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Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.
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Updated on 06/15/20
Everyone loves friendship bracelets, from kids and tweens learning to make them for the first time to adults who want to craft a bit of nostalgia. And easy friendship bracelet tutorials are the place to start!
Some of these designs come together in a few minutes, while others will still take a few hours. All of them use simple techniques that you can learn, even if this is your first try. In this collection of bracelets, you'll find traditional friendship bracelets with knots, braids, and even some crochet and embroidery. Each one lets you express your style and show a friend that you care!
01 of 16
Turn T-Shirts Into Friendship Bracelets
Do you have an old t-shirt that's seen better days? Turn it into t-shirt yarn and then make this braided bracelet! Braiding is one of the easiest way to make a bracelet, but with a metal clasp and the option for a double wrap style, this upcycled project is anything but basic.
02 of 16
Braid Bracelets of All Sizes
Braiding may be the most basic way to make a friendship bracelet, but these tutorials from Purl Soho show you how many ways you really can braid. At the most basic, they teach a wide braid by holding several strands side by side, but they work you all the way up to a seven-strand braid. Not only that, but they show a great technique for starting and ending bracelets with cording.
03 of 16
Set Sail for Friendship With a Knotted Bracelet
Sailor's knot bracelets have lots of meanings, including safety and good fortune. They also have been used as gifts for sweethearts or as a symbol of friendship, which makes them perfect as a friendship bracelet! This version has a metal clasp that transforms rope into a gorgeous accessory.
04 of 16
Braid a Bracelet Inspired by a Fishtail
Using a different braiding technique that also shows up in hair braiding, this bracelet forms a v-shaped design that resembles a fishtail. The process can feel a little fishy at first, but once you catch on, it's easy and you'll be hooked!
Continue to 5 of 16 below
05 of 16
Do the Twist on a Chain Bracelet
To add some shine to your friendship bracelets, start with a metal ball chain and then let the knotting begin! As you tie the knots, they twist around and form a double helix of sorts. You can make it with one or two colors and the connector on the chain makes it easy to wear your bracelet or give it to a friend.
How to Make a Twisted Chain Bracelet from The Spruce Crafts
06 of 16
Embellish a Pre-Made Friendship Bracelet
When a basic friendship bracelet isn't enough, add some extras to make it your own! This post fro The Neon Tea Party shows you how to add charms and bling of all kinds to your bracelet, whether you made it yourself or bought one pre-made. This is also a great tutorial to pair with one of the other bracelets in this list!
5 Easy Ways to Embellish a Friendship Bracelet from The Neon Tea Party
07 of 16
Get Tied Up in Friendship Bracelet Making
Most people think of macrame as a way to make plant hangers and wall hangings, but many friendship bracelets also use macrame knots! You can make your bracelet so it twists or lays flat and it looks great made with embroidery thread or even yarn.
Friendship Bracelets Using Macrame Knots from Jennie Masterson
08 of 16
Make a Simple Two-Color Bracelet
Craft Jam has a great collection of embroidery bracelet tutorials and their half hitch design forms a fun texture while showing off two colors of thread. The knotting is easy and even kids will have success.
Continue to 9 of 16 below
09 of 16
Craft a Cute-as-a-Button Friendship Bracelet
One classic version of a friendship bracelet is a series of knots that form diagonal stripes. Amanda, from Crafts by Amanda, shows how to make this style of bracelet, and to make it easy for kids to wear and share, she makes hers with a button closure. And don't miss her tutorial for making bangle-style bracelets with old t-shirts.
10 of 16
Knot a Simple Chevron Bracelet
Working with the same type of knots as the diagonal striped bracelet, this patter makes a series of v-shaped chevrons. This bracelet is the most complex of the designs on this list, but it's still easy to learn and only takes some time. After you learn how to make this one, you will be on your way to making any kind of knotted bracelet!
How to Make a Chevron Friendship Bracelet from The Spruce Crafts
11 of 16
Make a Round Braided Bracelet With 8 Strands
Macrame School has a YouTube channel where they show all kinds of techniques for making bracelets and more. Follow their video tutorial for making a round braid with 8 strands. And while the braid shows up great with a thick cording, it would also be fun to make with embroidery threads!
12 of 16
Tie an Easy and Fashionable Bracelet
Can you believe that this fancy friendship bracelet is made with the two most basic knots in bracelet making: forward and backward knots. You can make the sections with the colors in different locations, and like several of the other bracelets in this list, it uses a metal clasp for a dressed-up feeling.
Deceptively Cool and Insanely Easy Friendship Bracelet from Moms and Crafters
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13 of 16
Stitch a Friendship Bracelet Design on Felt
Making lots and lots of knots takes time, but with this project from The Spruce Crafts contributor Mollie Johanson you can embroider a chevron design onto felt! It's perfect for those who want to show off their stitching skills while making a bracelet for your friend.
14 of 16
Take Your Friendship to the Beach
Another option for making friendship bracelets in a non-traditional way, try crochet! Soft colors of cotton yarn give these a beachy feeling, and what's more summer and friendship than that? If you haven't ever tried to crochet, this would be a fun small project to get you started.
Beach-Inspired Friendship Bracelets from Stardust Gold Crochet
15 of 16
Knot You Way Around an Easy Bracelet Tutorial
This twisted friendship bracelet uses a simple knot that forms a spiral. If you've ever seen a hair wrap, this uses the same knot, which means you can add a bit of friendship flair to your hair too!
16 of 16
Learn to Weave Bracelets on a DIY Loom
Jessica from Cutesy Crafts shows how kids can learn to make a beautifully woven corded bracelet with a cardboard circle. The method is similar to using a Japanese kumihimo disc, but you can make the disc yourself. It still takes time, but the results are amazing!
How to Make Friendship Bracelets the Easiest Way from Cutesy Crafts
Introduction
As an expert in DIY projects and crafting, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. With over 10 years of hands-on experience in embroidery, sewing, and knitting, I have a deep understanding of various crafting techniques and can guide you through the process of creating friendship bracelets.
Friendship Bracelet Tutorials
This article provides a collection of friendship bracelet tutorials that cater to different skill levels and preferences. Here's a breakdown of the concepts used in each tutorial:
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Turn T-Shirts Into Friendship Bracelets: This tutorial teaches you how to transform an old t-shirt into t-shirt yarn and use it to create a braided bracelet. The project incorporates a metal clasp and offers the option for a double wrap style.
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Braid Bracelets of All Sizes: Purl Soho's tutorial demonstrates various braiding techniques for creating friendship bracelets. They start with a wide braid using several strands side by side and progress to a seven-strand braid. The tutorial also provides a technique for starting and ending bracelets with cording.
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Set Sail for Friendship With a Knotted Bracelet: This tutorial guides you through creating a sailor's knot bracelet, which symbolizes safety, good fortune, and friendship. The bracelet features a metal clasp that transforms rope into a beautiful accessory.
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Braid a Bracelet Inspired by a Fishtail: In this tutorial, you'll learn a braiding technique that resembles a fishtail. The bracelet forms a v-shaped design and offers a unique twist on traditional braiding.
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Do the Twist on a Chain Bracelet: This tutorial uses a metal ball chain as the base for the friendship bracelet. As you tie knots, they twist around the chain, creating a double helix effect. The bracelet can be made with one or two colors, and the connector on the chain makes it easy to wear or give as a gift.
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Embellish a Pre-Made Friendship Bracelet: If you want to add extra flair to a basic friendship bracelet, this tutorial is for you. It provides ideas for adding charms and other embellishments to personalize your bracelet.
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Get Tied Up in Friendship Bracelet Making: Macrame knots are not only used for plant hangers and wall hangings but also for friendship bracelets. This tutorial shows you how to create twisted or flat bracelets using macrame knots with embroidery thread or yarn.
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Make a Simple Two-Color Bracelet: Craft Jam's tutorial introduces a half hitch design that creates a textured bracelet with two colors of thread. The knotting technique is easy to learn and suitable for all ages.
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Craft a Cute-as-a-Button Friendship Bracelet: This tutorial demonstrates how to create a friendship bracelet with diagonal stripes using a series of knots. The bracelet features a button closure, making it easy for kids to wear and share.
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Knot a Simple Chevron Bracelet: Similar to the diagonal striped bracelet, this tutorial teaches you how to make a bracelet with v-shaped chevrons. It's slightly more complex but still easy to learn. Once you master this design, you'll be able to create various knotted bracelets.
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Make a Round Braided Bracelet With 8 Strands: Macrame School's YouTube tutorial showcases a technique for making a round braid with eight strands. The tutorial suggests using thick cording but mentions that embroidery threads can also be used. [[11]]
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Tie an Easy and Fashionable Bracelet: This tutorial proves that you can create a fancy friendship bracelet using only forward and backward knots, the most basic knots in bracelet making. The bracelet can be customized with different color placements and features a metal clasp for an elegant touch. [[12]]
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Stitch a Friendship Bracelet Design on Felt: For those who enjoy embroidery, this tutorial allows you to embroider a chevron design onto felt, creating a unique friendship bracelet. It's a great way to showcase your stitching skills while making a thoughtful gift. [[13]]
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Take Your Friendship to the Beach: This tutorial offers a non-traditional approach to friendship bracelets by incorporating crochet. Using soft colors of cotton yarn, you can create beach-inspired bracelets that capture the essence of summer and friendship. [[14]]
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Knot Your Way Around an Easy Bracelet Tutorial: This twisted friendship bracelet uses a simple knot that forms a spiral pattern. It's similar to a hair wrap, allowing you to add a touch of friendship flair to your hair as well. [[15]]
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Learn to Weave Bracelets on a DIY Loom: Jessica from Cutesy Crafts provides a tutorial on creating woven corded bracelets using a cardboard circle. The method is similar to using a Japanese kumihimo disc, and the results are impressive. [[16]]
These tutorials cover a wide range of techniques and styles, allowing you to explore different methods of creating friendship bracelets. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, there's a tutorial suited to your skill level and personal preferences.
I hope this breakdown of the concepts used in the article helps you understand the different friendship bracelet tutorials and inspires you to embark on your own crafting journey. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!