Friendship Bracelet

• 1mm Cotton Embroidery Cord in several colors
• One Bead for the Clasp
• Project Board and Pins (IMPORTANT)

• Vertical Half Hitch (VDHH)
• Interlaced Plaits
• Square Knot
• Overhand Knot

Cutting Instructions

Cut at least 2 cords of each color, 45 inches long.  In the image, I cut two of the white color, three strands of blue, four of yellow, and five of the mint green color.  You will need at least 15 to 20 strands total to make the Friendship Bracelet wide enough for most wrist sizes.

Prepare the ends by tying tight Overhand Knots at the tips of each strand.  You can also use glue or tape, if you prefer.

Step 1:  Match the ends of the cords and tie an Overhand Knot with all of them working together.  This is just temporary, so you can secure the knot to your board.

Step 2:  Divide the cords into the separate colors.  The arrangement of the colors is determined by the order in which you organize them. Since you move left to right, the working cords for each stripe will always be on the far left.   

Step 3:  Mentally number the cords, moving left to right.  Take cord 1 and tie Vertical Half Hitches onto each of the other strands.  Make sure you pass cord 1 under the other strands first, before tying the knot. 

Place the knots so they rest against the edge of the tape, following the angle of it.

Step 4:  Take cord 2 next, and use it to tie VDHH onto all the other cords, including the previous working cord (1).

Step 5: Use cord 3 as the next working cord.  Tie VDHH unto all the other cords, including both of the previous working cords.

Step 6:  Repeat this process over and over, until the Friendship Bracelet fits across the top and sides of your wrist.  With each row, remember to tie the VDHH onto all the previous working cords.

Re-secure the bracelet to your board, in the area that is knotted.  You need access to the ends for the finishing touches. 

Step 7: Untie the Overhand Knot, and divide the cords at that end into three groups.  Tie an Interlaced Plait measuring 2 inches. 

Step 8: Split the cords into two groups next.  Tie a Square Knot without fillers using the groups as if they were a single strand.

Leave enough space for the bead, and tie another Square Knot.  Apply glue and allow it to dry before cutting off the excess material.  If you prefer, you can leave a short fringe.

Step 9:  At the other end of the Friendship Bracelet, tie an Interlaced Plait measuring 2 inches. 

Divide the cords into two groups and tie a Square Knot without fillers.  Apply glue and allow it to dry before completing the next step.

Step 10:  Attach the bead by sliding it over all the cords.  If they don’t all fit, you can cut off some of the strands.  Make sure the bead fits through the space you left at the other end.

Divide the cords into two groups and tie a Square Knot to secure the bead.  Apply glue to that knot, and allow it to dry before cutting off the excess.  If you left a fringe at the other end, do so on this end of the Friendship Bracelet, too.