How to Make a Knotted Chain Friendship Bracelet

By
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/15/20
How to Make Knotted Chain Friendship Bracelets

Mollie Johanson

Project Overview
  • Working Time:1 hr, 30 mins
  • Total Time:1 hr, 30 mins
  • Yield:1 bracelet
  • Skill Level:Beginner
  • Estimated Cost:$8

Want to make an easy friendship bracelet that feels more like jewelry? This simple accessory starts with a keychain-style chain, which you can trim to the size you need. Then all you have to do is add some knots with colorfulperle cotton embroidery thread!

Friendship bracelets are fun to wear, no matter how old you are. One way to make them a little more grown-up is to add some metallic bling! Working with ball chain is an easy way to do that, especially because it comes in different sizes and metal shades. This bracelet uses a similar technique to other macramefriendship bracelets, but working the knots over the chain makes all the difference.

DIY Twisted Knots on a Ball Chain Bracelet
Mollie Johanson

Of course, even though adults will love wearing these, kids will enjoy making them too. And because they don't take as many hours as larger knotted macrame friendship bracelets, they're a perfect project for tween birthday parties or an afternoon hangout!

The first few knots take some practice to make sure you are knotting around the chain, but once you get the hang of it, the process is oh so easy. It gets trickier again at the very end, as it can be hard to manage the short bit of chain, but all you have to do is pay attention to the placement of the threads and chain.

Ready to give these friendship bracelets a try? Grab your supplies and get started!

NOTE:You can buybead or ball chainby the yard or in necklace or bracelet form. If you want to make a lot of bracelets, it may be more cost-effective to buy it bulk. If you do this, be sure that you also have the connector pieces.

Before you begin your bracelet, make sure the chain fits comfortably around your wrist (or sized to fit a friend). If you need to trim the chain, use utility scissors.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Scissors

Materials

  • 2 feet color A perle cotton embroidery thread
  • 2 feet color B perle cotton embroidery thread
  • 1 ball chain bracelet or necklace

Instructions

  1. Cut Your Thread and Tie

    Start with two 2-foot pieces of perle cotton embroidery thread. Tie one set of ends together with a tight单结. Trim the ends close.

    It's easier to see the knotting process when you work with two colors, but you can also make this with one color. If you're using one color, start with a 4-foot piece and skip this first knot.

    Knot the Ends of Perle Cotton
    Mollie Johanson

    Tie the knotted thread around the ball chain, near the connector piece. Arrange the threads with the chain in the middle.

    If you're working with one color, tie the piece so it's centered and you have two equal pieces with which to knot.

    Tie the Thread to the Chain
    Mollie Johanson

  2. Attach the Top of Your Bracelet and Begin Weaving and Knotting

    Secure the top of your chain while you work. A clipboard is helpful for this, but masking tape also works well.

    Start with the left thread. Make a 4 shape with the thread passing under the chain and over the right thread.

    Place the Left Thread Behind the Chain and Over the Right Thread
    Mollie Johanson

    Next, bring the right thread over the chain and under the left thread.

    Place the Right Thread Over the Chain and Behind the Left Thread
    Mollie Johanson

    Pull the threads tight to make a knot. The knot should fall between the balls on the chain, just below the starting knot.

    Pull the Knot Tight Around the Chain
    Mollie Johanson

  3. Tie Another Knot With the Left Thread Then Right Again

    The two colors of thread should on the opposite sides now, but the process is still the same.

    Tie a knot with the left thread going under the chain and over the right thread, then bring the right thread over the chain and under the left thread.

    Tie Another Knot Around the Chain
    Mollie Johanson

    Tighten this knot in the next section in the chain.

    Repeat this to add knots on your chain bracelet. As you make more knots, the design begins to twist. As this happens, you'll need to rotate the threads and the bracelet. The knotting process stays the same, no matter which direction it's going.

    Pull the Knot Tight Around the Next Gap in the Chain
    Mollie Johanson

  4. Continue Knotting Until You're at the Desired Length

    Keep adding knots until there are only two or three ball sections left. End off the bracelet by tying asquare knotto secure the thread. Trim the thread ends.

    Tie a Square Knot at the End of the Bracelet
    Mollie Johanson

  5. Finish Off Your Bracelet

    使用连接器连接的两端bracelet.

    You can change the look of these by working with different diameter bead or ball chain. A larger size will show off more of the bead, while a smaller size is more subtle. The samples here use a 1.5mm chain, to give you an idea of the look.

    If you're using larger ball chain, you can also double the perle cotton embroidery thread as you work, producing a much thicker bracelet.

    Make one for you and one for a friend or make a whole armful of bracelets in a rainbow of colors!

    Knotted Chain Friendship Bracelets
    Mollie Johanson