Lesson: Friendship Bracelet Knot Guide
Learn the four friendship bracelet knots: Forwards, Backwards, Forwards-Backwards, & Backwards-Forwards
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- Omegacryl yarn or embroidery floss in a variety of colors
- Tape measure
- Washi tape or safety pin
- Small scissors
There are four basic friendship bracelet knots, which determine the direction the knot will travel. Friendship bracelet knots consist of two knots stacked together using the same two strands, so you have the following four options:
- Forwards Knot = forwards knot followed by forwards knot
- Backwards Knot = backwards knot followed by backwards knot
- Forwards-Backwards Knot = forwards knot followed by backwards knot
- Backwards-Forwards Knot = backwards knot followed by forwards knot
Forwards Knot
Forwards knot indicates that the strand you're using to knot is traveling in the "forwards" direction, as in the direction we read in English: left to right.
step one
This knot will start with two strands: the working strand on the left and the interior strand on the right. Keeping the interior strand straight, create the shape of a number "4" by bending the working strand and placing it on top of the interior strand.
step two
Wrap the working strand under the interior strand and pull it out through the loop on the left.
step three
Ride the knot up to the very top of your bracelet, making sure to keep the interior strand straight as you do. Then pull tightly to secure.
step four
Repeat process again, creating the number 4 shape the same way you did the first time around.
step five
Again, loop through...
step six
Ride the knot up, keeping the interior strand straight as you do, then pull to tighten and secure. Your working strand should now fall naturally to the right of your interior strand and is ready to knot around the strand that now falls to the right of it.
Backwards Knot
Backwards knot indicates that the strand you're using to knot is traveling in the "backwards" direction, as in opposite to the direction we read in English: right to left.
step one
This knot with start with two strands: the working strand on the right and the interior strand on the left. Keeping the interior strand straight, create the shape of a "P" or "backwards 4" by bending the working strand and placing it on top of the interior strand.
step two
Wrap the working strand under the interior strand and pull it out through the loop on the right.
step three
Ride the knot up to the very top of your bracelet, making sure to keep the interior strand straight as you do. Then pull tightly to secure.
step four
Repeat process again, creating the "P" or "backwards 4" shape the same way you did the first time around.
step five
Again, loop through...
step six
Ride the knot up, keeping the interior strand straight as you do, then pull to tighten and secure. Your working strand should now fall naturally to the left of your interior strand and is ready to knot around the strand that now falls to the left of it.
Forwards-Backwards Knot
A forwards-backwards knot enables you to change the direction your strand is traveling halfway through the knotting process, essentially flipping it back to the same place it started. Your working strand will start on the left side of your interior strand, and will also end on the left side of your interior strand. This knot is often used for creating a point in a sideways "V" shape.
step one
This knot with start with two strands: the working strand on the left and the interior strand on the right. Keeping the interior strand straight, create the shape of a number "4" by bending the working strand and placing it on top of the interior strand.
step two
Wrap the working strand under the interior strand and pull it out through the loop on the left.
step three
Ride the knot up to the very top of your bracelet, making sure to keep the interior strand straight as you do. Then pull tightly to secure.
step four
Now, in the style of a backwards knot, create a "P" or "backwards 4" bending the working strand and placing it on top of the interior strand.
step five
Wrap the working strand under the interior strand and pull it out through the loop on the right.
step six
Ride the knot up, keeping the interior strand straight as you do, then pull to tighten and secure. Your working strand should now fall naturally to the left of your interior strand and is ready to knot around the strand that now falls to the left of it.
Backwards-Forwards Knot
A backwards-forwards knot enables you to change the direction your strand is traveling halfway through the knotting process, essentially flipping it back to the same place it started. Your working strand will start on the right side of your interior strand, and will also end on the right side of your interior strand. This knot is often used for creating a point in a sideways "V" shape.
step one
This knot with start with two strands: the working strand on the right and the interior strand on the left. Keeping the interior strand straight, create the shape of a "P" or "backwards 4" by bending the working strand and placing it on top of the interior strand.
step two
Wrap the working strand under the interior strand and pull it out through the loop on the right.
step three
Ride the knot up to the very top of your bracelet, making sure to keep the interior strand straight as you do. Then pull tightly to secure.
step four
Now, in the style of a backwards knot, create a number "4" shape, bending the working strand and placing it on top of the interior strand.
step five
Wrap the working strand under the interior strand and pull it out through the loop on the left.
step six
Ride the knot up, keeping the interior strand straight as you do, then pull to tighten and secure. Your working strand should now fall naturally to the right of your interior strand and is ready to knot around the strand that now falls to the right of it.
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