How to Make Bracelets Out of Thread

Bracelets made from thread, also called friendship bracelets, seem to come in and out of fashion on a regular basis. Homemade ones are typically the work of preteen and teen girls, although boys make and wear them, too. They are a cheap and relatively easy activity that can be used to fill time on a long car trip or rainy afternoon. Thread bracelets can be woven, braided or knotted in a variety of ways. One of the simplest of these methods is called the Chinese staircase or twister.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Embroidery thread (also called floss)
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Clipboard, safety pin and pillow or masking tape and cardboard

1. Cut three strands of thread into 24-inch lengths. Gather them together and tie a knot at the end of the bundle to form one end of the bracelet. Leave about a 2-inch tail.

2. Secure the knotted end of the threads to another surface. You can use a clipboard, safety pin and pillow or masking tape and cardboard--whatever you have on hand that will hold onto the end for you.

3. Separate the first strand of thread you are going to use from the other two. Hold that thread in one hand, the rest in your other hand.

4. Make a backwards "4" by laying the working strand underneath and perpendicular to the others.

5. Pick up the end of the working strand, pull it through the open part of the "4" and pull tight, forming a knot around the nonworking strands of yarn.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you have made 10 to 20 knots with the same strand of thread. Switch to another strand and move the strand you were working with back to the bundle.

7. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 until you have reached the desired length for your bracelet. Tie a knot in the end, leaving approximately a 2-inch tail.

8. Remove from the clipboard or whatever device you were using to secure your work.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use more than three strands of thread if you want a thicker bracelet or one with more colors. Select colors around a theme, such as patriotism (red, white and blue) or school colors.
• Exercise caution when using scissors.

References

• The Frugal Cafe
• Women's Institute