I’ve got another fast and easy project for you to try today. These colorful button friendship bracelets are inexpensive, don’t require any special tools, and make up in 10 minutes or less. I’ve designed these to be tied on (like any good friendship bracelet does) but of course, you could add a clasp if you want it to be removable!
All you need to make these bracelets are wooden buttons and hemp. I love hemp, personally, and I keep it in my jewelry stash all the time, but if you prefer to use embroidery floss, that would work just as well. For each bracelet, you will need:
- One 15mm wooden button
- 36 inches each of 2 colors of hemp cord
- Scisssors
- A ruler
First, cut four strands, 18 inches long, in two different colors of cord. Thread them through the holes in the button (I crossed mine like an “X”), centering the button along the cords. This will give you 4 strands of cord coming off either side of the button.
Next, make a 4-part braid on each side. 4-part braids are very much like 3-part braids, where you pass the outer cord from each side to the center of the braid. The graphic below will walk you through it, but the only difference in making a 4-part braid is that each time you pull the cord from the left side to pass it to the center, you will pass it over 2 cords instead of one.
So in this example of pink and orange, pull the right pink cord over the orange one to the center. Then, pull the left pink cord over the two cords on the left – one orange, and one pink. Then, pass the right orange cord over one pink cord to the center, and then the left orange cord over both the left pink and orange cords.
Braid for 3.5 inches, and tie an overhand knot to finish the braid. Repeat the process on the opposite set of 4 cords, creating a 7-inch bracelet with a couple inches of tails on each side (to tie it on, of course). The 4 strands make a fun chevron stripe pattern!
Because they’re friendship bracelets – you can’t stop at just one, right? One for you, one for your bestie, of course – or make even more!
Each bracelet only takes a few minutes, and the button adds a little something that cord on its own doesn’t have – it’s a fun pop of color!
Happy braiding, and thanks for joining me today for today’s quick and easy friendship bracelets!
You designed the bracelet so beautifully
My 10 year old granddaughter’s BFF is moving out of state in two weeks. She wants to make them each a matching bracelet combining both girl’s favorite colors. This project will be perfect!
Thank you for sharing! Want to make bracelets for grandkids for birthdays and Christmas. This tutorial is awesome!
These are really very cute but impossible for my 8-9 activity day gals to make. They require too much dexterity I’m afraid but they are super cute. Might be better for a YW CAMP craft!
I’m so glad I found this great website! I love it! You’re so inspiring and creative, Adrianne!
This would be great for me to make with my granddaughters. Such a cute, cute idea!
Adrianne, I LOVE these…they would be perfect for a slumber party, Girl Scout troop meeting, or a camp craft!