How To Braid

Friendship Bracelets Beyond the Basics

Posted by GMC Group

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You Will Need (1 thing)

  • Embroidery Floss

Steps (16 steps, 45 minutes)

  1. 1

    KNOTS

    Overhand Knot (loose or folded ends)

    Hold the strands together...

  2. 2

    and tie a knot.

  3. 3

    Lark’s Head Knot
    Slip the loop through the metal ring.
    Pull the ends through the loop and tighten.

  4. 4

    Square Knot
    Use the outer strand(s) to tie the first half of a square knot.

  5. 5

    Use the outer strand(s) to tie the second half of a square knot.

  6. 6

    Half-Square Knot
    Tie the first half only of a square knot; repeat until you reach the desired length. As you tie, the knots will spiral.

  7. 7

    Left Knot
    Begin with the strands on the left side. Wrap around the center strands and pull upward to tighten.

  8. 8

    To complete each left knot, always tie again, using the same strands.

  9. 9

    Right Knot
    Begin with the strands on the right
    side. Wrap around the center strands and pull upward to tighten.

  10. 10

    To complete each right knot, always tie again, using the same strands.

  11. 11

    FINISHING
    Using Jump Rings
    Pick up a jump ring with a pair of chain-nose pliers. With a second pair of chain-nose pliers, gently hold the other side of the ring. Open the ring by pulling one pair of pliers toward you while pushing the other away.

    Close the ring by pushing and pulling the pliers in opposite directions, bringing the ring ends back together. Open and close chain links and loops on eye pins or head pins the same way.

  12. 12

    Making a Bead Dangle, Connector or Loops on Wire
    Bead Dangles are made on head pins and have a loop at one end. Connectors are made on eye pins and have loops on both ends. Loops on wire ends are made in the same manner as the loops on bead dangles and connectors.

    Slide the beads on a head pin or eye pin. Leaving about 1/2", cut off the excess wire. Using chain-nose pliers, bend the wire at a 90° angle.

  13. 13

    Grasp the wire end with the round-nose pliers. Turn the pliers and bend the wire into a loop. Release the pliers. Straighten or twist the loop further if necessary.

  14. 14

    Finishing Ends
    Holding the strands together and leaving 1" tails, fold the floss over 
a jump ring or clasp.

  15. 15

    Form a loop with one 12" length 
of floss. Wrap the length around the folded strands 4-5 times. Bring the end through the loop. Pull firmly on the opposite end of the cord until 
the loop disappears.

  16. 16

    Place a drop of glue on the knot. When the glue is dry, trim the ends.