These fun braided friendship bracelets are so simple to make, and so pretty and fun to wear! Make one bracelet for yourself and one for a friend. You can even make a few friendship bracelets to stack on your wrist!
My favorite jewelry making crafts are those that are crafty and use classic craft supplies, but also include basic jewelry making skills. Since my heart friendship bracelets were popular, I decided once again to have a little fun with friendship bracelets, using something other than the typical embroidery floss. I picked up some baker’s twine in the dollar section at Target and decided that would look really cool in a friendship bracelet.
Since it already has a twisted pattern on it, it’s important to keep the design simple. A thick braid is so chic, and the baker’s twine gives it a “homey” feel. I finished it off with proper closures, so that it can be worn again, and again, and enjoyed like a piece that can be bought in an accessory store.
On one of the bracelets I had a little extra fun, and added in a big knot in the middle. The other I simply braided.
Supplies List:
(Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links are included for your convenience.)
Most of these supplies are basics that you should have in your jewelry making stash. If not, they are worth having around as they will come in handy for many projects!
- Baker’s twine in your favorite colors
- 2 Ribbon end crimps
- 3 Twisted jump rings or an inch of twisted cable chain
- Two pairs of jewelry making pliers: One chain nose, and another of your choice. (I just used my round nose and chain nose pliers.)
- A clasp that opens wide enough to fit over your jump rings or cable chain easily.
How to make braided friendship bracelets:
1. Cut six pieces of twine, about a foot in length.
2. Use a ribbon crimp end to attach your threads. Mae sure that they are all lined up neatly in the crimp end. You may want to use one slightly wider than your twines – it will be easier. Crimp it in place using chain nose pliers.
3. Split your strings into three sets of two.
4. And start braiding.
5. When you’re halfway through, if you want, you can make a double knot, just for fun.
6. Continue braiding until the bracelet is long enough to fit your wrist.
7. Trim the strings, but be careful that your braid doesn’t come apart!
8. Crimp your second half the same way you did the first. You can see that I struggled to keep my string inside the ribbon crimps, though it did work out in the end. That’s because I used ones that are too narrow. I highly recommend using a wider one, especially if this is your first time using these.
9. Attach a spring ring or lobster claw clasp to one end.
10. On the other end, you can attach a piece of cable chain, or a few pretty jump rings to make an adjustable closure. When you open jump rings, make sure to open them in a forward-backward motion, not side-to-side, so that you don’t weaken it.
Attach the first jump ring to the hole on the crimp.
Attach another one to that, and then a third one at the end, to make a three-loop “chain”.
Your bracelets are ready to wear!
I hope you enjoy these! They’re perfect to wear and to share, so make a bunch!
If you loved it, I have plenty more jewelry making crafts that are quirky and fun! Check out these cool craft ideas for teens too – I know you’ll love them!
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