Let’s dive into the fun world of knotting. We’ve put together an amazing collection of lovely macramé bracelet tutorials & free patterns that include a sweet spin on some traditional friendship bracelets. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, these patterns are a great way to add a little flair to your wrist.
Ready to create some wrist magic with these free patterns that are just waiting for your unique touch? Grab your cords and threads. Let’s tie knots and see how our friendship develops with every turn! But first, here are some basic facts that you should know:
What Is Macrame?
Macramé is a form of textile art that involves creating decorative knots and patterns using various types of cords or threads. It has been practiced since the 1300s, but it wasn’t until the Victorian era that it became popular.
The finished macramé piece can have a range of textures and colors due to the use of different materials like cotton, jute, or nylon, as well as different cord thicknesses.
Macramé remains a popular craft for DIY enthusiasts and artisans alike due to its versatility and creativity. It is often used to create craft pieces such as wall hangings, plant hangers, and jewelry.
How To Make a Macramé Bracelet?
Depending on the macramé bracelet patterns you have chosen, creating one involves several steps. Here’s a general guide on how to make a bracelet using macramé knots:
- Gather materials and tools
You’ll need- macramé cords or strings,
- measuring tape,
- scissors,
- tape or a clipboard or a macramé board,
- pins,
- beads or charms, if desired,
- a lighter or a fray checker.
- Cut the cords
Depending on your bracelet size, cut at least one long piece of cord for the base and several shorter pieces for the knotting. - Secure the cords
Fasten the cords to your work surface with tape or a clipboard. - Knotting
Use basic macramé knots to create your bracelet. Here are the 17 basic Macrame Knots for you to learn. The most common knots are the Half Hitch Knots, Square Knot, and Larks Head Knot. - Pattern making
Continue tying knots to create your desired pattern. You can alternate between square and half hitch knots or add beads for decoration. - Adding beads (optional)
Slide a bead onto the center cord(s), then secure it with a knot below it to add an embellishment to your bracelet. - Closing off
Once you’ve reached the desired length, finish your bracelet with a closing knot, another loop to secure the ends, or a sliding knot. - Trim the excess cord
Cut off any excess cord after the final knots. - Seal the ends
You can seal the ends of your cords by burning them slightly with a lighter if the material allows.
Remember, macramé is all about practice. Your bracelets will turn out better the more effort you put into them. Have fun with it, and let your imagination run wild with your creations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Of Macrame Bracelet
1. What is the best cord to use for macramé jewelry?
The best cord for macramé jewelry, particularly bracelets, depends on various factors, such as the desired look, feel, and durability. Here are some commonly used cords and their attributes:
Waxed Cotton Cord: This is a popular choice for jewelry because of its smooth finish, which makes it comfortable to wear and easy to work with. Along with helping to keep the knots in their proper shape, the wax coating offers some water resistance.
Nylon Cord: Nylon cord can come in a variety of colors and sizes and is often used for its strength and flexibility. It’s durable and has a slight stretch, which can be beneficial for bracelets that require some give.
Hemp Cord: Known for its natural look and eco-friendly properties, hemp cord is strong and durable. It’s a great option for those who prefer a more rustic or bohemian style.
Linen Cord: Linen is a natural fiber that’s typically softer and has a more elegant drape than hemp. It’s ideal for delicate jewelry pieces.
Silk Cord: Silk cord offers a luxurious feel and a shiny appearance, making it suitable for elegant, high-end macramé jewelry.
Leather Cord: Leather gives a different texture and look to macramé jewelry. It’s durable and can add a touch of sophistication or a rugged aesthetic to the piece.
Think about how the jewelry will be worn, how often it will be worn, and if it will be exposed to elements like water when selecting the cord.
2. How to make a sliding knot for a macramé bracelet?
A sliding knot is a practical addition to macramé bracelets because it allows for adjustability in size, making the bracelet more versatile and accessible to wearers with different wrist sizes. It also means the bracelet can be put on and removed easily without needing additional hardware like clasps or buckles, which can be beneficial for maintaining the bracelet’s aesthetic and comfort.
Here is the simplest way to make a sliding knot for macrame bracelets. Remember to knot tightly enough so the knots hold, but not so tight that they can’t slide. This simple sliding knot technique will give your macramé bracelets a functional and seamless finish.
3. Are friendship bracelets the same as macramé bracelets?
Friendship bracelets and macramé bracelets are related but distinct types of bracelets. Friendship bracelets are a subset of macramé bracelets, with an emphasis on color patterns and symbolism related to friendship. They both use knotting techniques to make designs and patterns, but they differ in the following ways:
Friendship Bracelets:
1. Traditionally, it is made with embroidery floss or thread.
2. They are created by tying a series of knots in a specific order to create patterns and designs, with color playing an important role. Here are the 4 basic friendship bracelet knots with step-by-step tutorials for beginners.
3. The designs can be very detailed with symbolic meanings, often given as a token of friendship.
4. Typically, they are tied to the wrist and worn until they fall off naturally.
Macrame Bracelets:
1. Usually made with thicker cords like hemp, cotton, leather, or nylon.
2. Macramé involves a series of knots, primarily square knots, half hitches, and their variations.
3. They are often more focused on the texture and pattern made by the knots themselves than the color patterns.
4. Macramé bracelets often include beads or other decorative elements and can have a clasp or adjustable closure.
What’s Next?
- Get started on that crochet project and post the finished product on social media (Facebook and/or Instagram). Include the @madefromyarn hashtag in your posts so we can view them.
- Bookmark this post as a pin on Pinterest for your future macramé projects.
- Share the list with your friends so you can all have fun together creating your macramé friendship bracelets.
- Explore other macrame projects to make.
31 Beautiful Macramé Bracelet Patterns
Check out this awesome collection of 31 macramé bracelet patterns, which includes some cool friendship bracelets. The best part? They’re all completely free to access and use in your next crafty project!
How to Make Friendship Bracelets - 5 Ways for Beginners
Let's start with the beginner's macrame bracelet using these five simple friendship bracelet patterns. They will lead you from the most straightforward Two String Friendship Bracelet to the most intricate Spiral Staircase Friendship Bracelet, Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet, Chevron Friendship Bracelet, and Diamond Friendship Bracelet.
DIY Friendship Bracelet
Prepare to channel your inner child and make the classic chevron friendship bracelet! With a handful of colorful threads and a simple knotting technique, you'll be weaving a stylish and sentimental accessory that's perfect for gifting to your BFF.
Zipper Friendship Bracelet
This simple bracelet pattern calls for just two different colors of string. With its clean lines and sleek design, this bracelet will look good with any outfit. This pattern is great for practicing your hitch knot.
3D Zig Zag Friendship Bracelet Pattern
A simple creative touch with the string colors will allow you to create an amazing zigzag friendship bracelet. You can learn how to create it with a cool 3D effect by following this simple and unique tutorial!
3D Diamond Friendship Bracelet Pattern
A simple diamond friendship bracelet pattern can have a cool three-dimensional effect when the string colors are carefully chosen and planned.
DIY Heart Friendship Bracelet
Let's make one of these heart-pattern friendship bracelets out of candy-colored embroidery floss. Perfect for expressing your friendship and love.
Bestie Friendship Bracelet
Will it be fun to have the friendship bracelet personalized with your name or a special message? This Bestie bracelet is more than just a fashion statement; the friendship represented in each intricately woven letter makes it a priceless keepsake.
Waves Friendship Bracelet
Let's try this cool waves pattern once you've mastered the fundamentals of knotting friendship bracelets. Using the chart pattern as a guide, the video provides a thorough explanation of how to make it.
Pink Ribbon Friendship Bracelet Pattern - Breast Cancer Awareness
Making and wearing friendship bracelets in support of breast cancer awareness does more than just show support among friends; it also raises critical awareness, which can lead to earlier diagnoses and, ultimately, higher survival rates.
Watermelon Bracelet
Transform a zig-zag pattern into a watermelon friendship bracelet to give it a summery feel. What an interesting fruity twist!
Daisy Chain Bracelet
Despite its openwork appearance, this flower bracelet is surprisingly simple to create. Girls adore the daisy chain bracelet for its delicate beauty and the deep meaning associated with daisies—they stand for friendship, innocence, and purity.
Easy Rainbow Macrame Bracelet
By following the video tutorial, you can make a beautiful macramé bracelet in no time. By the end of this video, even a beginner can make this lovely bracelet.
Spiral Knot Macrame Bracelet
This macrame bracelet is adorable and simple to make. The spiral knot makes a lovely helix pattern and can be adjusted to fit any wrist size.
DIY 3 Styles of Macrame Friendship Bracelets
Find out how to make three different types of stylish friendship bracelets that you can make with or for your friends. Making macrame bracelets has never been easier than with this detailed video guide. Handmade always make better gifts than store-bought ones.
Beginners Square Knot Macrame Bracelet
One of the easiest macramé projects is a square knot bracelet. The square knot is one of the first knots that beginners learn when they begin their macrame journey. If you're just learning how to tie a square knot, this bracelet is a great project for you to practice.
Macrame Spiral Bracelet for Couples or BFF’s
This macrame spiral bracelet is ideal for beginners who prefer visual instructions. The video tutorial shows how to make a simple macrame bracelet with a charm and an adjustable sliding knot clasp.
DIY Macrame Friendship Bracelet
Learn how to make this lovely friendship bracelet by following the detailed video tutorial. The Barrel sliding knot and the Leaf stopper knot are particularly lovely and feminine touches.
Flower Macrame Bracelet
Besides being a cute addition to any outfit, making your own flower bracelet is a great way to unwind after a long day.
Square Knot Bracelet Macrame Jewelry
Even with just the basic square knot technique, the macrame bracelet design is instantly elevated by adding shiny metal charms. That's such a wonderful idea!
Make Your Own Macrame Bracelet
Another simple macrame bracelet with square knots. Opt for a brass bar this time for a sleek, trendy look. Adding some length to this will make it perfect for a macramé choker.
How To Make A Tiny Flower Bracelet
Make a lovely green macramé bracelet and embellish it with a tiny yellow daisy flower. It will brighten up your outfit and give you a touch of nature-inspired style.
Easy & Cute Macrame Bracelet Tutorial
Here's a video tutorial that will teach you how to make a gorgeous beaded bracelet to add a little extra charm and cuteness to your next macrame project.
Gemstone Macrame Bracelet Tutorial for Beginners
Prepare to adorn your wrist with a touch of class by making a gemstone macrame bracelet. Create a stunning piece of jewelry fit for any event with this easy-to-follow tutorial that uses macrame techniques and beautiful gemstones.
How To Make Macrame Bracelet With Josephine Knot
You can easily make your own version of the Josephine knot bracelet from a video tutorial. Making this stunning bracelet is a great way to show off your DIY skills and creativity, and the instructions are easy to follow.
DIY Bracelet Ideas for Men / Boys
This is the perfect men's macrame bracelet pattern for men and boys. Now you know what to make for the next Father's Day and birthday for the important men in your life. They also make wonderful gifts for the holiday season.
Celtic Style Men's Bracelet Tutorial
If you prefer a more intricate design for your men's macrame bracelet, this Celtic-style design is another excellent option.
Openwork Macrame Bracelet
This openwork macrame bracelet is beyond gorgeous. It looks delicate and lovely with its light and lacy appearance.
White Cotton Macrame Bracelet
A simple two-ring clasp is the perfect way to finish off the white macramé bracelet. If we use thicker yarn or cord, it will be a perfect pattern to make into a waist belt.
How to Make Macrame Bracelet with Aztec Sun Bar in The Center
This macrame bracelet is beyond adorable. It features a lovely Aztec sun bar pattern in the middle that resembles a row of flowers.
How to Make Aztec Sun Bar Bracelet Two Color
This Aztec sun bar pattern is available in two different colors, which makes it extremely unique!
T-shirt Yarn Bracelets
Bracelets made from recycled t-shirt yarn are not only inexpensive but also quick and fun to make. It is the perfect thrifty summer accessory for kids and adults.