How to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you've mastered a basic 3-strand braid and want a bit of a challenge, add an extra strand! Once you get the hang of working with 4 strands of yarn, ribbon, or leather, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to create a complex-looking braid. Make a flat or round 4-strand braid in several colors and then wrap it around your wrist to make a completely unique bracelet .

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Weaving a Flat 4-Strand Bracelet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wrap a fabric measuring tape around your wrist and make a note of the measurement. Then, cut 4 strands of cord or yarn that are about 2 inches (5.1 cm) longer than that distance. This will account for weaving and tying off the ends of the bracelet.If you're braiding thin thread, you may want to use 2 or 3 strands for each main strand of the braid.

    It may be easier to learn to braid with at least 2 different colors. Once you become more familiar with making 4-strand braids, you could use just 1 color.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    Gather the 4 strands together into a knot about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from 1 end. Lay the strands flat on a table and put a piece of tape across the end to hold the yarn in place. Then, separate the strands so they fan away from each other. [1]
    • If you don't want to tape the yarn, try pinning the strands of yarn in place. This would work best if you were working on a flat cork or bulletin board.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    Take the rightmost strand of yarn and bring it over the strand that's next to it. Pinch the 2 middle strands together and bring the leftmost strand of yarn over them. [2]
    • Keep the tension tight as you braid so your bracelet doesn't unravel.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    Repeat what you just did while keeping the tension on the strands tight so the braids are visible. Move the rightmost strand over the strand that's next to it and then pinch the 2 middle strands together. Then, take the leftmost strand and bring it over them. [3]
    • Try to remember that you're working over a single strand from the right and over a double strand when you braid from the left.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    You can stop braiding when you're about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom. Try to keep the tension the same as you work from the top of the yarn to the bottom. For example, don't start really tight and then become loose as you reach the end of the yarn or your bracelet will be uneven. [4]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    Once you're about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of the yarn, stop braiding and pinch the strands of yarn together. Tie the yarn into a strong knot. Then, remove the tape from the top end of the braid. [5]
    • Leave the excess yarn that's sticking out from the ends so you can tie the braid into a bracelet.
  7. Wrap the braid around your wrist and tie the ends together. Since it can be tricky to tie a knot using 1 hand, ask a friend to knot the ends together for you. If you have a long bracelet, you may be able to tie a knot at the ends before sliding it onto your wrist. [6]
    • If you make an extra-large bracelet, you can wear it as an anklet.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Creating a Round 4-Strand Bracelet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your wrist and add at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the measurement. Then, cut your firm material, such as cord or leather, into 4 equal pieces according to the new measurement. [7]
    • Although you can use a thick yarn, your round bracelet won't be as sturdy as a bracelet made with leather or cord.

    Tip: Consider using at least 2 different colors when you're starting out. This will allow you to easily see which strands you're working with.

  2. Hold the 4 pieces near 1 end and tie a knot about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end. Then, lay the knot on the table and place a piece of tape over it so the knot doesn't slide around. Separate the 4 strands so they fan out and away from each other. [8]
    • If you're using 2 colors, alternate the colors when you arrange the strands.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    Take the leftmost strand and bring it underneath the 2 middle strands. Take it up and then down between the 2 strands. [9]
    • Tug on the strands as you work so the tension shapes the round braid.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    At this point, you'll have 4 strands in front of you, but you'll see a slight twist near the top of the middle 2. Take the rightmost strand and wrap it underneath these 2 middle strands. Bring it around and then down between them. [10]
    • You may want to hold the 2 middle strands in place with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to hold the working strand.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
    To form the round braid, keep bringing an outer strand under and around the middle strands and tug tightly once you've wrapped it. Braid until you're about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the strands. [11]
    • Remember to alternate braiding the leftmost and rightmost strands so your braid doesn't become lopsided.
  6. Make a knot when you reach the end and tie the bracelet around your wrist. Make the knot at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the bottom of the strands. Then, peel the braid off of the tape and wrap it around your wrist. Tie a knot using both ends of the braid so it doesn't slide off of your wrist.
    • If you can't tie the bracelet yourself, ask a friend to help you or tie it before you slide it onto your wrist.
    7. Advertisement

Video

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is a 4-strand braid?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    As the name suggests, 4-strand braid works similarly to a classic 3-strand braid, except that you are working with 4 strands. The outer right strands are woven over and under the strands next to them, going from right to left, and the outer left strands are woven under and then under the strands to the right of them. This pattern repeats until the braid is complete.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do you make a 4-strand chevron bracelet?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Choose 4 separate colors of thread, then cut the threads to the desired length. Fold them over in the middle and knot the strings together at the top (where you made the fold). Spread the strands out so that the colors mirror each other in a 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 pattern. Make a series of knots, moving from the outer strand on one side to the middle, then repeating this process on the other side, and finally knotting the 2 middle strands together. Continue doing this down the length of the threads until your bracelet is as long as you like, then tie off the ends.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How do you make a 4-wire braid?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can braid the wires the same way you would with strands of yarn, but you’ll need to use more force to bend them into the shape you want. Make sure you secure the strands together on one end (e.g., by twisting them together or clamping them in place) so that your wires stay lined up correctly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      Weaving a Flat 4-Strand Bracelet

      • Yarn in different colors
      • Tape
      • Scissors
      • Measuring tape

      Creating a Round 4-Strand Bracelet

      • Cord, leather, or thick yarn in different colors
      • Tape
      • Scissors
      • Measuring tape

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make String & Beaded Friendship Bracelets
      10 Easy Ways to Braid Your Hair
      How to
      Make Braided Bracelets
      How to
      Make a Shamballa Bracelet
      How to
      Do the Chinese Staircase Friendship Bracelet
      How to
      Make Bracelets out of Thread
      How to
      Make a Bandana Bracelet
      How to
      Crochet a Bracelet
      How to
      Make a Paracord 550 Bracelet Without Buckle (Cobra Stich Followed by King Cobra)
      How to
      Make a King Cobra Paracord Bracelet
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/x9LxFmOZNls?t=11
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/x9LxFmOZNls?t=30
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/x9LxFmOZNls?t=38
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/x9LxFmOZNls?t=66
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/x9LxFmOZNls?t=99
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/x9LxFmOZNls?t=86
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/NLjs_MeGNpo?t=32
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/NLjs_MeGNpo?t=94
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/NLjs_MeGNpo?t=128
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/NLjs_MeGNpo?t=297
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/NLjs_MeGNpo?t=347

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a flat 4-strand braided bracelet, start by measuring your wrist and cutting 4 equal strands of yarn that are 2 inches longer than your wrist circumference. Next, gather the strands together about 1 inch from the end and tape them to a flat work surface. Then, take the rightmost strand of yarn and bring it over the strand that's next to it. Pinch the 2 middle strands together and bring the leftmost strand of yarn over them. Be sure to keep the tension tight as you braid! Keep braiding until you're about 1 inch from the end. Finally, pinch the strands of yarn together and tie them in knot to complete the bracelet. For tips on making a round 4-strand braided bracelet, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 685,402 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Martha Roseen

        Jul 16, 2019

        "I found this article after trying several others. This one was explicit about the pattern of the braiding--outside ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement