Stretch jewelry cord
20 inches of 0.5 mm cord
Crafts
Beaded friendship bracelets.
Make a stretch bracelet with letter beads, a short message and colors chosen for the recipient.
- Makes
- 1 bracelet, sized to the wrist
- Hands-on
- 30 minutes
- Total time
- 30 minutes, plus adhesive cure if used
- Effort
- Easy
GET WHAT YOU NEED
Your shopping list
For 1 bracelet, sized to the wrist.
Beads with holes large enough for doubled cord
Enough for wrist circumference; about 25–35 small beads
Letter beads · optional
As needed for one short word
Amounts are what the project uses, not package sizes. Compare quantities and product details before buying.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Tools & supplies
Elastic cord beading needle
Transfers the design onto doubled cord.
Scissors and ruler
Measures and trims cord.
STEP BY STEP
Put it together
Plan
Measure the wrist. Arrange beads to that length with a little wearing room; check every hole fits doubled cord.
String
Gently pre-stretch the cord and fold it in half. Arrange beads on the elastic-cord needle, hook the folded loop and transfer beads.
Close
Remove the needle. Pass one cord end through the loop and snug the bracelet without stretching it.
Knot
Tie right over left, then left over right twice, and tighten all ends. Test gently before trimming and hiding the knot in a bead.
Good to know
- Beads and loose cord are unsuitable for children under three.
- Roll the bracelet over your hand instead of pulling it wide.
SAVE THE MAKING
Prefer it ready-made?
Compare these finished options with making your own.
Finished friendship bracelets
Ready to wear or exchange without threading.
Links go to the selected products. Availability and delivery vary by location; check the current listing and package size before ordering.
Sources & further reading
Independent instructions informed by the sources below. No affiliation or endorsement is implied. These instructions have not been kitchen- or workshop-tested by DIBuyIt.
- Beadalon: stretch bracelet instructions — Doubled-cord assembly and knot method