How to Make Custom Friendship Bracelets Your Grandchild Will Never Forget

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You love your grandchild with all your heart—so why not show it on your wrist too? Don’t worry, I’m not talking about getting a tattoo! I mean making a special friendship bracelet together.

Friendship bracelets started long ago in Central and South America. People there made them to show kindness and togetherness. Today, these bracelets are a fun way to show love and friendship all around the world.

Spending time with your grandchild while making one of these bracelets sounds like a perfect afternoon, doesn’t it?

Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:

What you’ll need to make a friendship bracelet

Here’s a simple list of things you’ll need to make a friendship bracelet with your grandchild:

• Embroidery floss or craft thread – Pick a few fun colors
• Scissors – For cutting the thread
• Ruler or measuring tape – To measure the right length
• Something to hold the bracelet in place – A clipboard, safety pin, or masking tape works great
• A pattern or design (optional) – This can help if it’s your first time making one
• A small bead or charm (optional) – Add this for a little extra sparkle
• A lighter (optional) – This can help seal the ends so the thread doesn’t fray (grown-up use only!)

How to make a friendship bracelet

Making a friendship bracelet is a fun way to spend time with your grandchild. Follow these easy steps to create one together:

1. Pick Your Colors
   Choose 2 to 4 colors of embroidery floss or craft thread that you like.
2. Measure and Cut
   Cut each color into a piece that’s about 60 inches (or 150 cm) long. It’s better to have extra thread than to run out!
3. Tie a Starting Knot
   Hold all your threads together so the ends line up. About 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top, tie a knot to hold them all in place. This makes a loop that you’ll use to close the bracelet later.
4. Hold It Steady
   Clip the loop to a clipboard, pin it to a pillow, or tape it down to a table. This will keep the bracelet still while you work.
5. Lay Out the Threads
   Spread out the threads in the order you want the colors to show. Keep them straight and side by side.
6. Make a Forward Knot
   Take the first thread on the left. Lay it over the second thread so it looks like the number 4. Then tuck it under the second thread and pull it through the loop. Pull tight to make a knot. Do it again to make a double knot.
7. Keep Knotting Across
   With that same thread, make double knots on each of the other threads, one by one, from left to right.
8. Switch Colors
   Now use the new first thread on the left and repeat the same steps. Keep going until you finish a row.
9. Watch the Pattern Appear
   Keep repeating the steps above. You’ll see a pretty pattern of diagonal stripes forming!
10. Finish the Bracelet
    When it’s long enough to fit around a wrist, tie a knot at the end to hold it together.
11. Make Braids for Tying
    Split the threads into two equal groups. Braid each group about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, then tie knots at the ends of each braid.
12. Trim and Wear
    Cut off any extra thread at the ends. To wear it, just slip the braids through the loop and tie them around your wrist!

Friendship bracelets supplies and kits

If you want to make friendship bracelets but don’t want to gather all the supplies yourself, friendship bracelet kits are a great choice!

These kits come with everything you need—like colorful threads, beads, and patterns—so you can skip the hassle and start creating right away.

Whether you’re crafting with your grandchild or making gifts for friends, these kits make the whole process quicker and easier.

PREBOX Girls Crafts Friendship Bracelet String Making Kit

I think this kit is the easiest and most helpful way to make your own friendship bracelets. It comes with all the basic supplies, plus a small loom and a simple guide. These extras make it much easier to create your bracelets, even if it’s your first time!

Pony Beads for Friendship Bracelet Making Kit by QUEFE

If you and your grandchild want to make your bracelets extra special, try adding beads and other fun decorations! This set gives you everything you need: 2,400 rainbow beads in 48 different colors, 1,560 letter beads, and 48 stretchy bands. It’s a fun way to make each bracelet one-of-a-kind!

Klutz Friendship Bracelets Craft Kit

If you’re like me and like to see clear pictures and step-by-step instructions before trying something new, then this is the perfect guide for you! It walks you through each part of the process with easy-to-follow photos, so you won’t feel lost. Plus, it’s great for kids too—simple enough for them to follow along and learn with you!

I hope this project brings you and your grandkids as much fun and joy as it has brought my family! Crafting together is such a great way to bond, no matter how old your grandkids are. I’d love to hear how it goes—feel free to share your bracelets with me!

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