How to Make an Indigo Friendship Bracelet
Using no special equipment, crafters have taken embroidery floss and a few macrame knotting techniques and turned the friendship bracelet into an iconic fashion accessory among teenagers. Friendship bracelets are handcrafted to express a personal connection and given or traded between friends. Colors and patterns are selected based upon creativity, style and relationship. Typically, the color blue represents loyalty. While the deeper color of indigo in a friendship bracelet suggests intuition, wisdom and integrity.
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Things You'll Need
- Indigo waxed cotton thread or embroidery floss
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Clipboard
- Paper
- Marker
- Epoxy
- Cord end clasp
Instructions
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Preparing the Thread
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1
Measure and cut 6 pieces of the thread into 32-inch lengths.
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2
Gather the ends of thread together evenly and tie a knot.
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3
Secure the thread to the clip board by placing the knot under the clip.
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4
Attach the piece of paper to the clip board under the threads.
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5
Spread out the pieces of thread so the threads are separated evenly.
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6
Write a number under each thread at the bottom of the paper from 1 to 6 starting on the left side. This will help you know which thread you are working with as you tie knots to make the bracelet.
Making a Row of Forward 4 Knots
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7
Gather the threads together in groups of two's. Thread numbers 1 and 2 should be close together in one grouping, threads 3 and 4 in the next group, and threads 5 and 6 in the last group.
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8
Fold thread number 1 over thread number 2 in the shape of a large number "4."
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9
Tuck thread number 1 under thread number 2 and back up through the loop.
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10
Pull up on thread number 1 and make a knot.
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11
Repeat Steps 2 through 4.
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12
Reverse places of thread number 1 and number 2. Thread number 2 should now be on the left side.
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13
Fold thread number 3 over thread number 4 in the shape of a large number "4."
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14
Tuck thread number 3 under thread number 4 and back up through the loop.
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15
Pull up on thread number 3 and make a knot.
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16
Repeat Steps 7 through 9.
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17
Reverse places of thread number 3 and number 4. Thread number 4 should now be on the left side.
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18
Fold thread number 5 over thread number 6 in the shape of a large "4" shape.
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19
Tuck thread number 5 under thread number 6 and back up through the loop.
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20
Pull up on thread number 5 and make a knot.
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21
Repeat Steps 12 through 14.
Making a Row of Backward 4 Knots
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22
Move thread number 1 and thread number 6 away from the groups.
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23
Make a new group with thread numbers 2 and 3.
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24
Make another new group with thread numbers 4 and 5.
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25
Fold thread number 3 across thread number 2 in the shape of a backward large "4" shape.
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26
Tuck thread number 3 under thread number 2 and back up through the loop.
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27
Pull up on thread number 3 and make a knot.
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28
Repeat Steps 4 through 6.
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29
Reverse places of thread number 2 and number 3. Thread number 3 should now be on the left side.
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30
Fold thread number 5 across thread number 4 in the shape of a backward large "4" shape.
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31
Tuck thread number 5 under thread number 4 and back up through the loop.
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32
Pull up on thread number 5 and make a knot.
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33
Repeat Steps 9 through 11.
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34
Reverse places of thread number 4 and number 5. Thread number 5 should now be on the left side.
Finishing the Bracelet
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35
Continue the sequence of knots alternating between a row of forward 4 knots, regrouping the threads and a row of backward 4 knots. Bring back the first and last threads before you start the row of forward 4 knots and remove them when you start the row of backward 4 knots.
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36
Tie a knot at the end of the threads.
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37
Dab the knot with the epoxy.
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38
Slide the knot into one side of the cord end clasp.
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39
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the other end of the bracelet.
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40
Set the bracelet aside and let the epoxy dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Incorporate a thread of pale blue or white to add dimension to the bracelet.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Roger Weber/Digital Vision/Getty Images
