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Friendship bracelets have come a long way from the lopsided candy stripes we made on the back of the bus in 1997. Today’s bracelets are colorful, creative, and cooler than ever—and kids are all about them.
Whether your child is brand new to bracelet making or already trading creations with friends, these are the styles they’ll see again and again. Some are retro favorites, others are fun twists on the classics, but all of them are part of the bracelet comeback we’re so here for.
Here’s a look at the most popular friendship bracelet styles kids are making right now—and how to make them happen (without the Pinterest deep dive).
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The chevron bracelet is a longtime favorite that never really went out of style. Its bold “V” shape looks polished, but the pattern is surprisingly easy once kids get the hang of forward and backward knots.
Why it’s trending:
It looks impressive (even if it’s not hard)
You can use 2–4 colors and still keep it balanced
It’s perfect for matching friendship bracelets
It’s also the kind of bracelet that gives a big confidence boost when kids complete their first one. We love watching them realize, “Hey—I made that!”
The spiral bracelet is a total classic—and it’s making a comeback with kids who like fidget toys, pop-its, and tactile fun. Made by tying the same knot over and over, the string naturally twists into a bouncy spiral pattern that’s fun to wear (and even more fun to make).
Why it’s trending:
Easy enough for first-timers
Super satisfying to twist and stretch
Great with thicker cord or hemp
We recommend this one for car rides, chill-out time, or kids who like to move their hands while listening or reading.
This one’s for the kid who’s ready to step up from the basics. The zigzag bracelet changes direction mid-pattern, giving the whole bracelet a bouncing, wave-like look.
Why it’s trending:
A fresh twist on the chevron/candy stripe vibe
Eye-catching and super customizable
Feels a little more “advanced,” which kids love
And when they show it off? People will absolutely ask how they did it. (Pro tip: The instructions in our kit’s book break it down so clearly.)
Still going strong! The candy stripe bracelet is where it all begins. With its simple, diagonal lines and nearly endless color possibilities, it’s the first bracelet many kids learn—and one they come back to over and over again.
Why it’s trending:
Quick to make
Easy to master
Looks great in rainbow or ombre colors
It also layers well with other bracelet styles. Think: one candy stripe + one beaded bracelet + one spiral = totally stackable summer wrist goals. 💯
Adding beads—especially letter beads and flat clay heishi beads—is a trend that’s exploded in recent years (we see you, Swifties!). From personalized names to emoji-style charms, kids love using beads to make their bracelet truly their own.
Why it’s trending:
Fully customizable (spell names, words, initials)
Mix and match colors and textures
Instant sense of accomplishment—no knots required!
These are especially fun for younger crafters or as party favors. With over 3600 beads in the kit, kids have so many options to explore.
Heavier cord styles made with hemp string are making a comeback too—especially for kids who like that natural, surfer-style look. These bracelets use square knots or wrap patterns and can be finished with sliding adjustable closures.
Why it’s trending:
Strong, durable, and wearable
Perfect for older kids and tweens
Great for making gender-neutral or minimalist bracelets
We include natural hemp cord in the kit for this exact reason—it’s a favorite for kids who want something a little less “rainbow” and a little more outdoorsy or chill.
If you’ve ever tried to teach your child how to make a friendship bracelet by watching a YouTube video over their shoulder, you know: it’s not always easy. Strings get tangled, the camera angle is weird, or it moves too fast.
That’s why we include a kid-friendly, step-by-step book with our Introduction to Friendship Bracelets Kit for Kids. The book features:
✔ 30+ popular bracelet styles (including everything above!)
✔ Color photos for every step
✔ Easy-to-follow instructions made for kids
No phone or screen required—just a book on the table and some colorful string in their hands. 🫶
To make all these trending bracelet styles, your kids will need the right materials—and we’ve packed them all in one, travel-friendly box. Our all-in-one kit includes:
Over 3600 flat polymer clay beads, letter beads, hearts, and charms
80 yards of embroidery floss in vibrant colors
10 meters of stretchy cord + 20 yards of natural hemp
Safe scissors and tweezers for easy bead work
A full-color bracelet design book with visual instructions
These styles may be trending now, but for a lot of us? They never really left.
Friendship bracelets are still one of the best ways to unwind, create something meaningful, and connect with someone else—all without a screen.
Whether your kids are crafting solo, swapping bracelets with their BFF, or sitting at the table with you knotting side-by-side, these bracelet styles are more than just “on trend.”
They’re a simple, joyful part of summer that never goes out of style.
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.
Products Featured In This Blog
What are the most popular types of friendship bracelets?
Some of the most popular friendship bracelet styles include candy stripe, chevron, spiral, zigzag, and square knot. These classic designs are fun to make, easy to personalize with colors or beads, and perfect for kids and tweens.
What is a chevron friendship bracelet?
A chevron friendship bracelet features a “V” shaped pattern made by combining forward and backward knots. It’s one of the most iconic and recognizable bracelet styles—and a favorite for layering with other designs.
How do spiral friendship bracelets work?
Spiral bracelets are created by repeating the same knot over and over on one side, which causes the strands to twist. The result is a rope-like spiral that looks great on its own or with beads.
What is a zigzag string bracelet?
A zigzag friendship bracelet uses strategic knotting and color changes to create a wavy, back-and-forth design. It’s a fun twist on the traditional candy stripe and adds movement to your bracelet stack.
How do you make square knot bracelets?
Square knot bracelets are usually made with thicker cord like hemp or paracord. The square knot creates a flat, durable pattern and is commonly used in survival-style or boho-inspired bracelets.
Can you add beads to friendship bracelets?
Yes! Adding alphabet beads, clay heishi beads, or charms is a great way to personalize your bracelets. Beads can be worked into string or stretchy cord styles, and they’re perfect for spelling names or messages.
What’s a good friendship bracelet kit for kids who want to try all these styles?
The Introduction to Friendship Bracelets Kit for Kids includes everything needed to make chevron, spiral, zigzag, square knot, candy stripe, and beaded bracelets. With over 3600 colorful beads, embroidery floss, hemp cord, stretchy string, and a step-by-step instruction book, it’s a perfect all-in-one kit for kids to learn, experiment, and create.
