Friendship Bracelets — Basic Macramé
Learn the basic square knot and half-hitch to make friendship bracelets from embroidery thread. A calming, focused activity that produces a wearable result. Brilliant for break-time clubs and after-school activities.
Textiles
Ages 7–1145 minsMediumIndividual
Watch on YouTube
Search: "how to make friendship bracelet beginner square knot tutorial kids" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- Embroidery thread in 3-4 colours
- Scissors
- Masking tape or clipboard (to anchor work)
- Optional: bead assortment
How to do it
- Cut 4 lengths of thread, about 60cm each, in 2 colours (2 threads per colour).
- Knot all four together at one end, leaving a 5cm tail. Tape the knot to a hard surface.
- Arrange: A B B A (alternating colours).
- SQUARE KNOT: take the left thread (A) over the two middle threads and under the right thread. Take the right thread under the middles and up through the loop on the left. Pull tight.
- Repeat mirrored: right over middles, under left, through loop on right.
- These two movements together = one square knot. Repeat until the desired length.
- Knot the end and trim. Tie around wrist.
💡 Tips
Secure the work to a clipboard or table with tape — macramé is much easier when the anchor is fixed. Once children know one knot, they experiment with colour sequences independently.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Books on macramé and friendship bracelets
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F Friendship Bracelets: 50 Cool Designs — Various
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L Learn Friendship Bracelets: 20 Colorful Designs — Marchen Art Studio