Friendship bracelets are a popular form of wrist accessory as far as I can remember. Its vibrant and unique overlapping patterns make them especially appealing to the younger generations. With this being said—you may also typically associate its wearing to kids and teenagers. So does this mean that their usage is limited to this age group only? Or, can they be worn even by adults as well? In today’s topic, I will provide you with basic information about friendship bracelets and the meaning behind their wearing. Towards the end of the article, I’ll also give you my recommendations and how to make friendship bracelets on your own. So without further delays, let’s begin…
Friendship bracelets are probably the most common, if not popular, bracelets for both genders and in different age groups. They’re relatively cheap, and you can create one for yourself that is based on your own patterns. Since they’ve been around for as long as we know, have you ever wondered where they had originated? Well, ancient records suggest that the wearing of friendship bracelets dates back to the early history of Central America. Also, decorative wrists accessories that were designed from knots have been found all the way to ancient China. The popularity of friendship bracelets started growing yet again in the 70s during the hippie or flower movement. It is an era where matching vibrant patterns is the trend, especially among the youth.
The typical multi-colored design of the bracelet symbolizes friendship and long-lasting companionship. In addition, the tradition is that you give the bracelet to your friend, and then they make a wish. Their heart’s desire would be granted as soon as the bracelet falls off naturally. Such meaning and symbolical implications make the bracelet appealing to kids and pre-teen women—the period where their concept of friendship is starting to form. This also explains why they’re more associated with the younger generation than the adults.
However, it doesn’t mean that they are exclusive to kids and teenagers. They also look perfectly fine in adults because it emits a youthful and vibrant vibe when worn. I will explain the idea of friendship bracelets being worn by different age groups in the next section of the article.
There are several points you have to take note of for the bracelets to look naturally and prevent them from appearing awkward when worn. As mentioned earlier, the first factor you have to consider is the age group. And the reason why this is the case is that different friendship bracelets patterns and color combinations might have different impacts based on your age. Let’s take a look at them—
In consideration of the friendship bracelets for kids, the combination of bright colors is commonly associated with youthfulness and positivity. Therefore, such designs make them a perfect fit for kids and teenagers. Another common pattern we see is the diamond friendship bracelets. And the reason why they’re very popular is that it allows you to combine multiple bright colors, and it would still look good no matter what the blend of texture would be. It is also recommendable to stack them with other friendship bracelets as well that bear different design patterns and colors.
There are no specific rules or guidelines regarding the wearing of friendship bracelets—they’re suitable no matter what your gender is and the age group you belong to. There should be no fashion concerns to the youth. However, there would be a different take with friendship bracelets for adults because it might emanate an awkward guise if it’s worn improperly.
The general consensus suggests that it would be ideal to select semi-vibrant friendship bracelets but have a classic vibe. This is especially preferable if you are working in an office. Although friendship bracelets are generally intended for casual wear, choosing to wear accessories with a more classical theme makes them tolerable even under a corporate-type of environment. Also, such bracelets aren’t limited to treads when it comes to adults. As you browse the web, you would also find friendship bracelets made of stainless steel or leather instead of the traditional knots.
As I repeatedly emphasized, friendship bracelets are a common fashion in any part of the world. And what I imply is that you can easily find them in a mall or concept store. This may be the case—finding the most reliable friendship bracelets could be challenging. And if you are not sure which ones to buy, you can check out my recommendation of friendship bracelets Amazon—Woven Friendship Bracelets Braided Handmade Colorful Adjustable String Bracelets.
Or, if you want the sense of fulfillment of creating your own friendship bracelets that are in accordance with your preference, then you can try Friendship Bracelet Making Kit.
However, if you’re looking for accessories for adults, you can opt for friendship bracelets Pandora such as the Forever and Always Bracelet Set.
Making friendship bracelets DIY is relatively easy and fun to do. But before we go to the actual process of making a friendship bracelet, let’s go over some essentials first, such as the following—
First and foremost, you need to gather the supplies you needed to craft friendship bracelets. Here are the basic supplies you have to take note of—
As presented earlier, there are friendship bracelet kits available to make your tasks a little bit easier. Also, most of them contain instructional pamphlets to guide you on how to make friendship bracelets.
There are many patterns you can opt for in designing your friendship bracelets. However, it would seem daunting if it’s your first time crafting the accessory. If this is indeed the case, then there are several patterns you can try that are suitable for beginners, such as the Candy Stripes, Chevron, and Diamond friendship bracelets. We will go over them in a little while.
Another fun part of the process is the selection of your preferred colors. Again, let me remind you that there are no specific rules regarding the appropriate color combinations. And that the blending of the palette is subjected to your personal preferences.
Photo Credit: Pinterest.com
Here are the mechanics in crafting candy stripes friendship bracelets—
1. Gather about seven different colors of yarn strands. Cut the yarn about 36-inches long and make a knot of 3-inches. Remember that the more strands you incorporate, the wider the bracelets would be.
2. Start making a knot starting from the left going to the right. The pattern should create four shapes and overlaps on top of one another.
3. Once the end of the thread is reached, tie the knots by pulling the overlapping strands.
4. To secure the strands to stay in place, hold the interior thread and pull the string once more until it tightens.
5. Repeat the process, but this time do it from right to left
Continue until the desired length is reached
Photo Credit: Pinterest.com
Another friendship bracelet popular with beginners is called Chevron. Below is the instruction in crafting a chevron friendship bracelet—
1. You can begin with three different colors of strands and then cut them about 50-inches each.
2. Fold the entire strand in half. And then, twist the upper part to form a loop.
3. Use a board and tape the top portion of the unfinished bracelet to hold them in place.
4. Overlap the strands and follow this pattern—1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1. It should start from left to right, and vice versa.
5. You can start by making a four shape and inserting the strand into the second thread. Once you have reached the last strand, pull it until it tightens. And then, the process should be made from the other side
Continue the pattern until your desired length is achieved
Photo Credit: Pinterest.com
Diamond friendship bracelets are among the popular wrist wearable not only because they’re stylish, but they’re also very easy to craft—
1. In making a diamond friendship bracelet, you will need about four different colors of strands. If you like the wearable to be a little thicker, then you can double the traditional four strands.
2. Cut the thread by 72-inches. And then, fold them in half and form a loop on the very top of the thread.
3. Use a board and tape or safety pin to hold the knots together.
4. The arrangement of the patterns is similar to a chevron friendship bracelet. Make a four shape, and then overlap starting from the left strand until you reach the end of strands.
5. The pattern should be BCDAADCB. And then, if you started from the right, then you have to do the same to the left
6. Repeat the process until the desired length is achieved
That’s just about it for today’s topic! I hope it provided you sufficient information about the basics and how to craft friendship bracelets.
Here are some of the common questions asked about friendship bracelets—
Yes. They are still very popular up to the present. And if you’re looking for a worthwhile project with your kid during this summer, then crafting friendship bracelets would be a good idea.
The simple answer is yes. Adults do wear them as well. Due to their customization feature, they provide a style that is uniquely based on your preference.
If you’re too concerned about looking weird, then you no longer have to worry yourself about it because it’s completely normal. Also, it provides personalized style depending on the color scheme of your preference.
