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How to Make Friendship Bracelets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Friendship bracelets are a delightful way to celebrate connections with friends and loved ones. Not only do they carry sentimental value, but they are also a creative expression of individuality and style. Whether you’re looking to make a simple braided bracelet or a more intricate design, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to craft beautiful friendship bracelets.

What You Will Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Embroidery Floss: This comes in a variety of colours and is often used for making friendship bracelets. You can choose a few colours that you and your friend like.
• Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting your threads to the right length.
• Tape or Clipboards: This will help to secure your bracelet while you work on it. If you don’t have a clipboard, tape can be just as effective.
• Ruler: To measure the thread lengths accurately, though it’s not strictly necessary if you’re confident with your eye.
• Beads (optional): If you want to add some flair to your bracelet, beads can be a lovely addition.

Step 1: Choose Your Colours

Start by selecting the colours you want to use. Usually, three to five different colours work well together. Think about the favourite colours of you and your friend, or opt for shades that complement each other.

Step 2: Cut Your Threads

Once you’ve selected your colours, cut four pieces of embroidery floss, each about 60-80cm long. The length can vary depending on the wrist size; it’s better to have a little extra than not enough.

Step 3: Knot the Threads

Once you have your threads cut, tie them together in a knot about 5cm from the top. This will act as the starting point of your bracelet. Make sure the knot is secure, as it will hold the bracelet together.

Step 4: Secure the Bracelet

To make it easier to work, secure the knot by attaching it to a table with tape or clip it to a clipboard. This will give you a stable base while you braid or weave.

Step 5: Start Braiding or Weaving

Braiding

1. Separate the threads into three sections.
2. Cross the right section over the middle section.
3. Then take the left section and cross it over the new middle section.
4. Continue this process until the bracelet reaches your desired length.

Knotting

If you prefer knotting, you can follow a simple pattern:

1. Take the far-left thread and make a knot around the next thread to the right.
2. Pull it through and tighten it.
3. Move to the next thread and repeat.
4. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of the bracelet.

If you’d like to create a more complex design, consider learning the popular "ladder" or "chevron" patterns, which involve both knotting and a bit more advanced techniques.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once you’ve reached the desired length, tie a secure knot at the end of your bracelet. Leave about 5cm or so for tying it on your wrist.

If you’ve used beads, you can thread them onto the bracelet before finishing off the end. This is a great way to personalise your creation!

Step 7: Tying the Bracelet

To wear the bracelet, you can either tie the ends together in a knot or use a sliding knot for adjustability. To create a sliding knot:

1. Create two loops with the ends of the bracelet.
2. Wrap both strands around the middle section several times.
3. Pull tight, and trim any excess thread if necessary.

Conclusion

Making friendship bracelets is not only a fun and relaxing activity but also a wonderful way to show your friends how much they mean to you. With just a few supplies and some creativity, you can craft beautiful pieces that become cherished tokens of your friendship.

So gather your materials, invite a friend over, and enjoy this creative bonding experience. Happy crafting!