20 Best Friendship Bracelet Patterns, From Beginner to Advance
Diamond, chevron, wave — we have them all.
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If you haven't heard, a classic summer-camp activity is making a comeback, and we're here for it. From simply woven designs to beaded ones, friendship bracelets are everywhere nowadays, so there's no better time to try out the trend yourself.
Making friendship bracelets is one of the most versatile DIY projects out there, since you can just scale up or down as you see fit. Many patterns are simple enough for kids to master, and there are plenty of advanced bracelet crafts that are suitable for grownups as well. You can find a simple stitch or go all out with a complicated, multi-strand, two color or three color pattern. And when your work of art is complete, you have the option to give it away as a thoughtful handmade gift or keep it as a unique personalized gift for yourself.
If you're not the crafty type, no worries, because you can always begin with one of the easier knots to master — the spiral staircase — before you work your way up to chevrons, braids, stripes, diamonds and hearts.
To get started, all you need is time, patience, a few inexpensive materials, and these easy friendship bracelet patterns to give you inspiration.
Spiral Staircase Friendship Bracelet Pattern
If you're a beginner, then this is the perfect pattern to try since it requires crafters to keep track of only four strands and a pattern of two colors. And yet, the result has a cool spiral pattern twirling around the bracelet.
Ladder Stitch Friendship Bracelet Pattern
This is another simple, four-strand pattern that makes a big impact when you pick two contrasting colors. Use thicker thread or even yarn for a chunkier look.
Braided Friendship Bracelet Pattern
If you know how to braid hair, then you have the basics for this six-strand bracelet. Choose three different colors for an alternating pattern.
Get the tutorial at Cutesy Crafts »
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Diagonal Friendship Bracelet Pattern
Once you've mastered the simpler patterns, you can move on to this five-strand one, which lets you pick multiple colors that cascade down on the diagonal.
Chevron Friendship Bracelet Pattern
When you're ready to beef it up to eight strands, you can shift the diagonal pattern into a trendy chevron. Pick your favorite colors, and you're good to go!
Diamond Friendship Bracelet Pattern
If you reverse the chevron pattern every so often, then you can transform it into a pattern of Xs. The tiny diamonds you see between the Xs fill in that negative space nicely.
Recycled T-Shirt Friendship Bracelet Pattern
Rather than using traditional embroidery floss, you can make your own yarn using old t-shirts by weaving the material around bangle bracelets. It's sustainable and fashionable!
Button Friendship Bracelet Pattern
After you finish your basic bracelet, it's fun to embellish them with beads and other accessories. This pattern uses colorful, oversize buttons in the middle of a braided strand.
Heart Friendship Bracelet Pattern
Whether you're making a gift for your best friend, your sweetheart or yourself, this pattern is sure to make any heart grow three sizes.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
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Wave Friendship Bracelet Pattern
Don't be so square all the time! Try this undulating wave pattern for a series of pleasing loops.
12-Strand Spiral Friendship Bracelet Pattern
Mastered the original spiral staircase? Kick it up a level and attempt this awe-inspiring, 12-strand spiral. (Don't panic — the creator of this bracelet swears it's easy.)
Best Friends Friendship Bracelet Pattern
Adding letter beads is a cute way to personalize a bracelet. In addition to declaring a BFF, this pattern can be used to make name bracelets.
Neon Friendship Bracelet Pattern
Trying out different colors is half the fun of making a friendship bracelet. If you want a true '80s experience, though, you have to go fluorescent with your picks.
Beaded Friendship Bracelet Pattern
The kids don't get to have all the fun. The creator of this pattern calls it a "grown-up" friendship bracelet look — and we couldn't agree more.
Beaded Diagonal Friendship Bracelet Pattern
You can also incorporate letter beads into a five-stand diagonal pattern. Think of it as the perfect way to send a sweet message.
Square Loom Friendship Bracelet Pattern
If you DIY your own friendship bracelet loom, then you can come up with even more patterns, including woven ones. The best part: creating the loom is a craft project in itself!
Braided and Beaded Friendship Bracelet Patterns
Buttons and beads aren't the only way to dress up a friendship bracelet. You can also add tassels, charms and even tinier braids.
Fancy Friendship Bracelet Pattern
This is the best way to put your own fun twist on the classic trend. Start with a simple chain link bracelet and use embroidery floss or thin cord to jazz it up a string of inexpensive jewels.
Clasp Friendship Bracelet Pattern
To ensure your bracelet falls into the "adult" category, add a metal clasp. It's not hard, and it looks more luxe than a button or a knot.
Braided Essential Oil Diffuser Friendship Bracelet Pattern
If you want to make a friendship bracelet that doesn't just look good but smells good, too, then try your hand at this braided leather cord bracelet. After you add a few drops of essential oil, your favorite scent will travel with you everywhere.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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