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Fun Facts About Friendship Bracelets (That Might Surprise You) - Knowledge Crates

Fun Facts About Friendship Bracelets (That Might Surprise You)

By: Knowledge Crates

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Friendship bracelets aren’t just a fun summer craft—they’re packed with history, heart, and a whole lot of nostalgia. If you ever spent a 90s afternoon knotting string with your best friend (or your entire camp bunk), you already know: friendship bracelets are so much more than just a tangle of floss.


They’ve been around for centuries, they show up in cultures all over the world, and they’ve never really gone out of style. Kids still love making them. And now that we’re the grownups? We get to pass that magic on.


Here are some fun facts you may not know about friendship bracelets—and why this iconic craft still holds a special place in our hearts (and on our wrists).

1. Friendship Bracelets Are Older Than You Think

You might remember them from summer camp or middle school, but the idea of tying knots to symbolize connection goes way back.

Historians trace the roots of friendship bracelets to Central and South America , particularly Indigenous cultures where knotted string was used for ceremonial purposes. In ancient China, decorative knots were a form of art. And in some Indigenous North American tribes, woven or beaded bands symbolized different relationships, stories, or roles within the community.

So while the 90s was our friendship bracelet era, the tradition is actually ancient.

2. The 1970s Helped Make Them a Symbol of Peace

Friendship bracelets started gaining popularity in the U.S. during the 1970s as a symbol of peace and solidarity—especially during protests and social movements. They were often handmade and passed between friends as tokens of support and unity.


By the 80s and 90s, the trend had shifted toward summer camp crafts, BFF gifts, and schoolyard trades—but that original spirit of connection has stuck around.

friendship bracelet colors

3. Each Color Can Have a Special Meaning

This is one of the things kids love most: picking the perfect color combo. But did you know that different colors have symbolic meanings?


Here are a few traditional color associations:


  • Red – love, passion, energy

  • Blue – loyalty, trust, calm

  • Green – growth, peace, nature

  • Yellow – happiness, friendship, joy

  • Purple – creativity, wisdom, magic

  • Black – strength, resilience, protection

Whether kids choose based on a message, a favorite color, or just what looks cool—that color choice becomes part of the bracelet’s meaning.

4. You're Supposed to Wear It Until It Falls Off

One of the sweetest traditions around friendship bracelets is that once someone ties it on your wrist (or ankle), you’re not supposed to take it off. Instead, you wear it until it naturally falls off on its own.

Why? Because when the bracelet breaks, it means the wish or intention that went into making it has been fulfilled.

Of course, plenty of kids take them off when they’re ready to swap styles—but the idea of a bracelet holding a secret wish is pretty magical, especially for younger crafters.

fun facts about friendship bracelets

5. There Are So Many Styles to Explore

Most of us learned candy stripe or chevron first, but there are dozens of patterns out there—each with their own look, feel, and level of complexity.

Some easy string bracelet styles kids love today include:

  • Candy Stripe – the classic diagonal lines

  • Chevron – a bold “V” down the center

  • Spiral (Chinese Staircase) – twisty and tactile

  • Zigzag – a more playful, bouncy look

  • Square Knot – great for adjustable bracelets

  • Alpha Patterns – used to “draw” words or images with string

We cover all of these (and more) in the book included with our Introduction to Friendship Bracelets Kit for Kids—because once kids start, they almost always want to try the next one!

6. It’s a Craft That Builds Confidence

Kids might think they’re “just making bracelets,” but they’re learning so much more:

  • Fine motor coordination from tying precise knots

  • Pattern recognition by following string placement

  • Persistence and patience as they work toward a finished project

  • Creative expression through color and bead choices

  • Emotional connection when they give a bracelet to someone else

It’s also something they can improve on. A first candy stripe might be wonky—but by the third one, they’ll be feeling like a pro.

friendship bracelets build confidence in kids

7. It’s Not Just for Kids

Let’s be honest: even as grownups, there’s something calming (and nostalgic) about tying a friendship bracelet. It’s repetitive in the best way, it sparks creativity, and it brings back that feeling of slow summer days and quiet focus.

A lot of families tell us they end up making bracelets together—and sometimes it’s the parents who keep crafting long after the kids are done. 😇 (That would be me!)

So if you’ve been thinking this looks like fun ... come on, join in!

8. The Friendship Bracelet Kit Makes It Easy to Get Started

Like the idea of sharing this screen-free summer tradition with your kids—but don’t love the idea of sourcing all the right string, beads, tools, and instructions?

We’ve got you.

Our Introduction to Friendship Bracelets Kit for Kids includes:

3600+ heishi beads, charms, letter beads, and accents

80 yards of colorful embroidery floss

Hemp cord and stretchy string

Safe scissors and tweezers for tiny bead work

A full-color step-by-step guide with 30+ bracelet styles

Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.

It’s perfect for beginners, creative kids, or families who just want something meaningful (and fun!) to do together this summer.

beginners friendship bracelet kit for kids

Want to Pass on the Magic?

Friendship bracelets aren’t just a trend—they’re a tradition. And whether your kids are tying their very first candy stripe or layering on five different styles at once, they’re tapping into something that’s been bringing people together for generations.

If you’re ready to bring that experience into your home this summer, our kit makes it simple—and a little nostalgic too. ❤️

author photo

Author: Elizabeth, Team Knowledge Crates

Elizabeth is a former classroom teacher turned homeschool mom with a Master of Science in Education. She's been homeschooling for six years with her kiddos who are currently in kindergarten and third grade. At Knowledge Crates, Elizabeth develops the elementary unit studies and test-runs activities with her kids.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where did friendship bracelets come from?

Friendship bracelets trace back to Indigenous crafts in Central and South America. They became popular in the U.S. in the 1970s and again in the 90s—and now they’re trending with kids today.

Do friendship bracelet colors have meanings?

Yes! Colors often represent emotions or traits. For example, red can symbolize love or courage, while blue might stand for loyalty. Kids can choose colors to reflect feelings or send a message.

What happens when a friendship bracelet falls off?

Traditionally, when a bracelet falls off on its own, it means the wearer's wish will come true. That’s part of what makes them so meaningful!

Why are friendship bracelets tied on instead of clasped?

Tying them on is part of the tradition. It makes them harder to take off—so wearing one shows that you're committed to the friendship or intention behind it.

Are friendship bracelets just for kids?

Not at all! Adults often wear them too—especially parents making matching sets with their kids. They’re timeless, personal, and always in style.

Where can I find a friendship bracelet kit for kids that includes everything?

Our Introduction to Friendship Bracelets Kit for Kids has it all: a step-by-step book, tons of colorful beads, embroidery floss, stretchy cord, hemp, scissors, and tweezers. It’s designed for ages 6+ and makes it easy to bring the history and tradition of friendship bracelets into your home—without extra trips to the craft store.

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