Red and Blue: Beaded Friendship Bracelet

Beaded Friendship Bracelet

OK, I have to say that when I finished this, I was SUPER excited. I have to warn though, because this project takes lots of time. But hey, I think it's worth it.

Here's the stuff you'll need:

a clipboard
scotch tape
scissors
friendship bracelet string
thread (same color as string)
sewing needle
round beads -- make sure the hole is large enough for thread and needle to go through multiple times

First, measure and cut the string to be about 4x the length of the clipboard.

Then, double your cut string twice...

and tie to make a loop at the end:

Next, clip the loop on the clip board. Separate the string into 2 sections with two pieces in each section. Tape down onto clipboard with about a little space in between each section:

This is where it gets a little tricky to explain. I found a video at this link (beaded wrap bracelet) that might be helpful, but I did it slightly differently than they do in the video since its a different kind of string.

So, the first thing you want to do is thread about 8 feet of thread (4 once you double it over) onto your needle. Then, tie a double knot onto one side of your string-loom-thingy...

and cut the tail off:

Then, string a bead onto your thread.

Now, put the needle under the top tread of the farthest section from you. Hold the bead between the 2 sections as you pull the thread tight (not too tight though).

Come back over and thread through the bead the other way. Now, circle the thread over both strings of one section and thread through again. continue to do this until you feel the bead is secured between each section.

Continue to do this for each bead. If you are having trouble, refer to the video.

Once you have the bracelet the length you want it (make sure you un-clip one end and measure around your wrist -- you'll want it just the right length), tie off the thread. Make sure your knot is REALLY good and secure.

Now, it's time to make 2 friendship bracelets. Measure 9 pieces of string about a yard long each. Tie them all at one end and tape down to a table. Divide into 3 sections with three pieces of string in each section:

Now, if you don't know how to make a basic friendship bracelet, go to this link: (friendship bracelets)

Make sure that you make it longer than you think you will need it. Once you are done, DON'T TIE IT OFF YET! Lay it down next to your beaded bracelet, and make another one that is the same length.

Now that you have your friendship bracelets, its time to sew them onto the beaded bracelet. Cut off the extra string so that its close to the knot. Tie your thread onto the beaded bracelet in a double knot, then start to sew the bracelet on.

Sew through a loop on the friendship bracelet, then through the top string of one of the sections on the beaded bracelets. Pull through and sew through the same loop on the friendship bracelet, but this time. go under both strings of the section of the beaded bracelet that you are working on. (Sorry if that's confusing, but it's the best i could think of to explain it).