How to Make an Easy Woven Friendship Bracelet for Kids

Weave a series of knots to make a simple friendship bracelet.

From Girl Scouts to summer camps, making friendship bracelets is a beloved activity for many kids. There are a wide variety of friendship bracelets that can be created; some needing an experienced hand but others are perfect for kids and beginners. The easiest woven friendship bracelet is made through a knotting technique. Up to four colors of thread can be used in the bracelet, offering endless variety in the look of the bracelets. The bracelet also ties around the wrist and easily slips on and off, so kids don’t have to worry about a clasp.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery floss
• Tape
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut four strands of embroidery floss. You can use the same color or multiple colors. Each strand should be about 24 inches long.

2. Gather the strands together so they are evenly matched. Tie the floss together in a knot at one end of the strands and leave 2 inches of string above the knot.

3. Tape the knotted end to a table or counter top. This will keep the bracelet steady while you work.

4. Pull the strands apart slightly so all four are lined up next to each other. The strand on the far left is 1, then 2, 3 and the strand furthest to the right is 4. The strings will move but whichever strand is on the left will always start as 1.

5. Loop strand 1 over strand 2 and pull the end of strand 1 through the loop. Hold strand 2 steady and pull strand 1 tight to make a knot. Repeat by looping and knotting strand 1 over strand 3 and then 4. This will create the first row of knots and what was strand 2 will become the new strand 1 since it is now on the far left.

6. Repeat step 5 until the bracelet is long enough to wrap once around the child’s wrist. The first few rows take a few minutes to get the hang of but once you get used to the weaving and knotting method, the bracelet will take about 15 minutes to finish.

7. Tie the end of the bracelet into a knot to hold the weaving together. Leave about 2 inches below the knot and cut off the remaining loose string.

8. Tie the bracelet around the child’s wrist loosely. The bracelet should be tight enough to stay on but if you make it slightly loose, the child can slip it off when desired.

9. Snip away any dangling strands and enjoy your new bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• If two or more kids are making the friendship bracelets together, use each kid’s favorite color as a thread in the bracelet to make it more personal.

References

• “Friendship Bracelets (Klutz)”; Laura Torres; 1996
• “Knot Now! The Complete Friendship Bracelet Kit (Comes with colored string)”; Margaret A. Hartelius; 2003
• “Cool Stuff Friendship Bracelets (Leisure Arts #1871)”; Leisure Arts staff; 1999