{"id":884,"date":"2025-07-02T17:30:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T17:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/s37407.p1377.sites.pressdns.com\/resources\/9-diy-friendship-bracelets-for-kids\/"},"modified":"2025-07-02T17:33:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T17:33:47","slug":"diy-friendship-bracelets-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/diy-friendship-bracelets-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"11 easy DIY friendship bracelets kids can make"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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&rsquo;s a great time to talk to kids about friends and ask what friendship means to them.<\/p><p>Can&rsquo;t quite remember the intricate braids that went into making DIY friendship bracelets? We&rsquo;ve got you. Plus, we&rsquo;ve got several alternative, beyond-the-braid variations on the friendship bracelet.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-friendship-bracelet\" data-toc-id=\"787ac194\">What is a friendship bracelet? <\/h2><p>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.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-make-a-friendship-bracelet-traditional\" data-toc-id=\"c9e12d23\">How to make a friendship bracelet (traditional)<\/h2><p>Looking for a no-nonsense DIY friendship bracelet tutorial for beginners? Start right here with this how-to from Red Ted Art. <\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Make DIY Friendship Bracelets Beginners (Diagonal Pattern)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n2rq-btMNFI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/figure><p>Here&rsquo;s an even simpler <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@wildsundry\/video\/7052346271205707055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">friendship bracelet tutorial<\/a> from Becky at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@wildsundry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wildsundry<\/a> on TikTok using a DIY cardboard &ldquo;loom&rdquo; as a guide that can work better for little ones.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@wildsundry\/video\/7052346271205707055\" data-video-id=\"7052346271205707055\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@wildsundry\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@wildsundry?refer=embed\">@wildsundry<\/a> <p>The cutest friendhsip bracelet hack that all my kids loved! &#127752; <a title=\"kidsbelike\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/kidsbelike?refer=embed\">#kidsbelike<\/a> <a title=\"crafting\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/crafting?refer=embed\">#crafting<\/a> <a title=\"diy\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/diy?refer=embed\">#diy<\/a> <a title=\"friendshipbraceletstutorial\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/friendshipbraceletstutorial?refer=embed\">#friendshipbraceletstutorial<\/a> <a title=\"imadethis\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/imadethis?refer=embed\">#imadethis<\/a><\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"&#9836; Road Trip with Ali - Mint Fin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/Road-Trip-with-Ali-6650282675032558338?refer=embed\">&#9836; Road Trip with Ali &ndash; Mint Fin<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/div><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-easy-friendship-bracelets-for-preschoolers-and-kindergarteners\" data-toc-id=\"5a65faa9\">Easy friendship bracelets for preschoolers and kindergarteners<\/h2><p>When younger kids learn to thread beads on string, yarn or wire, they&rsquo;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. <\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-straw-bead-bracelets\"><strong>1. Straw <\/strong>&lsquo;bead&rsquo; bracelets<\/h3><p>Wendy Young, child and adolescent therapist and founder of the <a href=\"https:\/\/kidlutions.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/friendship-bracelets-tutorial.html\">Kidlutions<\/a>, shares how to make <a href=\"https:\/\/kidlutions.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/friendship-bracelets-tutorial.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bracelets from colorful straws<\/a> (cut and prepped by a grown-up), along with some open-ended, friend-to-friend questions you can add in to &ldquo;strengthen their mental muscle&rdquo; while crafting. <br><br>&ldquo;When we ask open-ended questions, we help them explore their opinions, thoughts and feelings,&rdquo; says Young. When kids ask each other deeper get-to-know-you questions, &ldquo;they become more engaged while simultaneously building rapport with others and participating in the give-and-take that builds social and critical thinking skills.&rdquo;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-paper-straw-bead-bracelets\">2. Paper straw &lsquo;bead&rsquo; bracelets<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"975\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/paper-straw-bead-bracelet.jpg\" alt=\"Friendship bracelet alternatives\" class=\"wp-image-219919\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image via Kids Activities Blog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Here&rsquo;s another rendition on the straw &lsquo;bead&rsquo; bracelet from <a href=\"https:\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kids Activities Blog<\/a>, using paper straws. Start this <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/86181\/paper-straw-bracelets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">paper straw bracelet craft<\/a> by taking kids shopping for paper straws with fun colors and patterns. Add in fun questions and conversations about friendship while threading the &ldquo;beads.&rdquo;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-sturdy-pipe-cleaner-jewelry\"><strong>3. Sturdy pipe cleaner jewelry <\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/GettyImages-1200146729.jpg\" alt=\"Unique friendship bracelets kids can make\" class=\"wp-image-219894\"><\/figure><\/div><p>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.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-no-sew-solution\">4. No-sew solution<\/h3><p>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 &ldquo;sew&rdquo; yarn through the holes, and you can tie the ends with a bow.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-washi-tape-bracelets\">5. <strong>Washi tape<\/strong> bracelets<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/washi_tape_bracelet.jpg\" alt=\"DIY washi tape bracelet\" class=\"wp-image-219886\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image via Art Bar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Barbara Rucci, graphic designer and creator behind the blog&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.artbarblog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Art Bar<\/a>, shares instructions for making colorful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artbarblog.com\/summer\/washi-tape-bracelets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">washi tape bracelets<\/a>. Rucci and her kids found this project completely &ldquo;cool.&rdquo; Not only can kids make the bracelets on their own, but they can use the tape to create their own unique designs and patterns. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s great for all ages,&rdquo; Rucci notes, &ldquo;my teen loved it as much as my 4-year-old art students.&rdquo;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-friendship-bracelet-ideas-for-kids-ages-6-and-up\" data-toc-id=\"963cf5ff\">Friendship bracelet ideas for kids ages 6 and up<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-beads-and-rubber-band-bracelet\">6. Beads and rubber band bracelet<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/bead-rubber-band-bracelet.webp\" alt=\"Friendship bracelet alternatives\" class=\"wp-image-219904\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image via Crafts by Ria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Here&rsquo;s a bold and colorful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.craftsbyria.com\/easy-diy-bracelet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DIY friendship bracelet idea<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.craftsbyria.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crafts by Ria<\/a>. It&rsquo;s made out of large beads and rubber bands. Follow Ria&rsquo;s simple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Jx7H1Cb_PzI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how-to video tutorial<\/a>.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-bandanna-bracelets\">7. Bandanna bracelets<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bandanna bracelet! #diy #easy #foryou #preppyyyy #summer #shortsfeed #italianbrainrot #bandana\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mZBYl2qjMhU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/figure><p>Who says friendship bracelets have to be woven or beaded? These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/mZBYl2qjMhU\">bandanna bracelets<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Lifewpiglet89\/shorts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crazy Pig Crafts<\/a> are an easy, unique and stylish option. Besties will love making and wearing matching ones. <\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-friendship-bracelets-for-teens-and-tweens\" data-toc-id=\"fd51bab4\">Friendship bracelets for teens and tweens<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-taylor-swift-friendship-bracelets\"><strong>8. <\/strong>Taylor Swift friendship bracelets<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/taylor-swift-friendship-bracelets-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"DIY friendship bracelets\" class=\"wp-image-100503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/taylor-swift-friendship-bracelets-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/taylor-swift-friendship-bracelets-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/taylor-swift-friendship-bracelets-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/taylor-swift-friendship-bracelets-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image via Pretty Providence<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Even if you&rsquo;re not heading to a Taylor Swift concert near you anytime soon, these <a href=\"https:\/\/prettyprovidence.com\/taylor-swift-friendship-bracelets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Taylor Swift friendship bracelets<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/prettyprovidence.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pretty Providence<\/a> are perfect for Swifties (and besties) everywhere. <\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-safety-pin-bracelet\"><strong>9. Safety pin bracelet<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"355\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/safety-pin-bracelets.jpeg\" alt=\"DIY friendship bracelets\" class=\"wp-image-100493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/safety-pin-bracelets.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/safety-pin-bracelets-300x266.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image via Crafts by Amanda<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Another super-cool bracelet for older kids to make is this <a href=\"https:\/\/craftsbyamanda.com\/safety-pin-bracelet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">safety pin bracelet<\/a>, found via <a href=\"https:\/\/craftsbyamanda.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crafts by Amanda<\/a>. You have full color control on these and can make some pretty lovely designs.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-craft-stick-friendship-bracelets\"><strong>10. Craft stick friendship bracelets<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"516\" height=\"772\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/wooden.jpeg\" alt=\"DIY friendship bracelets\" class=\"wp-image-100521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/wooden.jpeg 516w, https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/wooden-201x300.jpeg 201w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image via Mama Miss<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Turn craft sticks into bold bracelets with this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mamamiss.com\/blog\/2013\/05\/30\/diy-washi-tape-wooden-bracelets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">washi tape wooden bracelets<\/a> idea from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mamamiss.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mama Miss<\/a>. 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&rsquo;s completely dry, kids can decorate them with washi tape, tempera paint or thread.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-easy-bracelet-loom-printable\">11. Easy bracelet &lsquo;loom&rsquo; printable<\/h3><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/friendship-bracelets-4.jpg\" alt=\"Make Friendship Bracelets with Square Loom Printable\" class=\"wp-image-100487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/friendship-bracelets-4.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/friendship-bracelets-4-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/friendship-bracelets-4-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image via Kids Activities Blog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><p>Here&rsquo;s a super-creative DIY option for tweens and teens. Download this <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/6420\/diy-bracelet-loom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free bracelet loom printable<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kids Activities Blog<\/a> for simple homemade friendship bracelets that look amazing.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Teach kids of all ages how to make DIY friendship bracelets. It&#8217;s a fun craft and also provides a great opportunity to talk about friendship. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1490,"featured_media":100513,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"enable_toc":true,"care_reviewed_by":0,"care_post_updated_flag":false,"care_updated_date":"2025-07-02T17:30:58.355Z","last_update":"2025-07-02","view_count":14037,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1067],"member-type":[4],"vertical":[6,17],"platform":[2],"class_list":["post-884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crafts","member-type-all","vertical-children","vertical-child-care-advice","platform-resources"],"acf":[],"created":"2015-04-24","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1490"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=884"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/884\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":219953,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/884\/revisions\/219953"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100513"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=884"},{"taxonomy":"member-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/member-type?post=884"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=884"},{"taxonomy":"platform","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/platform?post=884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}