Friendship bracelet patterns: 20 cute designs (step-by-step)

Friendship bracelets are surprisingly easy and fun to make. You don’t need a lot of equipment or space to make them, either. Read on for a selection of friendship bracelet patterns to cater to everyone, whatever your level of experience.

What are friendship bracelets?#

Friendship bracelets are a yarn or thread-based handmade craft bracelet, usually given from one person to another as a sign of affection. They’re also a fun and colorful accessory.

Tools and materials needed#

You only need some basic equipment:

• A card or a board with tape

• OR push pins and a pin cushion

As well as:

• Scissors

• Embroidery wool or thread in several colors

Basic knots for string bracelet patterns:#

Knots are the key to creating friendship bracelets. Here are the basic knots to help you when following friendship bracelet patterns.

• Forward knot 

• Backward knot 

• Forward backward knot 

• Backward forward knot 

For an in-depth dive into these knots, see the how-to step-by-step friendship bracelet article.

Forward knot#

The term forward knot (or forwards knot) refers to the direction the thread travels as you secure threads together to make a bracelet. An easy way to remember what you are doing is to also think of this method as “4 knot,” because you make a number four shape with the thread over the next thread before looping it around the back and feeding through the loop. The forward knot is the easiest knot to master.

Backward knot #

The backward (or backwards knot) refers to the travel of the active thread and how you secure the knot. When using a backward knot, you’ll have the threads straight and feed the active knot under the nearest straight strand to create a loop working from right to left. Feed the active strand through the loop to make the knot and slide the knot up to the top.

Forward backward knot#

To use the forward and backward knot system for friendship bracelets, you keep the threads in their same position. The forward backward knot involves selecting the left thread and then doing a forward knot.

Remember, when using the forward knot, you always create a second knot. Whereas using the forward backward knot system, you don’t create a second knot. Instead, you follow up the forward knot with a backward knot still using the first thread.

Backward forward knot #

The backward forward knot is the same system, except you begin with the thread on the right and pass it under the next thread and pull it upwards to secure the knot, then using the same thread follow with a forward knot to complete the process.

Keep reading the step-by-step beginner guide to see how to start a friendship bracelet, and other useful tips.

Now for some friendship bracelet patterns#

These string bracelet patterns are sorted from easy to intermediate to experienced so you can better enjoy the process.

Easy friendship bracelet patterns (beginner)#

Two thread knotted friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 2 threads of different colors that match or contrast.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 75cm (2.5 ft).

2. Hold the threads together and knot them together about 8-10cm from one end.

3. Tape or pin to a board or piece of card above the knot with the thread separated so you remember which is left and which is right as you work.

4. Make a forward knot from the left and then a backward knot from the right.

5. Continue until the bracelet is the desired length.

6. Tie off to the last knot with a slip knot and make sure there is sufficient thread to tie the bracelet onto your wrist before cutting off any excess.

Spiral friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 3 threads of different colors that match or contrast.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Line them up and fold in half, so you now have 6 threads of 75cm to work with.

3. Tie a knot into a loop at the halfway point so that all threads are the same length and you’ve made 6 threads.

4. Tape or pin the loop to a board or piece of card.

5. Tie a forward knot using the first thread around all of the other threads. Continue to forward knot this thread so that you have a raised twist of approximately 1.5 – 2cm. Remember how many full forward knots you used to create the desired raised length.

6. Choose another thread color and repeat making each section the same length.

7. Use all the threads and leave sufficient loose to tie through the loop to secure to a wrist or round and ankle.

8. To finish off when finished tie a knot using three of the threads and the other three of the threads to secure the bracelet.

Striped friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 threads of different colors that match or contrast.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half to make eight 75cm (2.5ft) threads and tie a loop at the halfway point.

3. Secure the loop by your chosen method and line the thread lengths in the order you want to use them.

4. Use the left hand side thread and create a forward knot to each of the other threads in order, when you’ve tied all the strings, repeat the process with the new left hand side string.

5. Continue until all the strings are tied and you have a striped string bracelet.

6. To tie it off take half the threads in each hand and knot to secure and these two strings will secure using the loop you made at the beginning.

Braided friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 6 threads in three different colors that match or contrast.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 90cm (3 ft).

2. Line the threads up and tie a knot approximately 10cm (4”) from one end.

3. Secure the knot to your board or card.

4. Separate the threads into three groups of two, keeping matching colors together if you want distinct colored sections.

5. Take the left-hand group and cross it over the center group.

6. Take the right-hand group and cross it over the new center group.

7. Continue alternating from left to right, keeping the tension even as you work.

8. Continue until the bracelet is the desired length.

9. Secure all the threads together with a knot, leaving enough loose thread at either end to tie the bracelet onto the wrist.

Zipper friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 3 threads in different colors. One will form the center of the bracelet.

Method:

1. Cut each thread to approximately 90cm (3 ft).

2. Tie the threads together approximately 10cm (4”) from the top and secure the knot.

3. Arrange the threads with one color on the left, your center color in the middle and the third color on the right.

4. Using the left-hand thread, make a forward backward knot around the center thread. The working thread should return to the left.

5. Using the right-hand thread, make a backward forward knot around the center thread. The working thread should return to the right.

6. Continue alternating between the left and right threads.

7. Keep the center thread straight and the tension even so that the two outer colors form the appearance of zipper teeth.

8. Continue until the bracelet is the desired length.

9. Tie all three strands together and leave enough thread to fasten the bracelet.

Alternating half-hitch friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 threads in two or more different colors.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 90cm (3 ft).

2. Tie the threads together approximately 10cm (4”) from one end and secure them to your board or card.

3. Arrange the threads in the color order you want to see in the bracelet.

4. Take the left-hand thread and make a single forward half of a forward knot around the thread beside it.

5. Move the working thread to the next strand and repeat.

6. Continue across all the threads from left to right.

7. Begin the next row from the right, making a single backward half-knot across the threads from right to left.

8. Alternate the direction of each row to produce a textured woven effect.

9. Continue until the bracelet is the desired length.

10. Secure all the threads together with a knot and leave enough loose thread for tying.

Intermediate bracelet patterns#

Chevron friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 5 threads of different colors that match or contrast.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half to make ten 75cm (2.5ft) threads and tie a loop at the halfway point.

3. Lay the long threads out in two groups of two and begin with the left-hand side thread on the left. Tie a forward knot onto each string individually until you’ve knotted the left hand side five threads.

4. Repeat the process from the right-hand side starting with the right-hand side thread and using a backward knot for each of the other strands individually until you get to the center.

5. Connect the two center strings with a forward knot.

6. Then repeat the process of knotting the left-hand side from the left with forward knots and the right-hand side from the right with backward knots securing the center with a forward knot.

7. Don’t worry if when you start the pattern doesn’t look like chevrons—that will come.

Zigzag friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 3 threads of at least two different contrasting colors.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Thread one (will not be visible) 40cm (15”) long.

3. Thread two and three 75cm (2.5ft) long.

4. Line the threads up and knot together at about 10cm.

5. Secure them by your chosen method above the knot.

6. Keep the threads in order above the knot by keeping the shorter one in the center and the other two one to the left and one to the right.

7. Make a single forward knot from left to the center thread.

8. Tie a backward knot from the right to the center thread.

9. Repeat until you have about 10cm at the end.

10. Tie it off.

Heart friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 threads in two contrasting colors.

Method:

1. Cut each thread to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half to make eight working strands and create a loop at the halfway point.

3. Secure the loop and arrange the threads in a mirrored color order, so the colors on the left are repeated in reverse order on the right.

4. Begin as you would a chevron. From the left, use forward knots toward the center. From the right, use backward knots toward the center.

5. Join the two center threads with a forward knot.

6. To begin creating the heart shape, use the second thread from the left to make a backward knot around the outside left thread. Repeat on the right using a forward knot around the outside right thread.

7. Knot the outside left thread back toward the center using forward knots. Work the outside right thread toward the center using backward knots.

8. Join the center threads.

9. Repeat the reverse knots on the outer threads before creating another chevron row. This pulls the contrasting color inward and creates the rounded top of each heart.

10. Continue repeating the heart sequence until the bracelet is the desired length.

11. Divide the remaining threads into two groups, braid or knot them and use these to secure the bracelet through the starting loop.

Diamond friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 threads in different or contrasting colors.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half to create eight working strands and tie a loop at the halfway point.

3. Secure the loop and arrange the threads in a mirrored color order.

4. Starting at the outside left, use forward knots toward the center.

5. Starting at the outside right, use backward knots toward the center.

6. Join the two center threads with a forward knot. This creates the top half of the first diamond.

7. Now reverse the direction. Using the center-left thread, make backward knots toward the left edge.

8. Using the center-right thread, make forward knots toward the right edge.

9. The two working threads will move outward, creating the bottom half of the diamond.

10. Begin again from the outside edges and work toward the center to start the next diamond.

11. Continue alternating inward and outward rows until the bracelet is the desired length.

12. Tie off the loose threads or braid them to create the fastening.

Arrowhead friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 5 threads in different colors that match or contrast.

Method:

1. Cut each thread to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half to create ten working strands and make a loop at the halfway point.

3. Secure the loop and arrange the colors in a mirrored order.

4. Starting with the outside left thread, make forward knots across the threads toward the center.

5. Starting with the outside right thread, make backward knots toward the center.

6. Join the two working threads at the center.

7. For the next row, begin one thread in from each outside edge rather than using the outermost threads.

8. Work both sides toward the center and secure the center knot.

9. Return to the outermost threads for the following row.

10. By alternating full-width and shorter rows, the colored sections form defined arrowhead shapes rather than continuous chevrons.

11. Repeat the sequence until the bracelet reaches the desired length.

12. Divide and knot or braid the remaining strands to finish.

Fishbone friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 threads in two or more contrasting colors.

Method:

1. Cut each thread to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half to create eight working strands and make a loop at the halfway point.

3. Secure the loop and arrange the threads so the colors are mirrored from left to right.

4. Take the outside left thread and make forward knots toward the center.

5. Take the outside right thread and make backward knots toward the center.

6. Join the center threads.

7. On the next row, reverse the direction of selected working threads using forward backward and backward forward knots so that the strands change direction without changing their position in the pattern.

8. Work the following row toward the center again.

9. Continue alternating the direction of the angled rows. The short diagonal sections will begin to resemble the bones running from a central spine.

10. Keep your knots tight and evenly spaced to keep the center line straight.

11. Continue the sequence until the bracelet is the desired length.

12. Knot or braid the loose strands to finish.

Wave friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 threads in at least two contrasting colors.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold them in half and make a loop at the halfway point to create eight working strands.

3. Secure the loop and arrange the colors in the order you want them to appear.

4. Starting from the left, use the outside thread to make forward knots across several of the threads.

5. Use a forward backward knot at the point where you want the line to change direction.

6. Work the same thread back toward the left using backward knots.

7. Use a backward forward knot to turn the working thread again.

8. Continue moving the working thread from side to side, changing direction with the combination knots.

9. As the rows build, the contrasting thread will create a flowing wave through the bracelet.

10. Repeat the sequence, keeping each wave approximately the same width.

11. Continue until the bracelet reaches the required length.

12. Secure the threads with a knot and leave enough loose thread for fastening.

Daisy chain friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 threads: 2 in the color of your petals, 1 for the center of the flowers and 1 contrasting background color.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 150cm (5 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half or tie them together approximately 10cm (4”) from one end.

3. Secure the threads and arrange the petal colors to the outside with the flower center and background colors between them.

4. Begin with a short section of knots using the background threads to create the space between flowers.

5. Bring the petal threads toward the center using forward knots from the left and backward knots from the right.

6. Knot the petal threads together to form the upper part of the flower.

7. Bring the flower-center thread into the middle and knot the petal threads around it so the center color becomes visible.

8. Work the petal threads back outward using backward and forward knots to complete the lower half of the daisy.

9. Return to the background threads and make another short section before beginning the next flower.

10. Repeat the flower and background sequence until the bracelet is the desired length.

11. Tie all the threads securely or braid the remaining loose threads to make the fastening.

Advanced friendship bracelet patterns#

Beaded friendship bracelet#

Adding beads to your friendship bracelet is just a case of following the pattern carefully.

You will need:

• 6 threads of two different colors that match or contrast.

• 5 or 6 4mm large hole beads.

Method:

1. Cut the main threads to approximately 92cm (3 ft).

2. Cut the secondary threads to approximately 30cm (1 ft).

3. Knot the threads at approximately 3cm (1”).

4. Arrange the threads two of one color to the left and the other color to the right and the shorter threads in the center.

5. The threads are worked as three threads, so each pair of threads counts as one.

6. Make a forward knot and then a backward knot with the left threads around the center threads.

7. Make a backward knot and then a forward knot of the right threads around the center threads.

8. Continue until you have 5 sets of each color knot.

9. Slide a bead over the center threads.

10. Repeat the above process.

11. Finish off the bracelet so that you have adequate loose threads to tie the bracelet on or you can attach a metal hook and loop to secure the bracelet.

Letter beads bracelet such as LOVE or PEACE#

You will need:

• 6 threads of three different colors that match or contrast.

• Letter Beads: use large hole beads.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 75cm (2.5ft).

2. Tie a knot with the top 10cm (3”) and secure the knot.

3. Above the knot make double the threads and braid them securing with a knot at the top.

4. Starting on the left use forward knot to secure each thread to one on its right.

5. Repeat the process until the tied section is 5-6cm long (1.5”).

6. Feed the letter beads in order over all the threads and arrange them tightly against the knotted threads.

7. Repeat stages 4 and 5.

8. When there is about 10cm left secure all the threads with a knot.

9. Then braid the remaining threads as you did in stage 3.

Infinity knotted bracelet#

You will need:

• 4 thick threads of contrasting colors.

Method

1. Cut the threads to 30cm (12”).

2. Fold one of each of the threads at the halfway point to double them.

3. Lay one color out straight on your board and do not secure.

4. Create a loop with the other color and lay it over the first.

5. Feed the straight color over one end of the looped threads and under the other ends.

6. Bring it over the threads at the bottom of the loop and then feed under the same color that the loop is laid over.

7. Bring it over the loop.

8. Equally pull gently all the ends to create the infinity knot (you will have two lengths of the same color on either side of the loop).

9. Take the additional thread and fold in half to create a small loop as a center point.

10. Center the thread and place it below the knotted threads of the same color immediately next to the infinity loop.

11. Using a forward and backward knot around the other threads continue to a length ready to finish off.

12. Repeat on the other end of the infinity loop.

13. Tie a knot at the end of the loose threads.

Bordered chevron friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 5 threads in at least three colors. Use one color specifically for the border.

Method:

1. Cut the threads to approximately 175cm (5.75 ft).

2. Fold the threads in half to make ten working strands and create a loop at the halfway point.

3. Secure the loop and arrange the threads in a mirrored order, placing the two border-colored threads at the outside edges.

4. Using the left border thread, make a forward backward knot around the thread immediately beside it. The border thread should return to the outside edge.

5. Using the right border thread, make a backward forward knot around the thread immediately beside it. Again, the border thread should remain at the outside.

6. Take the next working thread from the left and use forward knots toward the center.

7. Take the matching thread from the right and use backward knots toward the center.

8. Join the two working threads with a forward knot at the center.

9. Repeat the border knots on the outside edges before creating the next chevron row.

10. Continue alternating the border knots and chevron rows. The outside threads remain in place and form a continuous contrasting edge.

11. Continue until the bracelet reaches the desired length.

12. Divide and knot or braid the remaining threads to secure the bracelet.

Alpha pattern friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 6-10 shorter base threads, depending on the width of your design.

• 1 long background thread.

• Additional long threads in any colors required for the image or symbol you choose.

Method:

1. Choose or draw a simple grid pattern for the image you want to create. Each square in the grid represents one knot.

2. Cut the base threads to approximately 75cm (2.5 ft). The number of base threads determines the width of the bracelet.

3. Line the base threads up, tie them together approximately 10cm (4”) from one end and secure them to your board.

4. Leave the base threads hanging straight. Unlike a traditional friendship bracelet, these threads act as the foundation rather than moving across the bracelet.

5. Using the long background thread, knot across each base thread from left to right.

6. On the next row, work back from right to left.

7. Follow your grid one square at a time. When the pattern calls for a different color, introduce the new colored thread and make the knot around the appropriate base thread.

8. Carry the background or unused thread behind the bracelet while working with the new color.

9. Change back to the background thread when the colored section is complete.

10. Continue working backward and forward in straight rows while following the grid.

11. Check the pattern after each row so that any mistakes can be corrected before continuing.

12. When the design and bracelet are the required length, tie all the base threads together securely.

13. Braid or knot the loose ends to create a fastening.

Custom name friendship bracelet#

You will need:

• 6-10 base threads depending on the height of the letters.

• 1 long background thread.

• 1 long contrasting thread for the letters.

Method:

1. Write the chosen name on squared paper or use a friendship bracelet letter grid. Each filled square represents a knot in the letter color and each blank square represents a background knot.

2. Cut the base threads to approximately 75cm (2.5 ft).

3. Tie the base threads together approximately 10cm (4”) from one end and secure them to your board.

4. Begin with the long background thread and knot across all the base threads from left to right.

5. Work the next row from right to left so that you are creating straight rows across the bracelet.

6. Create several rows of background color before beginning the first letter.

7. Follow the letter grid one square at a time.

8. When you reach a square belonging to a letter, use the contrasting letter thread to make the knot around that base thread.

9. Carry the unused thread behind the bracelet and return to the background thread for the blank squares.

10. Work each successive row in the opposite direction while carefully following the grid.

11. Leave one or more background columns between letters so that the name is easy to read.

12. After completing the final letter, add several more rows in the background color to balance the design.

13. Secure all the threads together with a knot.

14. Braid or knot the remaining loose threads to create the fastening.

Frequently asked questions#

If I’m left-handed, will I be able to follow the instructions?#

A. As a matter of fact, one of the perks of making friendship bracelets is that you frequently work left to right and right to left, so both hands are used.

Q. What happens if I get something wrong?#

A. You simply unpick knots to the last point you know is right.

Q. What if I lose count of how many knots I’ve tied?#

A. Measure the other sections you’ve already done and make the current section the same length.

Q. Do I need any fancy equipment?#

A. No, you can usually get started with items you already have at home along with a few different colors of yarn.

Q. Is it worth buying a kit?#

A. Yes, to get started making woven friendship bracelets, a kit is a good way to buy all the things you need in one easy purchase, especially when making beaded bracelets.

Please check out Icewear’s patterns and other friendship bracelet articles.