Tutorial for Friendship Bracelets

To make friendship bracelets, there is some knowledge that is required beforehand to be able to create the bracelet. First of all, the basic knot types must be learned and memorized (see the attached video). Secondly, one should be able to make simple braids. Once this knowledge is acquired, there are endless possibilities for colours and patterns that can be made. Here is a tutorial for a simple zigzag bracelet, perfect for beginners. Happy Friendship Bracelet Making!

3 (differently coloured) embroidery strings

Scissors

Clip / Clamp

Safety Pin(s)

First, choose three colours: one for the central zigzag (light blue), one for the surrounding zigzag (purple-pink), and one for the edges (dark blue). For reference, I have included the corresponding colours used in the example. Feel free to use longer strings than mentioned below, as it is easier to make knots with much excess string. For a bracelet of this pattern, one needs 9 strings in total:

6 strings/ 80 cm each of the colour on the edge (dark blue)

2 strings/ 130 cm each of the colour surrounding the zigzag (purple-pink)

1 string/ 130 cm of the colour for the central zigzag (light blue)

Then, align all the ends and make a knot with approximately 10-15 cm to spare, as this will be required for making the braided end at a later point, as is demonstrated in the image above.

To start the bracelet, use a clip / clamp to secure the knot to a pillow or other secure base. then organize the strings as can be seen in the first image.

From Left to Right: ES1, MS1, ZS, MS2, ES2, ES3, ES4, ES5, ES6

ES= Edge String (dark blue) MS= Middle String (purple-pink) ZS= Zigzag String (light blue)

Part 1 (only at beginning):

a) Start with MS2. Do 4 Forward knots until ES5 and one forward-backward knot over ES6 (see image).

b) Use ZS. Do 3 forward knots until ES4 and one forward-backward knot over ES5.

c) Use MS1. Do 2 forward knots until ES3 and one forward-backward knot over ES4.

Part 2 (repeated throughout):

a) Use ES1 to do one forward knot until ES2, do one forward-backward knot over ES3, and do one backward knot over ES2 to return to the original position.

b) Use MS1 to do 2 backward knots until ES2 and make a backward-forward knot over ES1.

c) Use ZS to do backward knots until ES3 and make a backward-forward knot over ES2.

d) Use MS2 to do backward knots until ES4 and make a backward-forward knot over ES3.

e) Use ES6 to do one backward knot until ES5, do one backward-forward knot over ES4, and do one forward knot over ES5 to return to the original position.

f) Use MS2 to do 2 forward knots until ES5 and make a forward-backward knot over ES6.

g) Use ZS to do 2 forward knots until ES4 and make a forward-backward knot over ES5.

h) Use MS1 to do 2 forward knots until ES3 and make a forward-backward knot over ES4.

After the strings are secure and there are several rows of the pattern, undo the knot. Organize the strings into the order that they enter the knotted pattern. As there are nine strings, they can be parted into three sections, with three strings each. Then, make a (tight) braid that is approximately 8 cm long and put a knot. tighten this knot by pulling all strings individually. Then trim the excess strings using scissors, so they all have an equal length. (This step can also be done at the end.)

Continue the bracelet pattern over again, moving the zigzag pattern from side to side. If the edge string gets too short, use a backward-forward / forward-backward knot with the second inner string, to exchange the outermost string. This is optional, however, can be beneficial to use the strings of the edge colour evenly.

If a mistake is made (wrong string, wrong knot, etc.), use a safety pin to carefully undo the knot and retry. When doing this, it is important to remember that there are two loops to each knot.

To complete the bracelet, it has to be the required length, To check this, wrap the bracelet around the wrist (or ankle). The pattern should engulf the wrist almost entirely, without being pulled too tightly. Once this applies, make another braid, using three strings for each part. Use the other braid for guidance to match the length. Once there is a knot, cut the excess strings off at the same distance as the other braid.

Once all the strings are trimmed the bracelet is complete. Depending on the length it can be worn on the wrist, on the ankle or used as a bookmark. Enjoy!