How to Make a Bordered Chevron Friendship Bracelet

A simple color change makes an entirely different friendship bracelet.

There is hardly a more special way to celebrate the uniqueness of each of your closest friends than to create a one-of-a-kind gift for each one. This, along with the act of making these crafts together, is what makes friendship bracelets so wonderful. Unlike a traditional chevron bracelet, a bordered chevron uses only three colors to make the pattern while one color functions as a trim for the length of the bracelet. Attempt this bracelet style after mastering several basic designs, as it is among the more-advanced techniques.

Things You'll Need

• 4 colored strings, 60 inches
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Align the edges of all the strings and gather together. Fold strings, collectively, in half. Tie a knot 1/2 inch from the center fold to create a loop. Position the loop at the top of the bracelet as you work.

2. Divide the strings in half with one string of each color per group. Arrange both halves’ strings to mirror one another; make sure the outermost colors match, the next two strings match and so on.

3. Separate the leftmost string, String 1. Cross it over String 2, making the shape of a numeral "4," and pull the tail through the hole to make a knot. Take String 1 and cross it back over String 2, this time moving from right to left to make a backward "4" shape. Pull the tail of String 1 through the hole so that it is in its original position to the left of String 2.

4. Reverse these knots to tie String 8, the matching color to String 1, onto String 7. Tie the first knot right to left, then tie left to right. String 8 will end up on the far right where it began.

5. Cross String 2 over String 3, moving left to right, and pull the tail to secure. Repeat in the same direction to make a double knot. Tie String 2 onto String 4 with another double knot. Use same-direction double knots for the remainder of the bracelet except when working with the border: Strings 1 and 8.

6. Take String 7 and tie it onto String 6, then onto String 5. String 2 and String 7 -- both the same color -- should be at the center. Tie String 2 onto String 7, crossing right to left, to complete the first chevron. Number the strings 1 to 8 again from left to right; String 1 and String 8 will be the same color as before.

7. Continue the border on the next row. Tie String 1 left to right, then right to left. Reverse for String 8, leaving both strings where they were before you knotted them.

8. Make a chevron with the new second color. Move right with String 2, tying it onto Strings 3 and 4, and move right with String 7. Tie Strings 2 and 7 together, crossing String 2 left to right to make your knot.

9. Repeat, making border knots followed by chevrons, until the bracelet is your desired length. Gather the strings together and tie a single knot just below your last chevron to secure it. Trim any excess string, leaving about 1 inch beyond the knot. Divide the strings into two halves, then thread one half through the loop at the top. Tie the halves together with a double knot to finalize your bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• Pin or clip the top of your bracelet to a steady surface to stabilize it as you work.

References

• “Friendship Bracelets;” Laura Torres; 1996