How to Purchase Friendship Bracelet Supplies

If you want to begin knotting your own friendship bracelets, you may feel overwhelmed by the variety

of strings and tools that others use. However, the supplies you really need to create a bracelet are

simple. One of the best parts about making hand-woven friendship bracelets is that the materials you

need are minimal, inexpensive, and accessible! Craft stores are bound to have a variety of threads

and accessories, but even the basics can be purchased at large national superstores such as Target.

Thread before it is wrapped.

The most essential item you will need to create your bracelets is embroidery thread. Individual

skeins range from around $0.50-$1.00, but bulk packs can also be bought in a range of color

palettes. I recommend this option because it is a cost effective way to jump start your color collection

and enable you to create a rainbow of different color combinations. 

Threads wrapped on plastic bobbins.

Next, you should invest in some bobbins to wind and store your thread on. I’ve tried using

both paper and plastic, but the plastic is always worth the (negligible) extra cost. They are

much more durable and can be reused time and time again for winding new skeins. Another

option is to make your own bobbins out of card stock or cardboard. It is a great way to upcycle

other crafting materials you may have at home.

One of my organized thread boxes.

There are plenty of options to store these wrapped skeins. I have always used clear, divided

plastic storage boxes. These are often placed near embroidery thread in craft stores or with

the jewelry supplies. I love to use these because they are perfect for sorting your thread by color

and ensuring your bobbins stay upright and neat.

How I clip my bracelets.

Next, you will need to decide how to secure your strings when you knot your bracelet.

I also use my plastic storage boxes for this. I simply clip the loop at the top of my bracelet

under the snap of my box. I’ve never had issues with this slipping out or causing other problems

with my string. It is very popular among the bracelet community to also either use a clipboard,

tape, or a safety pin to secure and work on bracelets, but these methods are not comfortable for me. 

The craft scissors I use.

Finally, you may want to get some small crafting scissors. Though you can use whatever you

like to cut your strings, I prefer these small scissors because I can store them in my string box

and not have to worry about carrying them separately from the rest of my supplies. 

At the end of the day, the specific materials and methods you use for your bracelets are up to

your personal preference. See what works for you and build out from there! Have any other

suggestions or questions? Comment down below! - Erica Love, "Rickweaves"