Friendship Bracelets

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Embroidery Floss
• Beads
• Cording
• Scissors
• Tape
• Clipboard (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. To determine the length of the bracelet string, measure the circumference of the wrist the bracelet will be going on and multiply that by 5.
2. If the circumference is 6", multiplied by 5, each strand should be 30" long.
3. Tying a large knot at the end helps to keep beads from slipping off cording.
4. Tape the knot to a table or clip it in a clipboard to anchor the work.

4–5-Year-Olds:

• For younger kiddos, beaded single strand bracelets are the easiest for small hands.
• Separate the beads onto a paper plate or dish to keep them organized and from rolling off the table.
• Lay out the pattern of beads before stringing them to see and organize the design.
• Larger beads and bigger holes help smaller hands string the beads.
• Use lots of different shapes of beads and charms to give them fun options and different textures.

6–7-Year-Olds:

• As kids get older, they can begin using floss and cording to knot and braid.
• Demonstrate a simple braid with three strands.
• From there, encourage them to experiment by adding more strings to the braid.
• They can make a thicker bracelet by doubling up strands, and they can combine the skills they've learned so far by braiding part of a bracelet and adding beads in between the braids.

8–10-Year-Olds:

• At this age, kids can begin to weave and knot floss.
• The way to make the ridged, woven looking surface of a classic friendship bracelet is by making lots of small knots.
• When using floss this way, add 5"-10" extra when cutting the strands.
• For beginners, start with 6 strands, 3 strands of 2 different colors.
• This will make thick stripes of alternating colors.
• Cut the floss strands and tie them together with an overhead knot at one end.
• Lay the strands flat with all the strands of one color on the left and all strands of the other color on the right.
• Start at the left string.
• Make a knot by making a number "4" over the second string; with the end of the first strand, go behind the second strand and up through the opening of the "4."
• Hold the second strand taut and pull the first strand up and towards the large knot until there is resistance and not any harder.
• This will create a small knot on the second strand.
• Continue moving across to the right with the first strand, making a knot the same way on each subsequent strand.
• After all knots have been completed across the strands, that is the first row.
• Begin again, using the first strand on the left. Continue this process until the bracelet is the necessary length.
• From here, vary designs by adding more colors, trying a diagonal stripe, or making a chevron!