How to Make String Bracelets - Easy Fishtail Pattern

Steps

1. 1. Cut Your Strings to Length

   Pick at least four colors of six-strand embroidery floss - six gives you a brighter rainbow. Cut every strand to the same length.

   Tip: Six-strand floss is what comes in the little skeins at any craft store. Don't try to use yarn or thinner sewing thread - the bracelet ends up too fluffy or too thin.

   

2. 2. Fold the Bundle and Tie the Loop

   Fold all the strings in half so the cut ends meet at the bottom. The fold at the top is going to become your closure loop, so make it just a tiny bit bigger than the button you're going to use - any bigger and the bracelet slips off your wrist.

   Tip: Test the loop size against your button before you commit to the knot. Pull the button through - it should pop through with a little resistance, not slide free.

   

3. 3. Anchor the Loop and Split the Strings

   Tape the loop to a pillow, a piece of fabric, or your jeans - anywhere you can pin it flat so both your hands stay free. A safety pin works just as well.

   Tip: Write the color order down on a sticky note next to your work. Sounds extra, but if a string slips out of place mid-braid you'll wish you had it.

   

4. 4. Start the Fishtail - Outer to Middle

   Take the outermost string on the left side. Bring it across all the other strings on the left and lay it down the middle, between the two halves.

   Tip: The strings stay in their order on each side - you're not weaving in and out, just pulling the outermost one toward the center each time.

   

5. 5. Repeat the Pattern Until the Stripe Builds

   Now there's a new outermost string on each side. Grab it and bring it to the middle, same as before.

   Tip: If the stripe looks loose or sloppy, you're not pulling tight enough. Each string should snap into place against the previous one with a small tug.

   

6. 6. Tie the End and Add the Button

   Once the bracelet is long enough, gather all the loose strings at the bottom and tie them in one tight knot. Add a second knot on top of the first to lock it.

   Tip: Tie the final knot on the BACK of the button if you want it to look clean. Sarah does this on her second attempt - it hides the knot completely.

   

7. 7. Trim and Seal the Knot

   Knot the four button strings tight against the back of the button. Trim every loose end down close to the knot - any string longer than a quarter inch will fray over time.

   Tip: Make a matching pair - one for you and one for a friend. That's where the name comes from.