18 DIY Friendship Bracelets That Are Way Cooler Than The Ones You Made At Camp

Hannah Poindexter
Dose
4 min readMay 24, 2016

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If your wrists didn’t look like this in 2002 you’re either lying, or you really missed out

Craftgawker

As a child of the 90s, I can confirm that friendship bracelets were all the rage. I had the Klutz book with the special little thread pouch, and my best friend and I literally started a business selling them during recess for either 25 or 50 cents each depending on how complicated the pattern was. So, it’s safe to say I know a thing or two about these braided beauties — to include knowing that they’re still cool.

With that in mind, here are 18 aspirational DIY friendship bracelet projects that will take you right back to summer camp. Looks like it’s time to head out to the craft store, folks.

1. Start simple with a dainty heart bracelet

Hart and Sew

All you need is a little suede cord to make these easy, adjustable bracelets.

2. Go back to basics with these camp classics

Hey Wanderer

Weave yourself a fishtail chevron with some pastel thread. Finish it off with a simple wooden bead.

3. Or try this variation on the fishtail pattern for a different effect

I Spy DIY

Two-tone colors make this bracelet pop! For an adult upgrade, add a metal clasp.

4. Get fancy with a macrame ring bracelet

Honestly WTF

Modernize your macrame knots with a few tasteful, metallic accents. You’ll want to make one for everyone you know.

5. Go monochromatic with an intricate pattern

Purl Soho

Stack these bracelets for a color block effect with an added pattern.

6. Go tribal

For the Makers

Clear your afternoon and get to work on one of these these super-cool patterns. The cheerful color combinations are guaranteed to perk up any summery ensemble.

7. Show your love with a heart pattern

Honestly WTF

These two-toned friendship bracelets are a loving testament to your BFF.

9. Weave a wave

Fab Art DIY

Just keep knotting for this lovely layered pattern.

10. Tie up a nautical knot

Operation Overhaul

Channel your inner-Girl Scout and tie a chunky knot to achieve this nautical-inspired arm candy.

11. Or ditch the knots and go for a wrap

I Spy DIY

Your friendship can be just as accurately represented with a wrapped bracelet for those who don’t have mad knotting skills. And the neon thread adds a bright twist to an otherwise basic design.

12. Bead up your bangles

Blog a la Cart

Upgrade your basic bracelet with a dainty strand of beads.

13. Build a bright stack of bracelets

Brit + Co

Try a chunky bracelet method to create a bold stack brimming with color and texture.

14. Wear your patriotism on your wrist

Etsy

Show some love for your homeland with this patriotic pattern.

15. Make a super-simple beaded bracelet

Thanks I Made It

Use tiny crimp beads to transform embroidery thread into a lovely little bracelet.

16. Bedazzle your bracelet

Brit + Co

There are two surprises in store for this bracelet: first, it’s covered in chic studs and second, it’s actually made of tulle instead of thread. Go figure.

17. Make a wide statement

Learning Center

This colorful statement piece takes friendship bracelets straight to the next level.

18. Score some style points with stones

Blogspot — Curly Made

These pretty pastel stones give a simple bracelet a perfect beachy vibe.

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Hannah Poindexter
Dose
Writer for

Always carry emergency reading material. If you run out, read the cool things I write for @Dose and @OMGFacts.