Macrame Friendship Bracelets.

I was in London recently and visited one of my favourite venues, the British Film Institute. In the cafe, I noticed a young man engrossed with his lap top but he was braiding.  I went over to chat to him. He was making macrame friendship bracelets for his friends. 

I had tried macrame many years ago and had been looking recently at a pretty macrame band with a diagonal pattern.  I was thinking of trying to make one myself.  Meeting this enthusiastic and skilled young man has spurred me on to try.

He recommended a YouTube video from Masha Knots who produces very clear and numerous videos on making different patterns.  Here is the link.

Basic friendship bracelets knots. Masha Knots

 https://youtu.be/bClGNDcndMg?si=alcrIVK4dZnNcwbn

I watched a number of her videos on the train journey home and could not wait to start that evening. 

There are four basic knots that she uses for her simple braids - the forward knot, the backward knot, the forward-backward knot and the backward -forward knot. 

My first three macrame knots

I am enjoying the exploration of a different technique. I have been wondering if I could use these knot patterns to finish woven bands.  I usually plait the warp ends together then whip the ends.  

My first macrame bands.

I decided to try a flower pattern - I think that it is known as a daisy chain.  This might be promising as another decorative band end. Here is my attempt.

Daisy band

I like the pattern but I  need to practice this technique. My loops are not even.

I tried a three strand textured macrame band but I was not entirely happy with the result.

I was on a plan recently  so I had prepared some warps for practising macrame.  I was wondering if this is a craft to while away a plane journey.

Attached to the chair back

I also tried clipping it to my handbag on my lap in the airport waiting area. 

Clipped to my handbag

Here is my result. 

It is so much fun trying a different craft.  So much to learn.

Happy crafting.

Susan J Foulkes

July 2026