia    June 7, 2011

    OMG! I’m so excited about this tutorial, I’ve been looking EVERYWHERE for one!

  31. Lindsay @ A Walk in the Closet    June 7, 2011

    Thanks for reminding me of these pretty bracelets! I used to have both arms full of them in elementary school and have totally forgotten about them since!

    Think I’m going to pick up some string on the weekend and get back into it. :)

  32. twentyeight    June 7, 2011

    these totally bring back memories – I used to make these by the dozens and have been thinking about them and in need of a refresher course.. so THANK YOU for sharing, great way to add a pop of color to just about any outfit.

  34. Brandy    June 7, 2011

    YUM! I am totally digging out my dmc threads and making a friendship bracelet. I haven’t done that in years!

  35. mydesignnow    June 7, 2011

    when i was child i used to make the bracelet like this:) i really forget about them, but maybe its time to make it again:) i really enjoy it!

  39. sharonlei    June 7, 2011

    I’ve been making tons of these! :) super duper fun and def reminds me of childhood.. simpler times, right? I gotta go make more now!! And with the bling, of course.

    xx Love & Aloha

  41. chelsea    June 7, 2011

    thank you for sharing! i can’t wait to get off work and go buy some supplies!!!
    chelsealynla.blogspot.com

  42. Cata    June 7, 2011

    Great tutorial!! I used to made that kind of bracelets all the time!!

    Does anyone know where can I buy tiny beads like the ones Nikki B (http://shop.nikki-b.com/) uses????, they are smaller thant the usual beads, and I love them, but haven’t been able to find them :(

  44. Eva    June 7, 2011

    Hopefully you would upload a video too… i couldnt make it, hope the second time…

  45. Eva    June 7, 2011

    as i see im the only one who couldnt make it :(
    i’d like to see it like a necklace…

  50. Samantha    June 7, 2011

    I have 3 daughters (6 and under) and we have been making these (well the 6 yr olds). The 3 yr old is sufficient at tying lots of knots. None of the bracelets are very polished looking, but it keeps them all very busy! :-)

  54. jamie    June 7, 2011

    I used to make the straight line ones when I was younger and they would always coil up on me.

  55. Christy    June 7, 2011

    Jamie, me too! I have never managed to make a friendship bracelet that didn’t end up coiling on itself. Anyone have any suggestions?

  56. Erica    June 7, 2011

    @Lauren, it really just depends on the pattern, width and length. I can make a thin one in about 20 minutes but the thicker chevron ones were made while watching a full length movie, taking some breaks throughout ;)

    @Jaime @Christy the reason why it coils is because you didn’t knot twice each time! give it another try!

    And yes, we’ve gotten lots of requests to do a video . . . stay tuned!! We’re so glad ya’ll loved this DIY. Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with us!

    xx

  57. Debra    June 7, 2011

    I remember making these all the time when I was a kid. And a few years ago, a friend made me one. Nice to see these are coming back in again.

  58. jami    June 7, 2011

    wait until the boys see this! i think this was after my generation. i always make the babysitters help them. i am totally going to learn now! you are awesome!!!

  59. R    June 7, 2011

    loving the DIY tutorials!
    i absolutely love the rhinestone addition. can you give instructions on how to make that one?

  60. Mary    June 7, 2011

    I used to make bracelets just like this all the time when I was 10 or 11. Love them!!! :)

  61. Jamie    June 8, 2011

    I also used to make these all the time in grade school, during recess, but we always safety-pinned the working bracelet to our knee. Thank you for the chevron tutorial, that’s a new one for me and now I have to try it! = )

  62. salima    June 8, 2011

    Heyyy ! I can’t believe it !! I’ve been asking you for this for some time so I’m just sooooo happy to see your tutorial of today !! Sooooo it’s my turn !! THANXXXXX !! Will send you pics when finished !! xoxox

    http://blogmoodeuse.blogspot.com

  63. Katy Lunsford    June 8, 2011

    Thank you so much for this tutorial!
    Are you going to have a newsletter, I’d like to receive your posts via email.
    All the Best, Katy

  64. K    June 8, 2011

    Is there a DIY for the braided bolts one? in the bottom pic

  67. Jessi    June 8, 2011

    Great tutorial! Can’t wait to make one of these bracelets and pair it with my DIY hex nut bracelet:) Thanks!

  68. Fashion Urbia    June 8, 2011

    I keep seeing friendship bracelets for sale at many online boutiques and say I used to make these back when I was younger and should do so again. Not only are they fun to make but they are so much less expensive to so so AND I can pick my colors. Off to Michael’s this weekend to pick up some string.

  71. ana    June 9, 2011

    hello, How do you put the strass in to the bracelet?
    thanks
    ana

  72. Linaho    June 9, 2011

    This is The Trend! I was looking to buy one, but freida and neille is expensive as hell for basically nothing, doloris petunia is about the same (but prettier), and I also saw nice stuff at http://www.nice-cute.com which is more affordable. Thank you for instructions!

  73. Bridget    June 9, 2011

    Hi there! This was such a fantastic post that I got inspired and started whipping up my own friendship bracelets. But I have a conundrum- in your second to last photo, the second bracelet up from the bottom looks like an inverted chevron made with ten colors, but is only ten knots wide. I’ve been working on it, and have come up with ten colors on each side, which is 20 knots wide, and five different colors on each side, but then only five colors show up on each half.

    This is sort of confusing, but if you could help solve my problem I would be so grateful!
    Thanks,
    Bridget

  75. Erica    June 9, 2011

    @Bridget. The 2nd bracelet from the bottom was made with 10 threads total – 10 colors. Don’t cut 2 sets of each color. So separate the sets into 5 and 5; and knot like a normal chevron, remembering to count 5 knots in each time. Hope that helps!!

  76. Sherri    June 9, 2011

    wow! i totally remember making these when i was a kid. thanks for the reminder. i can’t wait to teach my daughter.

  77. Lucianne    June 10, 2011

    Oh my! do you really call these a DIY ? I’ve been making them since 10 and know some kids who knew how to make these in kindergarden !

  78. Juli    June 10, 2011

    How do you make the bracelet thicker – width wise? Mine is very thin. It’s pretty, but I like the look of the wider bracelets in the picture above.

  81. Hannelore    June 10, 2011

    It’s been so long since I’ve made one of these! I doubt I would have the patience to do it again, but it looks so damn good so maybe I should try it? great post!

  82. anna    June 10, 2011

    how do you attach the rhinestones? LOVE this, absolutely so gorgeous and summery and colorful. thanks!

  83. Eva    June 10, 2011

    oh god! i’ve been making them at school.. like 17 years ago. Looks like I might take it up again :)

  90. Elizabeth    June 11, 2011

    Wow!!! I made these right away when i first went on this page! I made one for my friend because it was her birthday, I can’t wait to see her when she see’s the beautiful colors and design! Now my sister and my friends want me to make them one. Looks like I’ll be staying home all weekend making these creative and cute bracelets!

  92. sarah    June 12, 2011

    o m g. it’s so cool! but it’s really hard too. it just doesn’t work out when i try it.

  93. jonahliza    June 13, 2011

    uhm, this is freakin awesome..just “pinned” this to me pinterest! i wanna make you one. thank you <3 have a nice week.

  94. Bentjuhh    June 13, 2011

    I have absolutely nothing to do on this boring day.
    But then I got a message through this site hyves ..
    I’m going to start immediately!
    xx
    Ps Thanks!

  96. ShelbyRad    June 13, 2011

    FINALLY! I’ve always done the bracelets that are just one knot around all the other strings. b/c i never understood instructions for the chevron type. I just made one though and its PERFECT! and super cute! though adjusting to do the backwards 3 was a little bit difficult but i got it really quick!

  100. ken    June 14, 2011

    only guy to post here w.t.f.as a guy i would suggest making a little longer
    so you can wear as a choker,with maybe a small cameo in the center??
    very sexy!

  102. Louise    June 15, 2011

    Thanks for sharing this is brilliant – they really remind me of high school! :) I can’t wait to start making some! Thanks Again! :)

  104. Renee    June 15, 2011

    oh thanks, now that’s one MORE craft I can do !!!!! LOL

  105. Nina C    June 15, 2011

    Thanks for the tip:) Used to make them,but I were not so good. Maybe I should try again:)

  107. penny    June 15, 2011

    what does it mean by backward knot first before making the 4?

  108. S    June 15, 2011

    could u use yarn,? and 4 the stripe pattern do u use only one strand to make all the knots?

  109. Erica    June 15, 2011

    @Penny, the backward knot is just a backwards “forward knot”. I use the 4 as a way to show you the way its supposed to look before tying it into a knot. With the backward knot, it should look like a backwards 4 before looping the active thread over and under.
    @S, you can definitely use yarn! with the striped pattern, you are always just using the far left strand to make the knots all the way across the other colors. once that color is carried over, use the far left strand to start the another row of a different color.
    Hope that helps!

  110. Caroline    June 15, 2011

    Thanks for this!!! I’ve always wanted to know how to make that kind. I can only make the straight slanted line ones. I’m going to have my students make these at English summer camp!!!!

  113. Kristi    June 18, 2011

    Your instructions are very hard to follow, and I’ve been unsuccesful.

  114. Thi Hoa    June 19, 2011

    I loved the third from the bottom!

    I never used to make these when I was younger. I would be perfect to make many this summer, but I have no chance to learn this :(

  116. Katie    June 20, 2011

    ye…yeeeaaaaa…….YEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! I love the chevron ones where the colours don’t match up either side. Thank for a great tutorial and stunningly gorgeous colourful photographs :) Just discovered your blog through Elsie’s list on A Beautiful Mess. I’m loving your DIY tutorials, particularly the woven bracelet one, and Shibori tie dye (going to tie dye EVERYTHING right now!) I wrote about them on my blog. If you wish, have a peek here:

    http://jesuisunemonstre.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-thing-16-new-blogs-i-love.html

    Keep up the great work, I love it!

    Katie. xxx

  117. vivian    June 21, 2011

    the bracelets are beautiful! I really love the colours you used! If it isn’t a hassle, could you please tell me the numbers of the colours used.

  118. farah    June 21, 2011

    Nice tutorial!! How do you make the bracelets different widths?? Thanks!

  119. HAWKlNS1    June 22, 2011

    wow I love how to make jewelry and Thank you so much foe sharing

  125. Van C.    June 27, 2011

    Yeah! I finally got around to completing my first go around with the friendship bracelet. Only I did an instantly-gratifying pattern/style in earth tones. Will be making more to stack! Next, I’ll try the friendship necklace tutorial that you also posted… THANKS for the inspiration!
    Van // The Clothes We Wear
    Wearing motherhood with style.

  126. Julieta V    June 28, 2011

    What a great tutorial!! I just finished my first bracelet, it was so easy to follow your instructions!!! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, i’m gonna make one with rhinestones!!

  128. Alef Bet Jewelry    June 29, 2011

    I so remember sitting in drivers ed class and making these! I will send this blog to my daughter and get her working!!! Love it!

  130. feng    July 1, 2011

    I loved the 4th from the bottom!
    I never used to make these when I was younger. I would be perfect to make many this summer, but I have no chance to learn this

  132. emily    July 5, 2011

    Directions aren’t too clear. Make sure to remind everyone to use the same color string while doing knots with each other string.

  133. Susan    July 6, 2011

    Thanks for the reminder of how to make these cute, fun bracelets! I remember we used to do this to keep the threads straight: Take a narrow piece of cardboard, cut a small slit in the middle of the top, and slits along the bottom, to put the threads in; this keeps the bracelet stretched out and the threads in order.
    I will have to try making one with the rhinestones, or maybe I will add some beads, I have lots of beads. All kinds of possibilities!

  134. teri    July 6, 2011

    Cute and simple DIY bracelets for anyone with a little motivation to try something new. I already have the supplies on hand and will be giving this a try for summer fun with my daughter. I’ve featured this in an article about ‘discovering beading basics’ . http://www.squidoo.com/basicbeading

    Thanks for sharing.

  135. Aaria    July 7, 2011

    Hnmmn…interesting and easy.. :) I know what i’ll be giving all my friends soon.. thanks alot for sharing.. :) they are very pretty friendship bracelet <3

  136. sarah    July 9, 2011

    SO excited to do this! Super summery and something fun to do while sitting in the sun. Thanks for sharing!!

  138. Jacquelyn Jae    July 11, 2011

    This is awesome! I searched the whole frickin internet and i finally found something good!!! Thanks you soo much!!!!!

  141. DEW    July 14, 2011

    Can sumbody please explain how to attach the rhinestones?

  142. Motivation    July 16, 2011

    Friendship Bands are great way to start, I remember when I received one form a very goof Friend of mine and when I gave one to me dear Friend. It’s so exciting !

  143. justanotherlisa    July 16, 2011

    I’ve been whipping these up like nobodies business!

    Great, easy to follow tutorials, thanks <3

  146. Jade    July 19, 2011

    Hello Hello!

    My name is Jade AKA Miss Apple Tree. I’ve been following your blog and I love it. I have started my own blog called and been working really hard at it, and I love it. My page is called ‘Apple Tree’. It’s gone from 0 – 1000 views in a matter of days, but I’d love your help to spread it further!!

    Apple Tree is a place where you can gaze at gorgeous photos, get tips on super cute vintage fashion for men, women and kidlets. and to check out my art, photography and videos.

    I’d love to link to your page some how, maybe a give away or something?

    Please take a quick squiz at ‘Apple Tree’ and let me know the verdict!

    Love Jade

    http://theappletree11.blogspot.com/

    email: jadevansanten@hotmail.com

  147. Riley    July 19, 2011

    I was trying to figure out how to add the rhinestones by looking at the pictures but couldn’t figure it out. HOw do you do it?

  148. Ting    July 19, 2011

    OMG – I must make some of these immediately!!! Thanks for the tute!

  149. Erica    July 19, 2011

    @Riley, the rhinestones used were already sewn on a piece of trim so it was just laid on the top of the friendship bracelet and stitched on with a needle and thread. you can also find rhinestone chain here.

  151. julie    July 21, 2011

    can someone tell me or give me ideas as to how to join the two ends together? i always make friendship bracelets but have no idea how to make them into a bracelet and always end up using them as bookmarks :(

  153. Erica    July 21, 2011

    @Julie, friendship bracelets are generally just tied together with a double knot. if you want to be able to take it on and off, I’d recommend buying 2 crimp beads and a toggle clasp. Crimp the threads around each side of the toggle with a pair of pliers. Hope that helps! xx

  154. Sara    July 22, 2011

    Can anyone translate this tutorial in Spanish? Please!

    Thanks :D

  155. julie    July 22, 2011

    thanks Erica! Could you give me a link to an image of “crimp beads” and “toggle clasp”? Are there any other ways to tie the ends together to make sure i can take them on and off? also, for the start of the friendship bracelet, what should i do to make sure there’s a loop so that i can attach a hook on it? usually it’s all loose ends (as in the pics in the post)! Thanks

  156. Jessica    July 23, 2011

    How did you do the fourth one? :O Meaning, the mixed colors!

  158. Emily    July 25, 2011

    Oh my gosh! I found this link on tumblr, and thank you so much! I couldn’t do the chevron pattern for weeks! I could only do the candy stripe. This made so much sense and I can do it now! :D

  159. allison    July 25, 2011

    I keep looking at the 4th one too, and I can’t figure out how the purple pink purple (and the orange red orange) goes from side to side either!

  160. Erica    July 25, 2011

    @allison, the alternating chevron is started as normal with 2 strands of each color. then split the strands into 2 groups randomly. start knotting as you would normally. the random order of the strands will give you the alternating pattern. hope that helps!

  161. allison    July 26, 2011

    @Erica, thanks, but I did use 2 groups of strands in a different order, but I ended up with one order on one side of the chevron and the other order on the other side. If you look at the photo, you see that each side of the chevron has 5 strands, but the pattern that repeats is a 10 color pattern, magic!

    I was thinking that in this photo one side of the chevron is white, magenta, orange, red, orange, and the other side is white, purple, magenta, purple, red. How did she get all of the colors on both sides though?

    Or, am I thinking too hard?

  170. kim schmidt    July 30, 2011

    These bring me WAY back to my camp days! It seems like us counselors made these all day every day during the summer!

  173. Vanessa    August 2, 2011

    I think I just found something to do with my last couple weeks of summer vacation. :) Thanks so much for this, I love it already.

  174. L.K    August 3, 2011

    This is so cool!!!! I’ve tried it and I have made one for my best friend and I. Do you have anymore DIY friendship bracelets that you can share?

  175. Julie    August 6, 2011

    My bracelet turned out great! At first I didn’t understand it but then I did and I finished it, and now it looks really pretty(: thank you for the tutorial :) )

  177. Lucy B    August 7, 2011

    This is a great tutorial (refresher). Back in grade school, when I made these all the time, I would pin the top knot to my sock, then cross my foot over my knee. If I wasn’t done, then I just wrapped the end around my ankle and went on my way. Can’t wait to get back into grade school mode, and make some bracelets! Thanks.

  178. :) smile    August 8, 2011

    Love these bracelets!!! I’m making one right now. It seems really hard at first, but then you get into it. Thanks!

  180. melish    August 16, 2011

    I love making fiendship bracelets.. I loved making them when I was a kid – loved giving them to my friends and seeing them wear it! I think I should be making more… thanks for reminding me!

  182. anacleta    August 21, 2011

    Hello, do you mind if I share this tutorial with my Spanish readers? Of course I would make reference to your blog and say the pictures and the tutorial are yours.
    Best regards.

  183. Katie B    August 22, 2011

    This is really great. I’ve been looking for something to do on the train during my commute to school. This will be fun!

  185. Adelaide M    August 30, 2011

    thi is really cool stuff
    by the end of te page i had made 20

  190. kasturi    September 9, 2011

    i finally understand the basic concept, cant wait to try this out! thanks

  192. GoofyGooberLovee    September 11, 2011

    yay (: thanks 4 this!!! :D im gonna make these friendship bracelets right now (: <3

  194. hanouney    September 18, 2011

    i love these and tried to make one but it turned out twisted…any advice??

  196. Catita    September 24, 2011

    thanks a lot! I’ve been wanting to try it and although it wasn’t such a success, it was my first and I will make it better next time!
    I think it was twisted since I tied them together before hand and the best is to stick them to the tape so that they are flat and wont twist!

  197. Chelsea    September 27, 2011

    What a great bracelet! My sister is 12 and she loves arts and crafts. I also have friends that babysit and this is something you see but never learn how to do! I will have to pass this on as an activity to do!! Thanks for sharing this. It looks like it definitely takes some practice.

  200. Zoe    October 2, 2011

    Thanks! Any idea how to taper the bracelets…say, to make a ring that’s fatter in the front than in the back?

  201. nico.    October 2, 2011

    i have recently become
    a) obsessed with this site
    b) obsessed with making these darling little bracelets.
    thanks for bringing me back to ‘back in the day’ with a nice little update.

  202. Janet    October 5, 2011

    Love these bracelets but not sure how well I will do makin’ them since this is the first time ever seein’ how it is actually done. Although I generally learn better with hands on, but I will give it a try!

  208. Rachel    October 17, 2011

    I have always struggled with how to do the chevron patterned bracelets. Thank you for this easy step-by-step instruction! I can’t wait to try it :)

  210. KHADRA    October 29, 2011

    WOW I LIKE IT I AM VERY SMALL I AM NINE YEARS OLD I AM NOT KIDDING I REALLY LOVE YOUR WORK IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL BARACELET KEEP DOING MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  213. sabrina    November 28, 2011

    OMG!i love the way you did that i think that idea is so cool but i don’t think i could ever get it i tried so many times and it didn’t come out as great oh well keep trying.practice makes perfect but not with this lol.

  218. Kimmie    December 15, 2011

    I’ve been looking for a pattern for friendship bracelets for a while now. Thank you.

  219. Leanne    December 19, 2011

    Thank you so much for the amazing tutorial!! I just wanted to let you know that I have included it in my last gift guide for this year: http://prairiesque.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/gift-guide-no-6-last-minute-do-it-yourself/
    I apologize for the very spammy nature of this comment, hehe…but it seemed like the best way to get in touch! Also, there are other tutorials featured in this guide, so perhaps whoever sees this will also discover some new skills!
    xoxo,
    Leanne

  220. Gabby    December 29, 2011

    When “Continue knotting towards the left until the outermost strand reaches the middle. Tie a backwards knot with the two middle strands to connect the two halves.” Is this know supposed to be knotted twice too?

  222. amy rouse    January 2, 2012

    suggestion: Instead of taping to a surface, use a clipboard. The spring clip at the top works great to hold the treads, and makes it portable!!!

  223. just angelina    January 6, 2012

    I’ve been looking for a good tutorial more than a month!! I am so happy I found this one. thanks for posting it!

  224. Sara    January 7, 2012

    Cool. :) I only ever knew how to make the single diagonal line ones. Thanks for showing me the chevron! I love the idea of braiding the tails! So pretty and feminine!
    The problem I always have is finding a clasp to fit! Because 1.) I don’t want to wear them all the time and 2.) it’s hard to tie them on for yourself. :/ I need to find the perfect clasp to fit all that string and then buy 50 of them.

  225. Sara    January 7, 2012

    never mind. figured it out. “crimp clasps,” fabric glue, jumpers. : )

  226. Nichole    January 9, 2012

    Just made one, turned out so cute and pretty. Can’t wait to make more with different color patterns! Chevron is may fav pattern, so happy I found this DYI!! :)

  227. somi    January 13, 2012

    omg i used to be SO addicted to making these. You may have awaken the addiction! :P

  230. Leon @ Macrame Project    January 19, 2012

    Wow well presented DIY macrame! Maybe you would considering writing a guest most on our macrame project blog. We are a non profit raising funds to help build children’s basic needs centers and to improve economic structure in low visibility areas of Ecuador. Please read our what is macrame post and our macrame knots post and let us know how we can improve them.

  231. Brittany    January 21, 2012

    I have been wondering forever how to make these bracelets. thank you sooo much! lol

  232. Chrissy B    January 24, 2012

    Can you please make a video tutorial? I love how you laid out the steps but I would really benefit from seeing it live as that’s just how I learn best. It would be beyond helpful as I haven’t made these since I was a little girl and I have zero recollection as to how I did it. Thanks so much :)

  233. Virginia    January 29, 2012

    I make these all the time….great stress relievers….and my 17 yo son loves to wear them….he wears like 5 or 6 on each wrist….i have a shoebox full!

  235. Emily    February 4, 2012

    Dear Whoever-
    I have been making these for a while, and I am very grateful for these
    instructions. However, I am still very confused as to how the 4th bracelet down in
    your fantastic photo is put together. Please reply-

    <3,Emily

  236. Cindi Driggers    February 11, 2012

    I love you blog! I want to make these friendship bracelets with the large gold links as half the bracelet. I saw those on Pinterest. A real classy update……any ideas on how to attach the friendship bracelet?

  237. Hazel Ra    March 1, 2012

    Tip: Attach to a hardback book with a bulldog clip

  238. Patrick    March 7, 2012

    Excellent tutorial ! Many thanks!

    These kind of friendship bracelets remind me how we made what we called “roudoudou” at school, wonderful souvenirs!

    Keep up the good work.

    Patrick

  239. Kaebra    March 10, 2012

    Oh my god I LOVE these! I have made three already :) Could you elaborate more on how to do that earthy colored on in the last picture or help me find a tutorial on it?

  245. Sarah    April 5, 2012

    The right side turns out perfect for me, however the left is a completely different story. For some reason my left side turns into a jumbled mess even though I keep the colors in order and I am knotting correctly. If anybody has an explination why and how to fix it, please respond/email me!

  246. Liz    April 8, 2012

    I made so many of these bracelets, but i forgot everything.

  247. jewelrybraceletcuff    April 9, 2012

    hi , i am a handmade artist . i made many jewelry , cuff bracelet, necklace ,cell phone cases with leather ,ropes ,alloy ,stone ,plastic .etc.
    I provide the world with my beautiful bracelet necklace jewelry that improves your day with warmth, love.
    if you want a lot .i can give you a discount or send out a bracelet gift for free . Thank you for your business.
    my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybraceletcuff

  249. Denise    April 16, 2012

    Can you tell me which colors or color numbers you used for the third and fourth bracelet? Great job!

    Many thanks
    Denise

  252. P    April 22, 2012

    Nice bracelet patterns but instructions are really hard to follow :-/

  254. LauraNyanCat WHOOOA    April 25, 2012

    OMG, thanks SO much! I knew how to do the diagonal stripey one (the one that looks like this if you cover half of it up) but now I know how to do one that’s even cooler! ZOMG!!!

  257. marilenia sourgia    April 27, 2012

    I love it!!!!!thnx!!!thnx!!!!!!it seems easy..i ll try it!!!!!

  258. Melissa    April 27, 2012

    What a great tutorial! My name is Melissa and I am the managing editor for FaveCrafts.com. I’d love to publish this project on our site. I know our readers will love it! You can email me at mconner@primecp.com for more information. Hope to hear from you soon!

  261. Natasha    April 28, 2012

    Is there a video? I can’t seem to figure it out. :(

  264. Camilla Huang sjogreen    May 5, 2012

    Cool tutorial! Gonna try 2 make 1 !! If it works cool! If it doesn’t then f**k u!

  265. Steph    May 5, 2012

    Hi there! I just finished doing Chinese Staircase wraps on my headphones and was looking for a new project and stumbled on these, they look awesome! I was wondering if you use the 6 stranded thread whole or if you separate it like for cross stitching? i separated it for my headphones into 2 strands and it was very fine and took a loooooong time!

    Thanks,
    Steph

  266. nicole    May 6, 2012

    i made it and it looks sooo professional!!! its soo good!!!!!

  268. Frances    May 9, 2012

    I used to have one of these safety pinned to my knee at all times and spend every break time at primary school making them, even had a little enterprise going for 50p a pop (we’re talking 20 years ago). I used to make really thick ones about 20 threads wide. I like the addition of the diamante.

    Thank you so much for the post and all the great comments are lovely and nostalgic to read. Can’t wait to teach my little girl how to make them

    Frances x

  269. ΛΙΤΣΑ    May 10, 2012

    HI I AM FROM GREECE AND I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS METHOD FOR QUIT SOME TIME NOW .ITS GRATE AND
    T HAVE MADE 3 BRACELETS . I WIIL MAKE MORE….THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  270. Paige    May 11, 2012

    Love this! Making these brought back so many memories of day camp when I was a kid. We’d safety pin them to our pants and then run around with them dangling all over the place.

  271. Paige    May 11, 2012

    We ended up making these with buttons on the end so we can take them on and off.

  273. Lexi boo    May 20, 2012

    Wow I have never seen something that looks so hard but so easy

  275. lexi    May 30, 2012

    i LUV, LUV LUV the bracelets i want 2 make some right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  276. Ellie    May 31, 2012

    what do it mean by “Make the same knot twice over each colour” ??
    It would be great if u can help me figure this out! :)
    Thnxxx.

  277. allan    May 31, 2012

    i think i’m an idiot…my result is terrible!!! i can’t understand what’s wrong with my bracelet…can you explain me this sentence “make a forward knot by creating a 4-shape over the 2nd color, loop it under and back through the opening”? I really need to make some bracelets….:(

  278. mary    June 1, 2012

    I used to make these in middle school back in the mid 80′s..memories came back ..thank you..I think I may make some again.

  280. Ula    June 11, 2012

    I love these! Thanks for a great tutorial. Just 1 question: do they turn around for you as well? Mine is all swirly and really not all that even. :L Maybe my cords are too thin or my knots too tight? I love yours, they’re so pretty and even and colorful, mine are just blah. :(

  281. Erica    June 11, 2012

    @Ula, it’s probably twisting because you are not knotting each color twice. good luck!!

  283. sruthyrose    June 11, 2012

    super,i want one to give to my bestfriend-niya

  285. grecja last minute    June 13, 2012

    This website online is known as a stroll-by for the entire information you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll positively uncover it.

  287. Sarah    June 15, 2012

    When ever I make these, the outsides turn into the middle, how do i fix that from happening?

  290. Emmy    June 20, 2012

    Wooow I’m deffers going to try this at home!!!!

  293. Kay    June 22, 2012

    @stevie: Currently working on a 2-color one right now~ The steps are exactly the same. The only tricky part that’s different is separating the colors evenly so that the chevron pattern comes out symmetrically (unless, of course, you want the asymmetric chevron pattern). ^-^

  294. Mathilde    June 23, 2012

    I am making this, the left side is perfect but the right side is totally a MESS!! I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong! I am follow all of your steps but still… I just do exact the same as you do!
    There are weird things coming out of the right side, the thread doesn’t lie good en is totally a big clump….
    What do I have to do?! I already started over 2 times!

  295. Mathilde    June 23, 2012

    I am making this, the left side is perfect but the right side is totally a MESS!! I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong! I am follow all of your steps but still… I just do exact the same as you do!
    There are weird things coming out of the right side, the thread doesn’t lie good en is totally a big clump….
    What do I have to do?! I already started over 2 times!

  296. Jade    June 24, 2012

    These are deceptively difficult to make! If you mess up one knot you’re screwed :( I’ll keep trying but is giving me a headache. Back in the day me and my friends just made braids so I’ve never attempted these before, they do look pretty!

  297. hannah    June 24, 2012

    I don’t understand it its hard to do and I just think there hard and I want personal help with it please

  298. Jade    June 26, 2012

    I have cracked it! I was doing it and sometimes getting a nice pattern and then it was just jumbled into random colours looking so messy and I have realised that you need to pay close attention to the knots, to slowly pull it up to the top to be sure the knot is facing with the colour you want because they can so easily twist around. Knots and thread have a mind of their own!

  299. Natasha    June 28, 2012

    OMG i love these but they take a long time and the writer could have used bette words to describe so it was very chalenging and how old r u guys cuz im 12 and 1 quarter!!!!

  301. Laura    July 3, 2012

    Hi !
    I tried to make on with four colours and I did exactly what you explained but it doesn’t make the right shape at all :( :(

  302. Taya    July 3, 2012

    Great idea!! Will try making these bracelets with my niece during this summer vacation.

  303. Valerie    July 3, 2012

    So, does the width just depend on how many different colors or thread you have?
    That’s amazing! I’ve always wanted to know how to do that!

  304. Caitlyn    July 4, 2012

    Hi! I love your DIY’s too :) Just curious how everyone connects the bracelets? Do you just tie them or do some kind of clasp or closure??

  305. Drex    July 4, 2012

    Making these are really addictive…Does anyone know where I can find a DIY for the diamond pattern?

    Also @Caitlyn, however you want to end it is personal preference, they usually are just tied off though.
    If you double the length of each string and create a loop at the end instead of just loose string you can add a button to the other end as a way to close it off.

  307. samia    July 6, 2012

    this is sooo awesom, thanks!
    thiss is so much better than the youtube turorials, i hardly understand anything on youtube. This made it soo easy for me to make a bracelet thanks a lott!!! :D

  308. Tessa    July 6, 2012

    wow, just made one easily thanks to this tutorial! i didnt have any embroidery thread so i just used wool, worked fine!

  311. cece jones    July 8, 2012

    these r sooooooooooooooooooo cute love it. i wish u would open up a buisness and sell those because i know i would buy one

  312. Linda    July 9, 2012

    I just love the idea!
    I am going to make some soon…I hope!
    Just like you said,Cece if some body makes a shop or business or some thing,I would buy 1 for sure!
    Love them!
    P.S I hope that everyone else who see`s this will enjoy it like I do!

  313. Girl.    July 9, 2012

    You should post how to make the other bracelets too. :)

  316. Aimee C    July 13, 2012

    THANKYOU! I haven’t made these in years and needed a good tutorial. I’m sharing on my blog today and crediting you! Thanks!

  317. CHESTER    July 13, 2012

    this is like the worst explanation ever. whoever wrote this didn’t write it so readers could visualize and actually understand what they were doing. the pictures dont even help. THINK ABOUT THIS WHEN DOING POSTS OF THIS KIND!

  318. Unanimous    July 17, 2012

    There are also other styles of friendship bracelets. Once you have mastered the classic ‘ Candy Stripe ‘ pattern or the diagonal stripe pattern you can try the more complicated patterns. Such as…

    You can look on YouTube under ‘Beyond Bracelets’ and there are some great beginner, intermediate, and advanced videos!

  320. michele    July 18, 2012

    This is an awesome “How To” post that I actually can make the bracelet. I don’t know anything about stitching or sewing and I’ve been trying to learn how to make different stitch or even how to make bracelets with hemp but everything I’ve read on only should a few pics and no description on how to do it. So starting a blog page has taught me that there are so many things I can learn on all these social networking sites that I don’t find even time to balance crafting and blogging. Sometimes I’m only posting on sites for an hour or two in the morning but then I find the coolest things and when I look at the time it’s almost 5pm. I haven’t figured out a plan but I craft and blog, post, list, and so on off and on each thing so that way I’m crafting and keeping my sites updated.

  321. Lizzy    July 19, 2012

    I’m I thought this one was very difficult so I didn’t do it and. I’m really bummed out idk how to do it

  322. meghan    July 20, 2012

    Great tutorial. You would be surprised at how quickly these sell at craft shows. I think it brings a sense of nostalgia to those at the events. I’ve heard quite a few stories of “how I made those as a kid”. Always my favorite when someone asks me to tie one on.

  324. waka waka    July 22, 2012

    ooo love it i want to by one how much it costsss i want it now if not i will kill yaa

  325. sue    July 22, 2012

    “Klutz” books has a great edition that has instructions for many different bracelettes. The directions are easier to follow than the ones here.

  326. Mel    July 22, 2012

    This is the best tutorial ever! thanks so much, now im in the mood for bracelet making!!!

  328. Jamie    July 24, 2012

    I tried this and it came out looking like crap you make it sound so easy I love this but mine sucked!!!

  329. Katie    July 26, 2012

    Thank you for this! Made myself a lovely chevron bracelet and planning for a couple more :-) don’t know if it is just me, but I seemed to run out of thread quite easily, so maybe make sure you’ve got a lot of excess just incase!

  332. jazz    August 1, 2012

    love it! – i tend to use my laptop when doing this i tape it to the top and hook the thread under the keys XD

  333. hannah    August 2, 2012

    I’ve always tried and tried but i didn’t work!!!!:(
    but now it does miracle!
    hannah

  335. dhivya    August 4, 2012

    i know me….. but forgot… it is useful to me….

  336. Raven    August 6, 2012

    Wow, this is really amazing! Trying it atm and it looks awesome (doing it in rainbow colours :3 )
    Thanks for posting!

  338. Chelby    August 6, 2012

    OMG loveeeeee so much.
    now can anyone thread some for me because I SUCK. (:
    Kthankkssbyyeee

  339. froggles    August 6, 2012

    OMG THEY R SO GREAT BUT CAN U MAKE EASYER ONES WITH COLOURFUL BEADS!

  340. vicky    August 8, 2012

    lovely information . I try to make them. They are beautifull

  343. sharon    August 15, 2012

    http://www.sadeesays.com has great ones ready made for great price on their website, by Gypsies and Debutantes So if you have great taste but poor execution, theres a way to go!!

  347. Brooklyn    August 25, 2012

    I love these bracelets!!! I used to make tons of them when I was a kid. I especially like the ones with the addition of the beads. :)

  348. Just keep going    August 25, 2012

    haha im 14 and i just started out in the braclet making world in this was hard at first but as i went with it i understood AND i didnt know what a backwards knot was but i do now after a search on google xD my first one was ok but now i know and ill start rolling these out like a champ in a weeks time haha

  349. susan m.J    August 25, 2012

    Tutorial is so well written I thank you for sharing with all ofus. Love to do small item as I wait in waiting rooms 1-2 times a month and now with these perfecked. Susan M. J

  351. hann    August 30, 2012

    oh my gosh…..i ALWAYS wanted to know how to make these when i was little.

    i have just made my first one in six gorgeous colours and i am so proud of it! even though it took about three hours lolz x th pic is on my blog……adulation and admiration very welcome!

    thanks for a great tutorial

    hann
    http://thisishannmade.blogspot.com/ x

  352. Rebecca Hartmann    August 30, 2012

    Hello myself and a couple of friends are doing a school based business at school. We will be having a store with little games and little items you can buy like anklets,bracelets and other type of jewlerry. It would be gladly appreciated if you could give us some stuff. Sincerly Rebecca Hartmann

  353. Marie    August 31, 2012

    I love these, made a bunch of them but they take FOREVER to make….

  354. OMGKaylaaaa    September 2, 2012

    Thissh is soooo ah-maze-ing. its so funnn to make, hahah. i Love using nEoN colors or bright colors to make them. i wear like 20 of them on one arm.(: <3
    x

  355. Takahē    September 7, 2012

    Thanks so much for this! These are the clearest instructions I’ve found yet!

  357. charlotte    September 14, 2012

    Can you maybe make a video? then it would be a little bit more easy to do :-) i would love to make them, but i don’t really understand what to do… :D

  359. Reyhan    September 16, 2012

    Thank you so much for posting this! I would have loved to have had this in 1985 as a fifth grader! Thanks again!

  360. Renty    September 18, 2012

    the colours are awesome!! mind email me back as I got something to ask you. thank you! (:

  361. Dinah    September 21, 2012

    OMG i was luking for this EVRYWHERE!!!! I totally love your DIY’s!!!!! Keep them coming!!! All the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

  364. ana    September 26, 2012

    I can’t believe this is back! I used to make these when I was in high school back in the 80′s!

  365. somthing    October 1, 2012

    u guys need to explain it better cause im very confusied and u just made me waste a ton of my string

  366. somthing    October 1, 2012

    u guys need to explain it better cause im very confusied and u just made me waste a ton of my string

  368. Kathy    October 4, 2012

    I don’t see any of your bracelets tied in a knot to connect both ends. How do you add a clasp or finish it off?

    Thank you!

  372. Olivia    October 22, 2012

    These are awesome! I used to make a lot of friendship bracelets, but I gave away a lot and the rest got lost. I’m definitly going to be making more soon! I LOVE these! Did you make them all?

  373. aryan    October 26, 2012

    Hey would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you,I appreciate it!

  377. Paula    October 30, 2012

    I love them, but I want to do a lot of them and I don’t want to do the same patterns, so maybe you can show, how to get some pretty ones that have pearls too.

  378. mogo    October 30, 2012

    It was hard for me at first but I got better at it with my moms help. Now I have a nice bracelet on my arm. I am good at making bracelets. Now I know something new. Thank you.

  381. Michelle    November 3, 2012

    How do you make them so they don’t get gross in the bath? I hate that feeling of wet fabric on my wrist.

  383. Saruta    November 10, 2012

    This is a little bit hard because I don’t know where to buy a tread in Singapore. Can someone told ne where to buy tread in Singapore?

  384. Saruta    November 11, 2012

    I agree with you GemSelect, The bracelets shold have some gemstones

  387. Jennifer    November 21, 2012

    OMG, haha, I have not made these in years, so fun to see so many people into it.

  391. Emily    December 3, 2012

    Such a great little craft. One question, how would you create the clasps for the bracelets?

  392. Sharon    December 4, 2012

    Hi, Thank goodness I found this page but only some of the pictures show up…So it’s kinda hard…could you possibly email this tutorial or even better, do you have a tutorial video? xo

  393. valentina    December 6, 2012

    does anybody know a good tutorial or the name of the seventh one down on the picture with the differrent bracelets laid out??

  394. Taylor Mabelitini    December 7, 2012

    Hey, could I use one of these pictures for a school newspaper article as long as I credit your website?

  395. Sadri    December 8, 2012

    This is really pretty but it seems a bit too complicated for me

  397. amy    December 21, 2012

    i dont understand at all. this looks good but it is confusing and i just want to curl up in a ball and cry! :(

  398. Radha    December 21, 2012

    This is great and all, but I already know how to do this. So I can’t have the satisfaction of figuring it out. Well anyway can you do a tutorial on how to do the diamonds, mushrooms, and letters? Because I tried, and I still can’t get it!!!

  399. Addie    December 23, 2012

    OMG! I totally love love these….. Thanx for da tutorial! I’m gonna be spending my whole vacation making these……<3 :)

  404. Emily    January 19, 2013

    how do u do the one were its like boxed…….they say its the easiest one

  407. YIJ    January 29, 2013

    I like your bracelet I saw your bracelet in web(your bracelet is famous in korea web) and I start make bracelet myself anyway, could you do me a favor?? what color number use you make that. DMC number…the first bracelet from the top(your post bracelet) and sixth bracelet from the top. send me email plz!

  408. Abigail    February 2, 2013

    I made so many of these and they are sooooooo much fun. Thz for the instructions.

  409. chante    February 5, 2013

    these are so cool i seriously need to try and make one a these

  410. heather    February 6, 2013

    Okay I saw a picture of a candy stripe bracelet but it also had a chevron mixed with it. Like it had a set of rows of candy stripe and a set of chevrons, and I’ve tried but I can’t find a tutorial anywhere and I just need to know how to do it, I already know how to make both a candy stripe and a chevron..

  422. Maggie    March 5, 2013

    aww this brings back so many childhood memories! of course i also remember getting frustrated when the wrong color would show up when i knotted it. i’m going to get some embroidery thread and try this again!

  423. Sara    March 17, 2013

    I thought you should know, in my quest to look at your super awesome bracelets and patterns, I stumbled across a familiar image. Another website is using one of your photos (third image where you begin to lay out the thread) to discourage people from making traditional “friendship” bracelets and encourage them to spend $35 on a tool that makes (while some are cute) for the most part, less interesting versions for lazy children. Not sure if you care about your intellectual property or have any rights to the photos, but here’s the link (0:53 into the video): http://www.dailygrommet.com/products/for-me/crafts-hobbies/loopdedoo-friendship-bracelet-tool

    I just thought it was rude, and absurd because yours are clearly more interesting, thoughtful, and just…better.

    :D

  425. alexia    April 1, 2013

    omg(: this looks so easy and cute…but its not easy lmao(: i got it started(:

  426. inès    April 4, 2013

    j’adore vos bracelets et j’aime votre techniques je crois que je ais faire votre technique a partir de maintenant j’adore votre blog

  428. Dawne    April 14, 2013

    Thanks for the tutorial! Ive looked through alot of others but this is the most clear and detailed tutorial!

  438. ishita    May 7, 2013

    thanks for explaining me in such a easy way.
    thanks………

  439. Faiza    May 9, 2013

    Wow ! its cool. I know how to make band from colorful ribbons but these are more cool bands.

  441. Girlllll    May 22, 2013

    GURRLLL! I LOVE RHESE! I’m going to camp this summer and i need something cut and easy to do!

  443. gracie    May 29, 2013

    Where do you get embroidery thread from? Is it real pricey?

  444. claire    June 2, 2013

    wowwwww ;) never thought they were that easy i wish i found this sooner :)

  446. sara    June 7, 2013

    hiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    oh i can not read the map of the friendly bracelet what can i do?

  448. Lynn Donovan    June 18, 2013

    i just bought a whole bunch of strings from the market, cost ₵10/per color
    Bogor, Indonesia

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