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Remember those knotted DIY friendship bracelets that kids and their BFFs made together at summer camp? Making and trading friendship bracelets was a fun rite of passage for many of us. However, a friendship bracelet is more than a cute craft. The fun, trade-worthy jewelry actually symbolizes an important bond between two people. While making friendship bracelets together, it’s a great time to talk to kids about friends and ask what friendship means to them.
Can’t quite remember the intricate braids that went into making DIY friendship bracelets? We’ve got you. Plus, we’ve got several alternative, beyond-the-braid variations on the friendship bracelet.
What is a friendship bracelet?
A friendship bracelet is generally a small, colorful bracelet typically handmade by kids and teens and given as a token of friendship. The traditional friendship bracelet is often woven or braided from embroidery floss, yarn or string and may feature patterns like stripes, chevrons or hearts.
How to make a friendship bracelet (traditional)
Looking for a no-nonsense DIY friendship bracelet tutorial for beginners? Start right here with this how-to from Red Ted Art.
Here’s an even simpler friendship bracelet tutorial from Becky at wildsundry on TikTok using a DIY cardboard “loom” as a guide that can work better for little ones.
Easy friendship bracelets for preschoolers and kindergarteners
When younger kids learn to thread beads on string, yarn or wire, they’re building several important skills, including fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and pattern recognition. Pair making any of these easy friendship bracelet ideas with socialization and conversation, and you have a well-rounded activity for playdates, group games and parties.
1. Straw ‘bead’ bracelets
Wendy Young, child and adolescent therapist and founder of the Kidlutions, shares how to make bracelets from colorful straws (cut and prepped by a grown-up), along with some open-ended, friend-to-friend questions you can add in to “strengthen their mental muscle” while crafting.
“When we ask open-ended questions, we help them explore their opinions, thoughts and feelings,” says Young. When kids ask each other deeper get-to-know-you questions, “they become more engaged while simultaneously building rapport with others and participating in the give-and-take that builds social and critical thinking skills.”
2. Paper straw ‘bead’ bracelets
Here’s another rendition on the straw ‘bead’ bracelet from Kids Activities Blog, using paper straws. Start this paper straw bracelet craft by taking kids shopping for paper straws with fun colors and patterns. Add in fun questions and conversations about friendship while threading the “beads.”
3. Sturdy pipe cleaner jewelry
Instead of stringing beads on thread, yarn or fishing line, even toddlers can create a sturdier bracelet for their best bud or favorite babysitter by using pipe cleaners. Push beads through pipe cleaners, and then twist or weave them together.
4. No-sew solution
For younger kids, consider a no-sew DIY friendship bracelet craft. Cut strips of scrap fabric into long, thin rectangles. Punch holes into the fabric, making each one about an inch away from the next. Kids can then “sew” yarn through the holes, and you can tie the ends with a bow.
5. Washi tape bracelets
Barbara Rucci, graphic designer and creator behind the blog Art Bar, shares instructions for making colorful washi tape bracelets. Rucci and her kids found this project completely “cool.” Not only can kids make the bracelets on their own, but they can use the tape to create their own unique designs and patterns. “It’s great for all ages,” Rucci notes, “my teen loved it as much as my 4-year-old art students.”
Friendship bracelet ideas for kids ages 6 and up
6. Beads and rubber band bracelet
Here’s a bold and colorful DIY friendship bracelet idea from Crafts by Ria. It’s made out of large beads and rubber bands. Follow Ria’s simple how-to video tutorial.
7. Bandanna bracelets
Who says friendship bracelets have to be woven or beaded? These bandanna bracelets from Crazy Pig Crafts are an easy, unique and stylish option. Besties will love making and wearing matching ones.
Friendship bracelets for teens and tweens
8. Taylor Swift friendship bracelets
Even if you’re not heading to a Taylor Swift concert near you anytime soon, these Taylor Swift friendship bracelets from Pretty Providence are perfect for Swifties (and besties) everywhere.
9. Safety pin bracelet
Another super-cool bracelet for older kids to make is this safety pin bracelet, found via Crafts by Amanda. You have full color control on these and can make some pretty lovely designs.
10. Craft stick friendship bracelets
Turn craft sticks into bold bracelets with this washi tape wooden bracelets idea from Mama Miss. Soak the sticks in hot water until they are pliable (usually 2 days). After the wood has softened, bend the wood to fit inside a jar, so it dries in a ring shape. When it’s completely dry, kids can decorate them with washi tape, tempera paint or thread.
11. Easy bracelet ‘loom’ printable
Here’s a super-creative DIY option for tweens and teens. Download this free bracelet loom printable from Kids Activities Blog for simple homemade friendship bracelets that look amazing.
