Friendship bracelet patterns: forward and backward knots, chevrons and string length

What are forward and backward knots?

Both knots are tied with a working string around a second string that you hold straight. Each full knot is two half hitches, so you tie the same movement twice.

Forward knot. Country Living describes it like this: take the outer left string and cross it over the string directly to its right, so it looks a bit like the number 4. Tuck the end under the second string, pull it up through the loop and pull tight. That is one hitch. Repeat to finish the knot. Afterwards, the working string has moved one place to the right.

Backward knot. This is the mirror image. Take the outer right string and cross it over the string to its left, like a backward 4, tuck it under, pull it through and tighten, then repeat. Sarah Maker describes the backward knot shape as a “P”.

Country Living adds that you should pull each loop tight before starting the next, and that clipping or taping the string you are knotting around helps hold it in place.

How do you read a chevron pattern?

The chevron (V shape) is the classic first pattern, and it is a good way to see how a pattern works. Sarah Maker’s version uses 8 strings in 4 colours, arranged so the colours mirror each other: A B C D D C B A.

1. Take the outer left string and tie forward knots on each string until it reaches the middle.
2. Take the outer right string and tie backward knots on each string until it reaches the middle.
3. Knot the two centre strings together to close the point of the V.

That is one row. The colour order is now B C D A A D C B, and the next colour is on the outside, ready for the next row. Keep going until the bracelet is long enough; Sarah Maker suggests about 7 inches, or as long as you like.

How long should friendship bracelet strings be?

String length depends on the width of the bracelet, the pattern and your wrist, so guides vary:

• Country Living says recommendations range from 20 to 36 inches, and that some experienced makers use the length of their arm as a guide.
• Sarah Maker cuts 72 inch lengths of each of 4 colours, then folds them in half to give 8 strands of 36 inches for a chevron.
• Cutesy Crafts uses four 60 inch strands, folded at the centre, for an 8 strand chevron, three 50 inch strands for 6 strands, and five 70 inch strands for 10. Each extra colour adds about 10 inches.

Tips for following friendship bracelet patterns

• Secure the top. Sarah Maker suggests a safety pin, a clipboard or masking tape to hold the strings.
• Tie a loop to start. Sarah Maker folds the strings and ties an overhand knot close to the fold, leaving a small loop.
• Check the colour order after each row. Sarah Maker shows how it shifts after one chevron row, so comparing it with the pattern is an easy way to spot a mistake.
• Finish neatly. Cutesy Crafts ties a knot at the end and can add a bead or button to fasten through the loop.

Questions people ask

Where Bracelet Patterns helps, and where it does not

Bracelet Patterns is our Android app for designing friendship bracelet patterns. Pick one of eight patterns, including Chevron, Arrow, Diamonds and Zigzag, choose from 24 named string colours, and the chart builds on the standard knot grid with an arrow on every knot: forward, backward, forward-backward and backward-forward. A preview shows the finished bracelet, the app tells you how many times to repeat the chart for your bracelet length, and every string gets its own cut length. Follow along mode shows one row at a time and remembers where you got to. An A4 PDF holds the chart, colour key, cut lengths and steps. It works offline. Free covers every pattern on up to 6 strings, the Candy classics pack and a watermarked PDF. A one-time Pro unlock adds design your own, saved designs, up to 16 strings, four more pattern packs and clean PDFs.

What it is good for: planning colours, seeing the pattern before you tie it, and having a knot by knot card next to you while you work.

What it will not do: it cannot tie the knots for you, and its string lengths are a guide; your tension and wrist size will change how much you use.

Questions or bugs: Email us.

Sources

1. How to Make a Chevron Friendship BraceletSarah Maker · sarahmaker.com
2. How to Make Friendship Bracelets: A Beginner’s GuideCountry Living · countryliving.com
3. Easy Chevron Friendship Bracelet TutorialCutesy Crafts · cutesycrafts.com