How to Make Flat Bracelets

Flat bracelets are easy to make using embroidery thread.

Flat bracelets, also known as candy stripe bracelets, are a common pattern for thread-based jewelry. Utilizing a variety of colored thread, the fibers are woven into a pattern similar to the stripes on a candy cane. The flat pattern is one of the most popular friendship bracelet designs, and these bracelets are easy to make at home with the right materials and a little bit of patience.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery thread
• Masking tape
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose three colors of embroidery thread. Cut your embroidery thread. Take one spool and measure and cut a 3-foot length of thread. Repeat this until you have three strands of each color, to total 9 pieces.

2. Separate your strands by color and lay them side by side on a table, grouped together by color. For instance, your strands might lay in vertical stripes in a red/red/red, blue/blue/blue and yellow/yellow/yellow pattern. Tie the strands together using an overhand knot.

3. Secure the tops of the thread to a table, book or other flat object using a small piece of masking tape. Keep all strands flat. Fan the threads out so that there are a few centimeters between each one.

4. Number the strands as 1 to 9, such that Strand 1 is the furthermost right-hand thread and Strand 9 is the furthermost left-hand thread. Starting with Strand 1, cross it over Strand 2 and then under Strand 2. Pull the string up and slightly to the left to form a knot. Using the same thread, cross it over Strand 3 and then under Strand 3 to form an identical knot. Continue until Strand 1 has formed a knot over each of the remaining 8 strands. Once you have finished, Strand 1 will fall to the far left, becoming Strand 9.

5. Repeat this process with your new Strand 1. Take the next thread (previously Strand 2) and repeat the process of knot-tying until you have formed a knot with all of the other strands, including Strand 9 (previously Strand 1).

6. Repeat this process for each strand until your bracelet is of your desired length. Tie off the bracelet with an overhand knot. Leave both ends with approximately 1 inch of loose strands.

Tips & Warnings

• Friendship bracelets are meant to be tied into knots to fasten; however, you can add a jewelry clasp if you prefer.

• To make your flat bracelets unique, add beads to the ends prior to tying the knots.

References

• HowToMakeJewelry: Friendship Bracelet Instruction
• FriendshipBraceletHowTo: Patterns