How to Make a Friendship Bracelet with a Loop

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This tutorial guides you through making a classic friendship bracelet with a loop closure, eliminating the need for tying knots to secure it on the wrist.

1. Gather Your Materials:

  • Embroidery Floss: Choose at least 2 different colors (for simplicity) or more for a patterned bracelet.
  • Scissors: For cutting the floss.
  • Tape: To secure the bracelet while braiding.
  • Safety Pin (Optional): For even more secure placement.
  • Beads (Optional): If you want to add beads.
  • Ruler or Measuring Tape: To measure the cord.

2. Preparing the Floss:

  1. Cut the Strands:
    • Decide on the desired length of your bracelet, but allow for enough material to tie the knot.
    • Cut a few strands of embroidery floss.
    • The rule of thumb is to cut the threads about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) longer than the desired bracelet length to account for knotting.
    • Fold the floss in half, then fold in half again.
  2. Cut the Loop: Cut a loop in the floss.

3. Securing the Floss:

  1. Prepare the Loop: Make a loop by folding the bracelet back on itself. Tie a knot in the loop. The loop you create should be large enough to slide the button through.
  2. Secure the Knot:
    • Tape the folded end to a stable surface (table, clipboard, etc.). Make sure that the loop is free so you can secure the clasp.
    • If the bracelet is to be worn, secure the floss at the end with a safety pin to secure it.
  3. Separate the Strands: Arrange the strands of floss, side-by-side. Start with the loop at the top.

4. The Braiding Pattern (Forward Knot – Example with 2 Colors):

  • Label the Strands (for clarity, you can label each color):
    • Color A (the left-most strand)
    • Color B (the right-most strand)
  • The Forward Knot:
    1. Knot 1: Hold Color A and make a forward knot (also called a 4 knot) over the center. Then, thread Color B over the center and through the loop created by Color A. Pull tight.
    2. Knot 2: Repeat knot 1 with Color B. Take Color B over the center, and back through the loop. Pull tight.
    3. Repeat: Repeat the forward knot across the cords.
    4. Continue braiding: Repeat the forward knot, one strand, and then the other strand. This creates a single line of knots.

5. Braiding to the Desired Length:

  1. Keep Braiding: Continue braiding, following the forward knot pattern, until the braided section is long enough to fit around your wrist with enough extra length for the loop to attach to the end.
  2. Add beads (optional): You can add beads during the braiding process by threading the beads onto the cords before starting a new knot.

6. Finishing the Bracelet with a Button Closure:

  1. End the Braid: Create the loop on each end of the bracelet.
  2. Tie the Ends: Once you’ve reached the desired length, tie the ends of the bracelet together in a knot.
  3. Trim the Ends: Trim any excess floss.
  4. Loop and Secure: Wrap the excess threads into the loop at the top.

7. Attaching Beads to the Loop:

  1. Attach the Beads: Now you will attach the braid to the cord. Take a piece of the cord you cut, and begin wrapping the cords over and over until you make a loop. You will secure the end with a knot.
  2. Loop and Secure: Ensure the bracelet is not too small, test.

8. Finishing Touches & Testing:

  1. Trim Excess: Trim any excess floss or cord, leaving a little bit of length on each side. You can leave these as fringe on the end of the bracelet or tie them into a knot.
  2. Wear & Enjoy: Slide the knot over the button and enjoy your new bracelet!

This is a simple method for creating a friendship bracelet with a loop closure. Experiment with different colors, patterns, and bead combinations to create unique and personalized bracelets.