21+ Macrame Friendship Bracelets

Macrame, translated literally from French as “knot”, is the art of knotting together cords or string to create stunning patterns. You have probably been using this fun technique when you were at summer camp without even knowing what it was! Macrame is used for a variety of crafts, from summer friendship bracelets to boho chic wall art. This technique was extremely popular in the 1970s, but it’s definitely making a comeback in the jewelry world. The two most well-known knots for macramé include the square knot and the half knot, but there are numerous other knots that you can use to make your projects more intricate. To learn more about macramé knots, check out our guide for beginners! 

Ready to get started making macrame bracelets? Gather these supplies and you'll be ready to get started!

1. You need a table (or hard surface) to work on. Note: if you traveling, or outdoors, a clipboard is a fabulous idea for a surface to use!
2. Your cord or embroidery floss
3. Tape or T-Pins to secure your cords
4. Scissors (Optional addition: some jewelry making pliers)
5. Optional: Beads!

These free friendship bracelet patterns are some of the simpler, more basic knotted bracelet designs, but that doesn't mean they're any less cool! All of these macrame bracelet patterns are for straight bracelets (the zig-zag and squiggly designs will come later in the "Intricate Friendship Bracelet Patterns" section!). If you don't yet know how to make knotted bracelets and are just getting started, these basic macrame bracelet patterns are the perfect place to start. The instructions in these tutorials are very thorough and easy to follow, so you should have no problem at all creating these friendship bracelet designs! Feel free to switch up the colors or the number of strings for a different look that's all your own.

Tired of the same old straight knotted bracelet patterns and ready to step it up with some more interesting DIY jewelry designs? Then check out the free friendship bracelet patterns we've collected for you here! Learn how to make macrame bracelets that zig and zag, that swerve and squiggle, and more! These knotted bracelet patterns are a bit more intricate than the ones in the "Basic Macrame Bracelet Patterns" section, but the instructions you'll find here are just as clear and thorough as those, so you'll have no problem following along. These friendship bracelet ideas are sure to impress. Be prepared, because all your friends are going to want one!

If the "Intricate Friendship Bracelet Patterns" aren't challenging enough for you, then try these amazing free friendship bracelet patterns! Each of these macrame bracelet patterns incorporates tiny shapes or images into the design for an end product that will have your BFF wondering how in the world you made it! Follow these instructions step by step to learn how to make macrame bracelets with adorable little hearts or daisies woven right into the pattern. These free friendship bracelet patterns are so cute, you'll leave them on all summer long.

If you have just not had enough macrame projects yet and are looking for even more, check out this awesome bonus bracelet pattern section. These are some extra fun DIY bracelet patterns that we squeezed into this collection for you to enjoy and love! From colorful jewelry projects to adorable food-inspired patterns, you will find your new favorite friendship bracelet pattern from this collection.