How to Make Bracelets out of Thread

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Making bracelets with thread can be a fun way to spend the day. There are a variety of different designs and knots you can use when making threaded bracelets. The process can be tricky at first, especially if you are a beginner. However, if read instructions carefully and move slowly through the process you'll be able to make a great bracelet.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Following a Basic Design

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want to make a very basic design, you can use three strands of thread. In this example, we're using violet, pink and blue. You may want to make a more elaborate design later on, but this pattern will teach some of the basics of knotting.
    • Cut out the strands to the length you wish. Keep in mind, as you'll be knotting during the process, the original length of of your threads will be shorter than the final product.
    • Lie your threads out side-by-side on a flat surface to start.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    To begin, you'll need to tie a knot near the end of your stands of thread. These will connect the strands together. Tie your knot roughly two centimeters away from the ends of the threads.
    • As you move forward, you'll have to use specialized types of knots. However, at this point that is not necessary. Just use a basic knot, like a knot you'd use when tying your shoes. Just make sure your knot is tight enough. If it comes undone, your bracelet could unravel.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Take the outermost strand on the left. In our example, this is the violet thread. Use this thread to make what is known as a forward knot.
    • To make a forward knot, take your violet thread and bend it at roughly a 90 degree angle, laying it over the pink thread. This should look something like the number four.
    • Then, loop the violet thread under the pink thread, moving upward towards the knot connecting all the threads together. Pull upwards. Then, repeat the process. It's very important you knot twice using forward knots. If you don't knot twice, your bracelet will have too much slack.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Continue working with the violet string. Use this string to make a forward knot around the last string in your row. In our example, this is the blue string. Follow the same process you did before, making sure to remember to double knot and tighten the string.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Once you've made a row with the violet string, repeat this process with the pink string. The pink string will now be the outermost layer of your bracelet, followed by the blue string. Make a forward knot, looping the pink string over the blue string. Then, make a forward knot by looping the pink string over the violet string.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    The blue string will now have taken its place as the outermost string. Make a forward knot around the violet string. Then, make a forward knot around the pink string.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Now, the violet string will be the outermost string again. Repeat this process, making forward knots with the violet string, followed by the pink string, followed by the blue string.
    • You can continue knotting until your bracelet is as long as you want. This depends on your needs, wrist size, and other factors.
    • A bracelet that is too short may not fit. However, a bracelet that's too long may slip off. Pause on occasion while working to wrap what you have around your wrist. Stop when you reach a point where the bracelet can be slipped on and off easily, but remains in place.
  8. When you reach your desired length, tie the remaining loose threads together in a knot. As with the knot you made at the beginning, just use a basic knot to do so. Then, pull the remaining strings through the loop on the other end of the bracelet. Tie the strings around the loop, forming a circular bracelet.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Six Different Colors

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can make a basic striped bracelet using 6 strands of embroidery thread. You will use some of the methods outlined in the basic thread bracelet above to make a more elaborate design. To begin, gather your supplies.
    • You'll need either a safety pin or tape to secure the thread while you're working. [1]
    • You'll also need scissors for cutting the thread. [2]
    • You'll need embroidery thread, which you can buy at a craft store. Pick six different colors you like. [3]
  2. Once you have your supplies together, you'll be able to begin the process. First, you have to cut the embroidery thread.
    • Cut 12 strands of thread in your different colors. Strands should be about 24 inches (61 cm) each. Make sure you have 2 sets of each of the six colors you chose. [4]
    • Combine the thread by tying a knot towards the end of the strands, leaving at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of slack. You'll need these 3 inches (7.6 cm) later when you're finishing up your bracelet. [5]
    • In order to work with your thread, you'll need to secure it. There are two ways you can do this. You can tape the knot to a flat surface, like a table. You can also use a safety pin to pin the knot down on a pillow. [6]
  3. Now you have to arrange your threads. You'll have to do so in a way that creates a mirror image. This helps create the stripe design.
    • Separate your threads, placing six strands of the different colors on each side. Then, move them in such a way that the colors mirror each other. [7]
    • If this is confusing, look at this example. On your left side, moving from the outermost thread to the innermost thread, you have red, then orange, then lavender, then green, then yellow, then blue. On your right side, the innermost thread would be blue. Blue would be followed by yellow, then green, then lavender, then orange, and ending on a red thread. [8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    To begin, you would start with the outermost thread on your left side. In the example above, that would be the red thread. You would take the red thread and make a forward knot over the second outermost color. In our example, the second outermost color is orange. If you do not remember how to make a forward knot, see Step 3 of Method 1.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Using your outermost thread, move inward. Continue to make forward knots over each color until you reach the thread in the middle. In our example, this would be the blue thread. Make sure to remember to knot twice when making forward knots. [9]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Once you're finished with the left side, you can move to the outermost thread on the right. The process is mostly the same. You're moving the outermost color inwards towards the middle thread. However, you'll be using what are called backwards knots instead of forward knots.
    • Once again, you'll lay the outermost thread on top of the thread next to it. In our example, this means placing the red thread on the right over the orange thread on the right.
    • Loop the red thread under the orange thread. This time, move downward when you loop the thread, moving away from the knot holding your strands of thread together. Pull tight into a knot. As with a forward knot, knot twice.
    • As you did on the left side, continue moving inward with your outermost thread. Make two backwards knots with each color on the right side until you reach the innermost thread. In our example, this would be the blue thread.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    In the middle, you'll have two stands of the same color. In our example, there are two blue strands in the middle. Once you've finished knotting the left and right side, tie these middle strands together. Use a backwards knot, outlined above, to do so.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    After you've knotted the first outermost color, a new thread should emerge as the outermost color on each side. In our example, orange would become the new outermost color. Repeat the above process with the orange thread.
    • Start on the left side. Use forward knots, remembering to knot twice, to tie the orange thread with all the other colors.
    • On the right side, use the orange thread to tie backwards knots with all the other colors. Remember to knot twice.
    • When you reach the center, tie the two innermost strands of thread together using a backwards knot.
    • Repeat this process until you've knotted all the strands of thread together. You should have a nice, simple striped pattern by the end of the process. [10]
  9. When you're done merging all the threads, tie a tight knot on the end of the bracelet. Braid the remaining strands together. Remove the tape or the pin from the other end. Braid these strands together as well. You've made a simple, striped pattern bracelet out of thread. [11]
    10. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Trying Knotted Bracelets

PDF download Download Article
  1. A knotted bracelet can be a fun and simple design to try. To begin, you'll need some basic supplies. You'll need three different colors of embroidery thread, a safety pin, and a pair of scissors. [12]
  2. Once you have you supplies together, you can cut your thread. Cut a strand of each color. Your strands should be fairly large. Each strand should be 2 to 3 arm lengths long. [13]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Once your strings are cut, you'll need to gather your strings together and tie them into a loop. This process can be somewhat tricky so go slowly and follow instructions carefully.
    • Gather all your strings together. You can lie them down side-by-side on a long table or on the floor. Find the midpoint of all three strings. Fold all the strings in half along the midpoint. [14]
    • Towards the end of your folded strings, tie them together in a tight knot to secure. This will make a small loop on the end of your stands of strings. Use a basic knot here, like you'd use when tying your shoes.
    • You'll use the loop you create when your finish your bracelet. You will end up slipping your strings through the loop and tying them together. Make sure the loop is big enough to fit three threads through. [15]
    • Slip a safety pin through the loop. Fasten the loop on a pillow or other firm surface. This will keep the threads organized and secure while you work. [16]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    Once all is set up, you can begin the knotting process. For this type of bracelet, you simply repeat the following process until the bracelet is as long as you want.
    • Use one hand to gather two strings on the right.
    • Use your other hand to create a loop with the string to the left. Lie the left thread over the two threads on the right, creating a circular loop with the slack from the left thread. It should look something like a backwards "P."
    • Slip the left string under your two right strings. Move it through the loop you created, moving upward towards the knot on the top. [17]
    • Pull the left string, holding the other two strings loosely. You should be able to pull upward until the knot you created reaches the knot connecting the threads. [18]
    • Repeat this process until all your threads are knotted together.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Bracelets out of Thread
    The knots will take on the color of the string to the left. If you want to change colors, return the left string to other two strings. Then, pull a string of a different color out of the bunch, moving it to the left side. Repeat the knotting process with that string.
    • How and when you change colors depends on your personal preferences. If you want a bracelet with a more random design, change colors whenever you feel like it. If you want a more uniform design, make a rule for yourself. For example, you'll change color every 5 knots. [19]
  6. When you reach the end of your bracelet, you'll need to tie an end knot. How long you make your bracelet is up to you. However, make sure you have at least a few inches of thread at the end. Simply tie a knot using all three strings, as you did when making the loop at the beginning.
    • Remove the bracelet from the safety pin. Pull the excess strings through the loop at the top. Then, tie a knot with the excess strings to create a fully formed bracelet. [20]
    • For this part of the process, you can simply use basic knots, like you would use to tie your shoes.
    7. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if I'm not very coordinated?
    Community Answer
    Practice! You'll get better the more you work at it. In the meantime, you could have someone that is a little more coordinated than you help you with the hard parts.
    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 19 Helpful 18
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Embroidery thread is a good choice as opposed to yarn, the pattern comes out better and it doesn't unravel as much.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • You can take as many embroidery threads you want to make a plait.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Read through all the instructions at least twice before getting started to make sure you understand how to do it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      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

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Craft a Chevron Friendship Bracelet
      How to
      Do the Chinese Staircase Friendship Bracelet
      How to
      Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
      How to
      Crochet a Bracelet
      How to
      Make a Bandana Bracelet
      How to
      Make a Paracord 550 Bracelet Without Buckle (Cobra Stich Followed by King Cobra)
      How to
      Make a King Cobra Paracord Bracelet
      How to
      Make Rakhi at Home
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      2. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      3. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      4. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      5. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      6. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      7. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      8. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      9. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      1. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      2. ↑ http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/
      3. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      4. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      5. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      6. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      7. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      8. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      9. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      10. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html
      11. ↑ http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/2012/01/lots-of-knots-friendship-bracelet.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make bracelets out of thread, start by cutting 3 equal-sized strands of thread and tie a knot near the end of the strands to connect them. With the outermost strand on the left, make a forward knot by bending the thread to a 90-degree angle and laying it over the middle strand. Then, loop the original thread under the middle thread, moving upward toward the knot connecting all of the threads together. Repeat the process for a double knot before making a forward knot around the next string. Make these forward knots with each strand until your bracelet is the right length. Finally, tie the ends in place when you finish. To learn how to use 6 different colors in your bracelet, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 204,220 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Emily Fausett

        Mar 6, 2019

        "I was going to my BFF's birthday party in a couple days. and I wanted something besides what I had bought her, ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement