How to make a Macrame Friendship Bracelet

As someone who grew up in the 90s, I have some pretty fond memories of trading friendship bracelets and best friend necklaces with my closest buddies. As a trio of friends, we each had a necklace that simply said ‘Best’—it might have seemed random, but to us, it held a profound meaning. It made us feel like part of an exclusive sisterhood, a bond that was unique and treasured. 

And interestingly, it seems that the tradition of gifting friendship bracelets has now evolved, drawing inspiration from none other than Taylor Swift herself. The friendship bracelet trend among Swifties has taken on a new life, inspired by the heartfelt lyrics from her 2022 album “Midnights.” In her soul-stirring anthem “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” Swift sang, “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it,” a line that resonated deeply with her devoted fans. 

These words became a call to action, sparking a creative movement within the fan community, who passionately wove intricate friendship bracelets. These bracelets not only adorned wrists but also embodied the camaraderie and unity inspired by their love for Taylor Swift’s music. This trend celebrates crafting and echoes the themes of friendship and solidarity in Swift’s music.

Inspired by those simpler times and the meaning of gifting friendship jewellery to your nearest and dearest, I’m here to share the ins and outs of crafting Macrame Friendship Bracelets. And the best part? It takes less than 30 minutes!

Whether you’re looking to adorn your own wrist or create a gift for a friend, making macrame friendship bracelets is quick and easy! So, grab your cords and let’s get going!

What do I need to make a Macrame Bracelet?

• Macrame cord 200cm and 80cm (in the colour of your choice!)
• Scissors (Check out my Review on Fiskars Fabric Scissors)
• Masking Tape 
• Flat Surface

STEP 1

Fold the 80cm cord in half and create a knot at the looped end, ensuring a 1cm loop remains.

STEP 2

Secure the loop end to a table or flat surface using Masking Tape. 

Alternatively, a clipboard works perfectly for this step!

STEP 3

Take the 200cm cord and position it beneath the shorter cord, just below the loop, ensuring equal sides remain on either side.

STEP 4

Next, craft the spiral. Simply take 200cm cord and secure it with enough knots to cover your wrist’s circumference. A half-square-knot involves crossing the left cord over, bringing the right cord behind, and threading it through the loop. Tighten the knot by pulling both cords. An easy way to remember this is to think of the number 4 or the letter L – the left cord crosses over the right and loops behind, forming an L-shaped loop. 

As the name suggests, a half-square-knot emerges by consistently tying half knots in a single direction. As you execute this technique, the cords naturally twist into a spiral pattern.

Don’t worry, this is easier than it looks! 

Explaining macrame knots in words can be challenging, so to provide a more visual and comprehensive understanding, I recommend checking out this amazing instructional video:

STEP 5

Close the spiral with a knot and pull the remaining cord lengths through the 1cm loop you made in step 1.

STEP 6

Next, tie a small knot in each of the cords at roughly 7cm long and trim the excess cord.

And Voilà!!! Your Macrame Friendship Bracelet is now ready! The next step is deciding which lucky friend will receive this handmade treasure!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, just as easy as I promised. I hope you’ve found this tutorial both enjoyable and inspiring. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with some Bracelet Beads? They add a chic Boho touch, evoking that iconic Taylor Swift vibe we all love.

Making these bracelets not only taps into your creativity but also injects a unique personal flair into your friendships. As you decide who gets to wear these carefully crafted pieces, let them stand as a meaningful reminder of the special bonds you share with your friends.

FAQs

Why do people wear friendship bracelets?

People wear friendship bracelets as a symbolic gesture of camaraderie and affection. According to tradition, these bracelets are placed onto the wrist of a friend as a tangible symbol of friendship, often accompanied by a heartfelt wish. Wearing the bracelet serves as an honouring gesture, signifying the time, energy, and love invested in their friendship. 

What is the best colour for friendship bracelets? 

The best colour for friendship bracelets depends on the sentiment you wish to convey:

• Red: For a passionate and adventurous friend, red signifies good luck and zeal.
• Orange: If you want to express happiness, joy, and excitement, orange is a vibrant choice.
• Yellow: A yellow bracelet symbolises friendliness, optimism, and creativity, perfect for an optimistic and creative soul.
• Green: Green signifies hope, nature, and compassion, making it an ideal choice for a friend who embodies these qualities.
• Blue: For a calm and loyal friend, blue represents peace, inspiration, and loyalty, reflecting their dependable nature.
• Purple: A purple bracelet symbolises friendship, sophistication, and luxury, making it suitable for a close and refined companion.
• Pink: If you want to express affection, love, and kindness, pink is a gentle and heartfelt choice.
• Black: For a friend with energy, power, and confidence, a black bracelet embodies these strong qualities.

Choose a colour that resonates with your friend’s personality and the emotions you want to convey, and your friendship bracelet will carry a meaningful message.