How to make friendship bracelets

July 30 is the International Day of Friendship! No, Hallmark didn’t make it up—the United Nations did, to celebrate how friendship leads to understanding and peace.
There are all kinds of ways we can let the people around us know how much they mean to us. In the past several decades, handmade tokens of friendship have been popular. Here are some things you might not know about friendship bracelets and jewelry, plus simple instructions to make your own.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark.
Braided and knotted friendship bracelets
This craft, which originated among the Mayans in Central America, became popular in the United States in the 1970s. It became traditional to make two identical bands, giving one to a friend and wearing the other one yourself, day and night, until they fell off naturally. Because the bracelets are cotton, they can be worn all the time, even while swimming, which makes them a great summer accessory.
Some people associated different colors in the bracelets with different meanings:
- Blue: Loyalty
- Red: Honesty
- Yellow: Happiness
- Green: Generosity
- Orange: Closeness
- Purple: Creativity
- Pink: Kindness
- Black: Strength
- White: Peace
Of course, you can just make one in your friend’s favorite colors, and they don’t have to wear it constantly. Here’s how to make three different kinds of braided and knotted friendship bracelets!
Twisted friendship bracelet
Made with embroidery floss, pearl cotton or yarn, this easy friendship bracelet comes together in two shakes, or rather, twists.
Braided friendship bracelet
Knotted friendship bracelet
This is the traditional bracelet we made as kids for friends to wear until they fell off. They’re fun to make on road trips because they’re portable—but they take a LONG time. These instructions show you how to make a chevron-patterned friendship bracelet.
Safety-pin friendship jewelry
In the 1980s, girls started to make little gifts for each other by putting colorful beads on safety pins. These friendship pins were usually attached to shoelaces, so you only had to look down at your sneakers to remind yourself of how much you were liked. The pins could also adorn a jacket or a bag.
We’ve put together instructions you can follow to make these traditional friendship pins—as well as pendants and bracelets, just to spice things up. To make any of these projects, you’ll need some safety pins and lots of colorful seed beads.
Friendship pendants
For the pendants, grab all your friends and set aside a little time for you to do them together. They’re quick, easy and fun. They also make a great project for a team.
Friendship pins
Here’s how to make a pretty pin to give to your best friend. You can put both your initials in it to display your BFF status, or make a pretty pattern with her favorite colors. (Or make one of each!)
Friendship bracelets
And for those of you crazy for bracelets—we’ll show you how to make one to give to a good friend—or keep for yourself. These are pretty time-consuming but VERY ADDICTIVE to make. You’ll find all sorts of patterns you’ll want to try out. Just be sure to work in a well-lit area or your eyes may cross!
And if you’re wondering when someone is too old for things like this, the answer is: never (like Shannon and friends demonstrate in the bonus video below!). It’s always a good time to celebrate the people who make us smile. Hope these projects inspire you to give your friends a handmade token of friendship.
You may also like
See more-
Christmas Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch is skiing in to steal hearts!
Look who's skiing into town in time for the holidays! It's our favorite Christmas curmudgeon, Dr. Seuss's The Grinch....
-
Christmas Light up your tree with your love of Harry Potter
No need for the Lumos charm here—this set of 10 sculpted lights on a string are all you need to illuminate your tree ...
-
Christmas Help us celebrate 75 years with the Peanuts Gang
Fun fact: a 75th anniversary is a diamond anniversary! And we're excited to show Peanuts Snoopy and his pals just how...
-
Christmas From the tree to your tabletop
See how a beloved Keepsake Ornament from retired Hallmark Artist Ken Crow has been turned into a magical tabletop dec...
-
Christmas Complete your Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets collection this year!
Relive the mystery and adventure that fills Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ...
-
Christmas Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with the Peanuts Gang
Featuring the iconic stage where Charlie Brown and his friends put on their Christmas pageant in "A Charlie Brown Chr...
-
Christmas Buddy and Jovie are here to spread cheer!
This adorable duo feature light and dialogue from favorite scenes from the movie "Elf." Of course, each ornament is a...
-
Christmas Celebrate the season in Dark Side style!
Little tree...BIG impact. Especially with this Mini Star Wars™ Darth Vader™ ShowToppers Musical Tree Topper. Just con...
-
Christmas Come inside, foolish mortal, if you dare!
Relive the fun and memories of a childhood trip to Disney Parks with the Haunted Mansion Keepsake Ornament collection...
-
Christmas Keepsake Ornament Premiere is almost here!
With more than 250 new Keepsake Ornament releases, you won't want to miss the start of Keepsake Ornament Premiere on ...
-
Christmas So many layers to this new collection of Keepsake Ornaments!
Watch as Keepsake Artist Charles Young explains how Hallmark's decades-long artistry in the world of papercraft has i...
-
Christmas The magic of Disney Parks is destined for your tree ✨
That feeling of seeing
-
Christmas Keepsake hot takes: 10 new Keepsake Ornaments that are an automatic add-to-cart
Holiday lovers, we see you! While other people are drenched in summer sweat, we know you’re dreaming of a white Chris...
-
Card Ideas 10 new, trendy cards we’re loving right now
Hot take incoming: Cards are basically mini time capsules. Not only do you get to hold on to a piece of someone’s han...
-
Christmas Visit your favorites at Keepsake Village
Some of your favorite Hallmark friends have gathered for fun and festivities this holiday season! Keepsake Ornament c...
-
Christmas Welcome to Elfville!
We LOVE a new Keepsake Ornament series, and this one promises to be totally adorable. The Welcome to Elfville series ...
-
Calendar Flip Let’s celebrate, y’all! July 2025 Holidays and Celebrations
Get ready for friends, family and fireworks—and break out the red, white and blue for Independence Day. It’s time ...
-
Calendar Flip Welcome Autumn! September 2025 Holidays and Observances
Fall brings cooler nights, cute sweaters, homecoming games and tailgate parties. It’s time to flip the calendar page,...
-
Calendar Flip A (Very) Warm Hello! August 2025 Holidays and Observances
Is it hot enough for you? Well, we’re here to add some extra sizzle. It’s time to flip the calendar page, check ou...
-
Father's Day Give love back: 25+ Father’s Day ideas to celebrate Dad
We love dads. They’re uniquely brilliant, wise beyond reason, silly in the best way and caring in the sweetest. The r...