Directions for Making Friendship Bracelets

Beads are just one of many types of materials with which you can craft friendship bracelets.

In addition to being attractive adornments, bracelets can serve as both tokens and symbols of friendship. It is not uncommon for two or more friends to wear similar or identical bracelets to signify their relationship. Worn by people of all ages and both genders, friendship bracelets are often treasured for many years, if not for a lifetime. You can create friendship bracelets in a variety of styles using an assortment of materials. Try making them as a collaborative craft project with your favorite friend, or surprise your best pal with a friendship bracelet you made in secret.

Things You'll Need

• Three colors of embroidery thread
• Scissors
• Beading thread
• Beading needle
• Assorted beads
• 2 jewelry clasps
• Metal chain
• 2 "Best Friend" charms
• Pliers
• Wire cutters

Instructions

Braided Friendship Bracelet

1. Choose embroidery thread in three colors that both you and your friend like.

2. Cut a 9-inch piece of each color of embroidery thread using scissors. Tie the three strands of embroidery thread together in a knot so they are joined at one end. Braid the three strands of embroidery thread until you reach the ends of the threads. Tie the ends of the threads in a knot.

3. Make a second, matching bracelet using the same colors of embroidery thread and the same process.

4. Wear this type of friendship bracelet by wrapping it around your wrist and tying its ends in a secure knot. Note that you can leave this friendship bracelet on in the bath or shower.

Beaded Friendship Bracelet

1. Choose beads in colors that are meaningful or attractive to you and your friend.

2. Cut an 8-inch length of beading thread with scissors. Keep in mind that some of the thread will be lost when tying knots. Modify the length according to your own wrist size as well as that of your friend.

3. Tie one end of the beading thread to the small ring on one side of a metal jewelry clasp. Poke the other end of the beading thread through the eye of a beading needle.

4. Push the beading needle through the hole in a bead. Slide the bead all the way down the thread until it meets the metal clasp. Continue to add beads until you have about 1 inch of thread left.

5. Tie the end of the beading thread to the small ring on the other side of the jewelry clasp. Make a matching bracelet using the same colors and pattern of beads.

Friendship Charm Bracelet

1. Select a pair of matching charms, such as two halves of a heart that say "Best Friends" or "Friends Forever."

2. Cut a 7-inch length of metal chain using wire cutters. Make sure the metal chain links measure at least 2 mm, so that you can attach a charm to one of the links.

3. Open the small ring on one side of a metal jewelry clasp using pliers. Hook the ring onto the end link of your length of chain. Close the ring around the link with pliers. Open the ring on the other side of the jewelry clasp with pliers. Close it around the last link at the opposite end of the length of chain using pliers.

4. Bend open the small jump ring attached to one charm with pliers. Hook the ring onto a link at the center of the chain bracelet. Close the ring over the link with pliers.

5. Create an identical metal chain bracelet using the same process. Attach the matching friendship charm to the bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• Try making a braided friendship bracelet using other materials, such as cord made of silk, hemp, or leather, all of which are available at many bead stores.

• Consider using faceted crystal beads to make beaded friendship bracelets that sparkle.

• Make friendship charm bracelets that can be lifelong keepsakes by sterling silver chain, clasps and charms. Sterling silver is a durable precious metal that will last indefinitely.

References

• "Friendship Bracelets All Grown Up"; Jo Packham, 2008.
• Craftbits.com: Jewelry Making