♦ How to Start & Finish Friendship Bracelets (Two Methods)

[unfamiliargripx]

which method do you recommend if you are using 9 strings? i feel like the two braids on each end might be too big.

[BeyondBracelets]

@unfamiliargripx 9 strings? On each side, or 9 divided? If so... I've braided up to 16 strings and it was fine. You can add a clasp if you don't like them.

[hafsa1471]

Thanks! I was really looking for a simple way to start & finish bracelets!

[kerryberry187]

I'm just curious as to what you line your clipboard with?  It wasn't in the faq...

[BeyondBracelets]

@kerryberry187 I have a video on it. "BeyondBracelets Felted Clipboard"

[frozenbacon1228]

U braid really fast!!

[BeyondBracelets]

@frozenbacon1228 I don't know, I thought I was slow. =x

Haha, thanks though.

[civrevnoob117]

This might have been answered already, but if you are making a loop that cuts the amount of string u have in half. On your videos you write the amount of string, does this already account for a loop being made or should we double the amount you tell us to use. Ex. you say 65in so if im going to loop i should use 130 in??

[BeyondBracelets]

@civrevnoob117 The loop only takes up about an inch. It is accounted for with the loop.

[shoooranje]

@BeyondBracelets

So we need 130 inches?

[BeyondBracelets]

@shoooranje I'm not sure where you got that number...

It's whatever inch(es) I said in the description and then fold that amount.

[shoooranje]

@BeyondBracelets

Thank you very much i now understand! :D

[morningachimasa]

ok thanks got it

[sheiinica]

@BeyondBracelets i've tried the regular patterns many times :)

thank you i'll watch your tutorial about it. thank you for replying ^^

[MISSVALLEYGIRL13]

doesn't that make it double? How do you do it and still have the same amount of strings you started with?

[BeyondBracelets]

@MISSVALLEYGIRL13 I gave two methods. Doubling for a loop will double but braiding at the start and the end will keep them the same.

[sheiinica]

Can you do a domo kun bracelet?

i can't understand the pattern of it on the site, the grids are bugging my brain.

[BeyondBracelets]

@sheiinica Have you tried alphas or regular patterns? I find the alphas look best. I have videos on them/how to read them if you are interested. You can click 'Start Here" on my channel banner and then click the sub-link for 'interested in alphas instead? Click here!"

[suwen1416]

your vid is great :D but how do you do braids?? D:

[BeyondBracelets]

@suwen1416 I actually don't have a video on braiding... I guess I should have it... but you could probably find a video on it that is already posted. Just type "How To Braid" and it's likely you'll see 100 videos... maybe when I have a bit of time I can make that 101 videos on braiding.

[suwen1416]

@BeyondBracelets ohkay thanks, you said that if we have 8 strings, we can double up on the strings by putting two together and putting two strings together, do you mean take two strings as one single string and braid it the normal way?

[BeyondBracelets]

@suwen1416 Yes.

8 strings = 2 strings - 4 strings - 2 strings and braid...

They don't need to be even, they just need to stick together. You could even do 1 string (20 strings) and 1 string and braid and it would still work. It would look lumpy but in the end it would still braid.

[suwen1416]

@BeyondBracelets thanks!! i understand it now :D

[crazyyeli89]

thanks for the video! I am deaf. This is very visible for me. Your videos are cool! :)

[BeyondBracelets]

@crazyyeli89 I considered that when I started- that's why with all of my patterns I write the descriptions out as well as possible. =3

[crazyyeli89]

@BeyondBracelets sweet!! :D

[CookiMilki]

Umm. What if you can't braid them? My bracelet ends with 8 separate strings... I can't make braids with 4 strings. What do I do?

[BeyondBracelets]

@CookiMilki Yes you can.

1/2/1 and braid. Braids don't need to be even.

[KidAeon]

you're good at what you do!

[BeyondBracelets]

@KidAeon Been doing it a long time so I'd hope I got a bit of skill behind it at this point, haha. Thanks!

[Camila1995]

this may sound like a stupid question, but how do you tie them together at the end? (for the first method) make a knot by looping it around your finger?

[BeyondBracelets]

@Camila1995 You put one tail through the hole and then knot it with the other tail that you didn't put through the hole. It will tie around the loop.

[iScribblee]

how do you tie the second method?

[BeyondBracelets]

@iScribblee You tie the one braid to the other in a knot (or tie them into a bow if you made them long enough.) You could also use the second method and attach crimp ends to the braids in order to add clasps.

Some people use ribbon clamps but that's usually better for larger/wider bracelets... so for tiny bracelets like candystripes (or hearts, chevrons etc) I'd say that a crimp end is much more practical/economical since they come in larger packs and are a bit cheaper.

[iScribblee]

@BeyondBracelets Okay, thanks !

[Rodrickrules1]

What if you don't need those strings in that order what will you do

[BeyondBracelets]

@Rodrickrules1 I'm not sure what you mean. You tie them an order them as you need them. When braiding it doesn't matter what colors they are- it just needs to stay together. It can be odd numbers and still work as long as you separate into three sections.

[Jassy101Ms]

But what if we need more than 6 strings it won't work

[BeyondBracelets]

@Jassy101Ms It doesn't need to be an even number. It just needs to stay together.

2 strings / 2 strings / 3 strings

[blueflower951]

why are your bracelets allways so neat and my knots are usually wonky or bigger and smalelr than each other? (diff sizes)

[BeyondBracelets]

@blueflower951 Sounds like tension. Make sure to keep tension the same all the time.

[blueflower951]

@BeyondBracelets what does tension mean?

[BeyondBracelets]

@blueflower951 How hard you pull. Don't pull the strings harder than you'd pull your hair and make sure to pull exactly the same strength each time.

[blueflower951]

i do both methods :D

[ichigaru91]

thank you so much for this video. I've just finished my very first bracelet xD

[BeyondBracelets]

@ichigaru91 Awesome. Congrats on your first!

[TheStackingchamp]

hey how do u start the Peruvian Wave bracelet?¿?¿

[BeyondBracelets]

@TheStackingchamp I was doing it like a derp at first... since I had never made/seen them before. I've been meaning to do a new video just haven't yet.

You fold a thick string in half so it has a loop, then knot the strings on at the looped end (knot so you are keeping the loop open) and then you just start the bracelet. End it and you will naturally have two tails unless you're doing the single wave- for the single one you can just use one long string down the middle- tie on like hair wraps.

[FunnyLittleWorld1]

How do you do the cobra stitch on the loop of the bracelet? It looks more neater, please make a video about it!

[BeyondBracelets]

@FunnyLittleWorld1 I usually just "4" knots like for friendship bracelets since I find it easier. I'll go through the top of the loop for the first '4' then the bottom for the second, top for the third, bottom for the forth, etc. Alternating keeps it from being a total spiral/Chinese staircase and it still binds the strings. I used the technique on my octopus bracelet.

[iluvthesums]

what if you used 8 strings in a bordered chevron, how do u make the braids?

[BeyondBracelets]

@iluvthesums The braids don't have to be even. They just need to stay together.

[Nataliaisawsum]

How do you keep the six stranded embroidery floss from unraveling? It's starting to get on my nerves lol

[BeyondBracelets]

@Nataliaisawsum You just need to be careful with it. Try not to mess with the tips too much.

[WoeiXiang]

Thank you! Then I shall start my bracelet now! :D

[WoeiXiang]

What friendship bracelet is this? Love it. :)

[BeyondBracelets]

@WoeiXiang First one was a chevron. Second/third were candystripes.

[CrAzY4YoU6]

wen we dont do a loop, how do u tie it?!?! reply soon thanksss :D

[BeyondBracelets]

@CrAzY4YoU6 You tie the braids together in a bow... like a shoelace.

[pukaxo]

ok what if it was a chinese bracelets so it ends with 2 strands how to end it BTW you are awsome

[BeyondBracelets]

@pukaxo I'd just use the two strands to tie.

[mrepicadventure]

why do u have to stick it through the loop?

[BeyondBracelets]

@mrepicadventure Because that is how it stays on.

[funkymachoman]

What if your making a zig zag bracelet and you want to make a loop but you dont want 2 of the same colors because you have to fold it in half?

[BeyondBracelets]

@funkymachoman You don't HAVE to fold it in half... Like it says in the title, two methods.

For single strands just cut about 35-40 inches and braid the strings on one side for the one tie, then you make your bracelet, then braid again for the end. I might do the adjustable band tutorial soon but for right now I'm waiting on the camcorder.

[Marissa077]

how did your bracelet not end up all curly?

[BeyondBracelets]

@Marissa077 You need to practice the proper tension. It can't be too tight or else it will curl.

[TheRazman2000]

how did you do the braid you did it really fast could you demonstrate how to do it slower please

[BeyondBracelets]

@TheRazman2000 Just look up "How to braid" in the YT search. There's tons of braiding videos.

[1nerdse]

I saw a pretty bracelet in a store. I haven't ever made one of these BTW. It has a loop on one end & 2 strings on the other. It came loose when I was trying to put it on once. There was some sort of complicated-looking sliding knot that I haven't been able to reproduce.. Can you tell me how to make that knot? I used to do macrame but never used any sliding knots so that's no help. Thanks.

[MissAppleNerd]

Could you make a tutorial on how to make the square knot loop start cus I can't do it -.-

Thank you :)

[BeyondBracelets]

@MissAppleNerd You can just make a chinese staircase, but yeah I guess I could eventually... I'd like a picture to confirm what you want me to make, though.

[allysonbtr]

@beyondbracelets if my bracelets only has like 4 strings... how will i braid it?

[BeyondBracelets]

@allysonbtr You really don't have to braid it at all since it is so few strands you could just get away with using it as is but if you really wanted to you could just pull apart the strings and just create sections of three. (This will only work if you are using embroidery floss and not craft thread. Six Stranded Embroidery Floss will "unravel" and give you lots of loose strands... craft thread won't do that since it's more "twisted" like yarn.)

[bustamove14]

Love this tutorial, very clear and simple to understand. I think I'll get the hang of the 2nd method a lot quicker than the 1st one, but I cant wait to try them both. I'm worried I might get confused with the loop (1st method) because the strings would double up... right? hehe

[BeyondBracelets]

@bustamove14 Yeah, the strings double up. It's not that bad if you have a pattern to follow- you just look at half the pattern and (if it is a mirror image) you know you're good to go. Good luck!

[bustamove14]

@BeyondBracelets - Mmkay, I think I get the gist about looking at half the patter for a mirror image, so how about if the pattern ISN'T mirrored? lets say the Peruvian Wave bracelet, how would that go? I apologize if I ask too many questions, I just don't want to get it wrong because I'd like to send my gift as soon as possible. :) Thanks!

[BeyondBracelets]

@bustamove14 Well, if you have two of the same color in a peruvian wave you would also double up, but there are also "half strands" where you cut them half the full length and tie them in with the loop so you have the loop/folded strands and then the individual extras.

[missskoala515]

if you only have four strings like a candy stripe how do you braid the ends

[BeyondBracelets]

@missskoala515 They don't have to be even braids.

1 string / 2 strings / 1 string

You only need them to stick together, it doesn't matter how you divide it as long as it's in three parts.

[TheHKJS]

WHY DO YOU ALWAYS SAY: LIKE SO

[BeyondBracelets]

@TheHKJS Because it makes me sound smarter than I really am. =P

No, I don't know. It's just habit. "What do I do?" "You hold the string- like so."

Like so = like this.

[TheHKJS]

@BeyondBracelets oh

[suxaniita]

Hi! This is really helpgul as well =D and I was wondering..do you know any adjustable methods?

I've seen a lot A LOT of different tutorials on youtube to make the bracelets adjustable but I don't really get them =S.

Could you..maybe..if you have time...make a tutorial on different ways to make a adjustable bracelet? pleaaaase

[BeyondBracelets]

@suxaniita Yeah. Many people have asked, I figure I'll try to do it soon.

[SugarAngel2]

I'm not sure which method to use!!! I'm giving it to my guy friend and I want it to be perfect !! But idk what one would look best :/

[BeyondBracelets]

@SugarAngel2 The two braids and the loop are easier to tie on.

[girlzrule786]

I've got loads of help from you... Let me share something that might help you and many others.... This is how I finish my bracelet :

I take a bead and pass the two ends of my bracelet from opposite sides...If you don't understand this method, search "friendship bracelet" in google images.. I got the idea from here.... This way, you won't have to tie your bracelet

The bead should have a hole big enough to pass the threads but it should not be too big either or your bracelet will get loose.... :)

[BeyondBracelets]

@girlzrule786 I've heard/seen of people doing that. Maybe when I make an adjustable knot tutorial I can also mention that, thanks for reminding me that is one possibility of closing the bracelets for an adjustable wear. I've been trying to think up as many methods as I can and I missed that one. <3

[CraftNerds86]

How would you do the braids if you have 10 strands? i love the braid ending idea but i dont know how to end it like that if i have 10 strands (folded in half)

[BeyondBracelets]

@CraftNerds86 you just split the 10 in half and then split the half (5) in to three sections. They don't have to be even.

5 strings means 2 - 2 - 1 would be fine... 1 - 3 - 1 would work too. It just takes a little bit of basic division. (Ew, math, right?)

So long as you split all of the strings from the bracelet in half it doesn't matter how you form braids with either half... just make sure you have three sections.

☼ 2 - 2 - 1 would be better since it breaks it down more evenly, though.

[nicoleloves27]

Which ending would be best for a thick alpha bracelet that is going to be a gift for someone? :)

[BeyondBracelets]

@nicoleloves27 Hm... How did you start it?

If you didn't start it already I think making HUGE braids on either side would be your best bet.

Instead of folding the strands try to cut 40 inch strands for each individual string (no folding) and then braid about 3 1/2 inches for a tie.

The weaving string can be added in like in my multicolor alpha tutorial.... then you just need to make the bracelet pattern as long as you want it and then just finish with another huge braid.

[123everybodyluvsme]

DAMN GIRL!!!!!!!! YOUR BRILLIANT!!!!!!!I MAKE THESE THINGD ALL THE TIME BUT I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF DOING THAT!!!

[BeyondBracelets]

@123everybodyluvsme Thanks. <3

[onedolpin]

what if ur not using the colors twice and only once???

[BeyondBracelets]

@onedolpin It doesn't matter much... you just separate the strings into two sections and then braid each section. If you're making a single braid on either side, check my help section for the "Peruvian method" video.

[MrsAyoya]

i really like ur videos but steal don't know how to make a friendship bracelet

[BeyondBracelets]

@MrsAyoya I put a beginner playlist on my channel yesterday called 'Beginner Basics" . It shows all of the videos in the order you should watch them to get the most from my videos and learn how to make these bracelets.

[smileyfacexoxo17]

Cute clipboarddd !

[BeyondBracelets]

@smileyfacexoxo17 Haha, yeah. My boyfriend let me take it from him and I spruced it up with some white felt and permanent markers. It works well. =D

[mj097]

would the length of the strings change depending on which method you wanna use or is it always gonna be about 65" long???

[BeyondBracelets]

@mj097 Well, 65 inches (in a folded bracelet) makes enough room for 3 1/2 inch tails about... this means folded it becomes 32.5 inches.

So, keeping in mind the folded length this means for a braided (on either side) bracelet you should cut your strings about 40 inches a piece (Also, remember that instead of folding you will need to cut the "double" of each strand since there will be no folding in half.)

[jOExXg]

is it candy stripe?



[BeyondBracelets]

@jOExXg Yeah, candy stripes are the easiest/basic so I used them for the "base" of the bracelet examples.

[cokleticecream88]

how bout ending it by attaching a button? how do we do it?

it will look cuter with buttons plus, we don't have to tie the bracelet each time we want to wear it...we can just slip the button to the loop when we want to wear it...

pls pls show it to me...pretty pls...tq :)

[BeyondBracelets]

@cokleticecream88 I've never tried attaching a button, but I guess I could try to figure out a way...

[cokleticecream88]

Nice~ thanks alot that really helped because I couldn't find any other vid that teaches on how to start and end it...they just show how to do the middle part...

really appreciate this <3 :)

[slugBuTtxXx]

Hey, what strings do you use? Mine are like, thread-thin, and it just turns out awful :(

[BeyondBracelets]

@slugBuTtxXx I cover this in my "BeyondBracelets - Your Common Questions Answered" video.

[slugBuTtxXx]

@BeyondBracelets thanks!

[lashyon]

@slugBuTtxXx use what's called craft thread or embroidery floss.... they're 35cents a skein roughly... or 4$ for a pack of 36 at Micheal's craft store, might be cheaper at Wal-Mart.

[slugBuTtxXx]

@lashyon Thanks so much. You've been extremely helpful! :D One thing though that i have to mention, I live in Saudi so we don't really have a Wal-Mart. The things in Saudi are pretty limited actually, but I'll look around. Thanks again! :D

[BeyondBracelets]

@slugBuTtxXx Online has some good prices, I'm sure you could find a decent deal that way if your area doesn't have much of a selection. I live close to craft stores and wal-mart and it seems it is more expensive there than buying HUGE 100+ packs online.

[lashyon]

@slugBuTtxXx you're welcome. You can prob find at a hardware store. :D super glue I mean. I use glue-all by elmers glue- it's kinda like white school paste... a little stronger though

[lashyon]

I find a Chinese spiral works nicely too in the case of you have more than six threads you are working with. Split them in half and do this it works nicely! if you have a large bracelet like 24 threads or more... I loop knot them in the back so it looks like one seamless bracelet then take some tacky glue or super glue to make sure the ends don't unravel. Even clear nail polish works semi-well if that's all you have available.

[AussieAnimal]

This was really helpful, I was stuck for so long but you saved me :)

Thanks heaps for posting!! :D

[BeyondBracelets]

@AussieAnimal Glad to help. ♥

[taytaytaylor56]

when u were braiding u made me dizzy ha

[Oscar307975]

I've always wondered how to end a bracelet with 8 strings!! How are you filming this? How's your camera set up?

[BeyondBracelets]

@Oscar307975 Watch my video on it.

Just type " BeyondBracelets - Your Common Questions Answered " into the youtube search bar.

I talk about my setup in that video.

[MsChacha4]

DO U WEAR UR BRACELETS ??

[BeyondBracelets]

@MsChacha4 Not often, no. I don't go out much lately since I've been sick for a long time now.

I pretty much make more than I ever could possibly wear anyway- I just like doing it because it keeps my hands and mind busy.

[y3llow5ub]

thank you! very helpful!

[BeyondBracelets]

@y3llow5ub No problem! Glad to help. =D