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Easy Friendship Bracelet Patterns for Beginners

Friendship bracelets have been a cherished craft for decades, symbolising the connection and affection we share with our friends. Creating these colourful bands not only allows you to express your creativity but also provides a wonderful opportunity to cultivate a meaningful bond with someone special. If you’re new to bracelet-making, there’s no need to worry. This article will guide you through some easy friendship bracelet patterns that are perfect for beginners.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the patterns, let’s gather the necessary materials:

• Embroidery thread: Choose your favourite colours; typically, 4 to 6 different shades work well.
• Scissors: To cut the thread to the desired lengths.
• Tape or a clipboard: To secure your work while you braid and knot.
• Measuring tape: To ensure the correct length of your threads.

Basic Knot Techniques

Before you start on the patterns, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the basic knot used in friendship bracelets:

1. Forward Knot: This knot is created by placing the left strand over the right strand and pulling it through the loop. Repeat this for a secure knot.
2. Backward Knot: This is the opposite – the right strand goes over the left, creating a loop with the left strand, which you then pull the right strand through.

Easy Patterns to Try

1. Simple Stripes Pattern

For this pattern, you’ll need three or four different colours of thread.

• Cut 6 strands, each about 60 cm long, with two strands of each colour.
• Arrange them in the order you want them to appear.
• Begin by using the first colour to create forward knots on the subsequent strands. Continue this pattern until you reach the desired length.
• Switch colours as you go along to create nice striping.

2. Chevron Pattern

This pattern introduces a slight twist to the basic design and creates a more textured look.

• Cut 8 strands, about 60 cm long. Use two strands of four different colours.
• Arrange your strands in this order: Colour 1, Colour 2, Colour 3, Colour 4, Colour 4, Colour 3, Colour 2, Colour 1.
• Create the chevron by using forward knots on the left two strands and backward knots on the right two strands. Repeat this until you reach your desired size.

3. Classic Candy Stripe

The candy stripe is one of the simplest and most widely-known patterns, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

• Cut 6 strands of one colour and a second colour.
• Arrange the strands with 3 strands of one colour and 3 strands of another.
• Start with the leftmost strand and create forward knots over the next strand to the right. Keep repeating this for the entire length, switching the leftmost strand regularly to create a candy stripe effect.

4. Diamond Pattern

This pattern is a lovely introduction to creating shapes within your bracelet.

• Cut your threads, 8 strands total, using different colours.
• Arrange them in a chevron pattern but focus on using the forward knot method for the centre colours over subsequent colours to create a diamond shape.
• To achieve a more complex diamond look, repeat the process, gradually expanding the diamond outward with each row.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve reached your desired length, it’s time to finish your bracelet. Tie a secure knot with all strands together, leaving a bit of length for tying it onto your wrist. You might also like to braid the ends for added flair or tie a simple knot for easier fastening.

Conclusion

Friendship bracelets are a fun and engaging way to channel your creativity and show appreciation for your loved ones. With these simple patterns, anyone can craft beautiful bracelets that make for perfect gifts or accessories. So gather your threads, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the art of friendship bracelet making! Happy crafting!